Definition:

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) infection is common in developing countries and comparatively rare in developed countries. EIEC invades intestinal epithelial cells, causing necrosis, ulceration of the mucous membrane, resulting in a dysentery-like syndrome with fever and mucous-bloody stools. EIEC strains contain a large invasion-associated plasmid, which are nearly identical to those of Shigella species.