COLIBACILLOSIS

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Causative Agent(s)

Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative, flagellated rod of variable length and with a diameter of about 1 µm.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Escherichia coli infections occur worldwide. E. coli in the pig is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Up to 25 strains of E. coli have been identified in the gastrointestinal tract of one individual pig

E.coli causes of a wide range of diseases in pigs such as neonatal diarrhoea, postweaning diarrhoea (PWD), Bowel oedema, septicaemia, polyserositis, coliform mastitis (CM), and urinary tract infection (UTI), postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS) and mastitis, metritis, agalactia (MMA).

Neonatal diarrhoea caused by E. coli is observed most in pigs from the date of birth up to 4 days. The new-born pig ingests E. coli from the intestinal flora of the sow.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

The disease occurs worldwide, and the clinical signs observed are diarrhoea, dehydration, metabolic acidosis death.

Diagnostic Considerations

Antimicrobial sensitivity is required because it varies greatly among E. coli isolates. Diagnosis of neonatal ETEC is based on clinical signs, lesions, and the presence of E. coli in the faeces and small intestinal mucosa of infected animals. Swabs or samples of intestinal contents should be inoculated onto blood and MacConkey agar.

The organism can also be seen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues by histopathology or immunohistochemistry or indirect immunofluorescence.

Slide agglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests have been developed to diagnose this disease.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is available for detecting genes encoding for virulence factors.

Management and Treatment

Ampicillin, 10-50mg/ml concentration. Dose 7mg/kg b wt, q24h, 5 days, IM Gentamicin, 6mg/kg b.w., q24h, 3-5days, IM.

Ceftiofur, 3mg/kg b.w., q24h 5days I.M. Neomycin, 5mg/kg b.w., q12h 14 days P.O. Spectinomycin, 20mg/kg b.w., q24h, 3-5 days I.M.

Other management interventions and supportive treatment include: Bacteriophages have been used to treat this disease.

Fluid therapy, consisting of electrolytes and glucose should be administered in cases of dehydration and acidosis.

Chlorpromazine should be administered to inhibit the secretory effects of the enterotoxin produced by E. coli.

Adequate colostrum intake at birth by piglets, good sanitation, optimal temperature for the piglets should be provided in addition to pens that are free of drafts.