MAINTAINING A PANEL AIMED TO MONITOR SEROTYPES OF FEACAL E. COLI IN PIGS

摘要

Diarrhoea in piglets is commonly associated to infections with E. coli. By differentiating E. coli isolated from piglets into O-serotypes alterations in prevalence of such serotypes could be monitored over time. At present 179 O-serotypes are identified and to routinely monitor for all these serotypes could not be regarded as cost effective. Based on a serological survey including 70 serotypes of E. coli a panel was constructed that included the most frequently found serotypes in Swedish pig herds. Presently that panel includes 18 serotypes of E. coli. However, as variations in incidence of serotypes occur over time, it is necessary to secure that the panel is relevant. The aim of the present study was to control the relevance of the serotypes included in the panel, and if required include or exclude relevant serotypes.