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Published on: October 29, 2014
Escherichia coli Isolated from Domestic Animals Pathogenic for Gnotobiotic Piglets
R C Meyer1, H E Rhoades, S P Saxena
1Department of Veterinary Pathology and Hygiene, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801.
Infection and Immunity
|June 1, 1971
Summary
Pathogenic Escherichia coli strains from dogs, cats, and calves caused disease and death in newborn piglets. These findings highlight the potential for domestic animals to spread E. coli infections to other species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Potential
Background:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium with various strains, some of which are pathogenic.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of E. coli strains from different animal sources is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of three E. coli strains (O4, O6, O39) isolated from a dog, cat, and calf, respectively, in newborn gnotobiotic piglets.
- To determine the disease-causing potential and mortality rates associated with these specific E. coli serogroups.
Main Methods:
- Gnotobiotic piglets of different ages (1- and 3-day-old) were orally inoculated with E. coli strains of canine (O4), feline (O6), and bovine (O39) origin.
- Clinical signs, disease progression, mortality, and bacterial recovery were monitored to assess pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- All three E. coli isolates were pathogenic to piglets.
- E. coli O4 (canine) and O39 (bovine) caused rapid enteric coli-bacillosis and death within 24-48 hours in all piglets.
- E. coli O6 (feline) induced polyserositis, leading to mortality in 6-7 days.
Conclusions:
- Domestic animals and pets can serve as reservoirs for pathogenic E. coli strains.
- Cross-species transmission of potentially harmful E. coli strains from pets and livestock to other animals is a significant concern.
