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Enterotoxin

An enterotoxin is a harmful substance produced by certain bacteria that is specifically dangerous to parts of your gastrointestinal tract. The substance enters your stomach and intestines when you eat tainted food or water, causing symptoms such as cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

See: Food poisoning

Updated: 8/14/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


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