Effect of Streptococcus faecium C-68 in control of Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea in gnotobiotic pigs.
Streptococcus faecium was fed to prevent colibacillosis in gnotobiotic pigs. Three strains of Escherichia coli were used. With strain O:K103, 987P:NM in pigs fed S faecium before the E coli challenge exposure, the pigs exhibited less severe diarrhea, recovered earlier, and produced better weight gains than did pigs given E coli only. Escherichia coli strains O157:K88ac:H19 and O8:K87, K88ab:H19 were more virulent. Pigs fed S faecium and challenge exposed with these 2 strains of E coli developed mild diarrhea; however, none of the pigs died, and they continued to eat well and gained weight. Pigs given E coli only developed severe diarrhea and lost weight, and 5 of 8 infected pigs died. Bacterial counts of E coli and S faecium from 3 areas of the small intestine and the cecum were all comparable among experimental groups. Histopathologic examinations demonstrated abundant colonization of the intestinal tract with S faecium. Seemingly, S faecium reduced the toxic effects of E coli and prevented generalized infection and death.
D000818:Animals; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000254:growth & development*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000382:microbiology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000254:growth & development*; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*