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Title: DIFFERENTIATION OF 2134P AND F107 FIMBRIAE ON ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM WEANED PIGS WITH COLIBACILLOSIS

Author
item Nystrom, Evelyn
item Bosworth, Brad
item Schneider, Robert

Submitted to: European Research Conference Molecular Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Toxigenic Escherichia coli expressing 2134P or F107 fimbriae colonize the small intestine and cause disease in weaned pigs. 2134P fimbriae are associated primarily with enterotoxigenic E. coli that cause diarrhea. F107 fimbriae are mainly associated with Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli that cause edema disease, and sometimes also diarrhea. Differentiation of 2134P+ from F107+ E. coli strains is complicated because these fimbriae are antigenically and genetically similar. 2134P+ and F107+ E. coli strains can be identified using PCR or DNA hybridization, but cannot be differentiated by these techniques because 2134P and F107 subunit genes have more than 95% DNA homology. 2134P+ and F107+ E. coli strains in the NADC culture collection were identified by DNA hybridization with the F107 major subunit gene. Genetic differences in 2134P and F107 fimbriae subunit genes were identified by single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. 2134P+ and F107+ E. coli strains were also differentiated by immunoassay using 2134P-specific and F107-specific monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Anti-2134P mab reacted with 45/55 (82%) strains classified as 2134P+ by SSCP, but not with any F107+ strains. Anti-F107 mab reacted with 19/50 (38%) F107+ strains, but not with any 2134P+ strains. Both mabs reacted with all SSCP genotypes within the homologous fimbrial group. The sensitivity of immunodetection might be improved by altering culture conditions to optimize fimbrial expression. SSCP analysis and immunoassays using these mabs will be useful for differentiation of 2134P+ and F107+ E. coli strains. Identification of antigenically similar and dissimilar regions between 2134P and F107 fimbriae may have implications for fimbria-based vaccines.