A method of protecting a host from an enteric toxigenic pathogen comprisesadministering a salicylanilide to the host. A method of reducing virulence ofan enteric toxigenicpathogen comprises administering a salicylanilide to a host infected with orat risk of infectionwith pathogen. A method of reducing recurrence of an infection caused by anenteric toxigenicpathogen, comprises administering a salicylanilide to a host previouslyinfected with thepathogen.