Characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from healthy piglets and piglets with gastroenteritis

Abstract

The association of Escherichia coli with cases of acute gastroenteritis of piglets on one hand and apparently healthy animals on the other was studied. Forty one strains of E.coli were isolated and characterized on the basis of their biochemical characters, serotyping and colicin typing patterns and enteropathogemclty test. Both typical and atypical strains of E.coli were recovered. Eleven different serotypes distributed in 18 typeable strams and 6 different colicins in 7 colicinogenic strains were recorded. Colicin 'H' was predominant. Enteropathogenic serogroups O8, O15, O20 and O35 were recovered. Transmission of different serotypes from pig to man and vice versa was discussed.