Topic 108 - General characteristics of diseases caused by Escherichia coli (RED) Flashcards
Which type of gram bacteria is E.coli?
Gram negative
Important features of E.coli
Oxidase negative
Fermentative bacteria, during fermentation they produce acid and gas
Which family does E.coli belong to?
Enterobacteriaceae family
Where is E.coli normally found in the body?
In the intestines
Name the different antigens of E.coli:
O
K
H
F
What is the O antigen in the nature?
LPS, it is type specific
What is the K antigen in the nature?
Polysaccharides, they are both heat stabile and heat labile
What is the H antigen in the nature?
What is the F antigen in the nature?
Protein, act as adhesin
Name the virulence factors of E.coli:
- Capsule
- Adhesins
- Endotoxins: LPS
- Exotoxins
- Invasive ability
- Ability of survival in the blood
Name the different exotoxins of E.coli and what their ability is:
- Enterotoxins:
Heat labile and heat stabile = induces hypersecretion of fluid into intestines - Verotoxins = inhibit the protein synthesis
- Cytotoxic necrotic facotr
In which species does E.coli cause enteric disease?
Calves
Piglets
Rabbits
Dogs and cats
In which species does E.coli cause septicaemic disease?
Calves
Poultry
In which species does E.coli cause urinary tract disease?
Pigs
Dog
In which species does E.coli cause mastitis?
Cows
Pigs
Predisposing factors of E.coli:
- Insufficient or no colostral immunity
- Overcrowding
- Poor hygiene
- Stress factors
- Accumulation of undigested or unabsorbed nutrients
How to diagnose E.coli?
Bacterial culture
Haemolysis in swine and dog
Pure culture of blood and organs
Treatment of E.coli
Enteric diseases: AB and rehydration
Septicaemic diseases: generally too late, high mortality
Mastitis: Intramammary treatment
Prevention methods for E.coli
- Good hygiene
- Newborn animals recieve enough colostrum
- New feed is introduced gradually
- Breeding of disease resistant pigs
- Probiotics, but this is not very effective
