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Identification and isolation of somatic pili from pathogenic Escherichia coli of turkeys
Abstract:
Transmission electron microscopy was performed to identify the presence of somatic pili on Escherichia coli pathogenic to turkeys. Three common pathogenic serotypes of E coli (Ola, O2a, and O78) were used. They were cultured in tryptic soy, veal infusion, and Minca medium broth and were incubated at 37 C with and without CO2 (5%). The cultures were examined for the expression of pili after 24, 48, and 72 hours of incubation. Pili were on all strains of the 3 serotypes examined. These pili were also isolated and purified.
Insights
Somatic pili were identified on pathogenic Escherichia coli strains affecting turkeys. All three common pathogenic serotypes (O1, O2a, O78) examined expressed these pili, which were subsequently isolated and purified.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Microbial Pathogenesis
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Escherichia coli is a significant pathogen in turkeys, causing considerable economic losses in poultry production.
- Somatic pili, fimbrial adhesion structures, are crucial virulence factors for many bacterial pathogens, facilitating host colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of somatic pili on common pathogenic Escherichia coli serotypes isolated from turkeys.
- To determine if somatic pili expression varies based on culture media and incubation conditions.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize somatic pili on E. coli.
- Three pathogenic E. coli serotypes (O1, O2a, O78) were cultured in various media (tryptic soy, veal infusion, Minca) under different incubation conditions (37°C, with/without 5% CO2) for 24, 48, and 72 hours.
- Pili were isolated and purified from positive cultures for further characterization.
Main Results:
- Somatic pili were consistently detected on all examined strains of the three pathogenic E. coli serotypes (O1, O2a, O78).
- Pili expression was observed across different culture media and incubation times, indicating robust pilus formation.
- Successful isolation and purification of pili were achieved from the cultured E. coli strains.
Conclusions:
- Pathogenic Escherichia coli serotypes commonly found in turkeys possess somatic pili.
- The presence of somatic pili appears to be a consistent characteristic of these turkey-pathogenic E. coli strains, regardless of common culture variations.
- These findings highlight the potential role of somatic pili as a key virulence factor in E. coli infections of turkeys, suggesting them as targets for future control strategies.
