A method of protecting a host from an enteric toxigenic pathogen comprises administering a salicylanilide to the host. A method of reducing virulence of an enteric toxigenic pathogen comprises administering a salicylanilide to a host infected with or at risk of infection with pathogen. A method of reducing recurrence of an infection caused by an enteric toxigenic pathogen, comprises administering a salicylanilide to a host previously infected with the pathogen.