Defining Enteric Pathogens and Transmission Routes Enteric pathogens are diverse microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, defined by their ability to colonize and disrupt the intestinal tract. They must survive the highly acidic environment of the stomach to establish infection in the small and large intestines. The large intestine's function is to produce stool that can be excreted from the body. To do this, the intestines first absorb any remaining water and nutrients from food waste. Learn about this process, the parts of the large intestine, and possible problems that can affect this organ. The meaning of ENTERIC is of, relating to, or affecting the intestines; broadly : alimentary. How to use enteric in a sentence. ENTERIC definition: of or relating to the enteron; intestinal. See examples of enteric used in a sentence. enteric-coated of tablets, having a special coating that prevents release and absorption of their contents until they reach the intestine. The Foodborne, Waterborne, and Enteric Disease Program works with state, local and federal partners to prevent and control enteric illnesses caused by consuming contaminated food or water, person-to-person contact, or contact with animals or their environment. ENTERIC meaning: 1. relating to the intestines (= the long tube that food travels through from the stomach to the…. Learn more. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is one of the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the others being the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). The ENS is formed from the myenteric plexus, and the submucosal plexus, and consists of a mesh-like system of neurons that governs the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, [1][2] including. Enteric bacteria are bacteria that typically exist in the intestines of animals and humans. Enteric bacteria can be either harmless, such as gut flora or microbiota, or pathogenic, which means that they cause disease. In general, all bacteria are classified depending on their type of cell wall (i.e., gram positive or gram negative) and their shape (i.e., rod, circular, or spiral shaped. Investigating acute enteric disease outbreaks can be a dynamic and complex undertaking, often involving multiple public health and regulatory partners in different jurisdictions. Certain aspects of how the public health community detects, investigates, and controls foodborne and other enteric disease outbreaks are beyond the scope of this chapter.