Bacteroides fragilis is a minor component of the microbial flora of the intestine but the most frequent disease--causing anaerobe. Virulence characteristics are its capsule, which induces abscess formation, and the production of fragilysin, a Zn-metalloprotease. This toxin's action is to hydrolyze the extracellular domain of E-cadherin, the effect of which is to disrupt intercellular adhesion and thus increase permeability of the epithelium, causing intracellular redistribution of actin with morphologic changes to the cells and release of beta-catenin, which translocates to the nucleus and ultimately increases cellular proliferation. Clinically, enterotoxigenic B. fragilis is linked to secretory diarrhea, particularly in children. Preliminary evidence suggests that enterotoxigenic B. fragilis may also be linked to inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.