Study of E. coli in Pigs and Sheep
Author Information
Author(s): Fröhlicher Erik, Krause Gladys, Zweifel Claudio, Beutin Lothar, Stephan Roger
Primary Institution: Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich
Hypothesis
The study aims to isolate eae positive E. coli strains carried by healthy pigs and sheep at slaughterhouse level.
Conclusion
Pigs and sheep are a source of diverse intimin-harbouring E. coli strains, mostly showing characteristics of atypical enteropathogenic E. coli.
Supporting Evidence
- 89% of pigs and 55% of sheep tested positive for eae positive E. coli.
- Eleven different intimin types were detected among the isolated strains.
- The study identified serotypes associated with both atypical and classical enteropathogenic E. coli.
Takeaway
This study found that many pigs and sheep carry a type of E. coli that can cause diarrhea, but most of these bacteria are not the dangerous kind.
Methodology
Fecal samples from 198 pigs and 279 sheep were collected and tested for eae positive E. coli using PCR and colony hybridization.
Limitations
The study was limited to healthy pigs and sheep at slaughter and may not represent all populations.
Participant Demographics
198 finished pigs and 279 healthy adult sheep.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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