Escherichia coli and Neonatal Disease of Calves

Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): antimicrobial‐resistant Escherichia coli in dogs and cats, horses, swine, poultry, cattle, sheep and goats

Escherichia coli (E. coli) was identified among the most relevant antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) bacteria in the EU for dogs and cats, horses, swine, poultry, cattle, sheep and goats in previous scientific opinions. Thus, it has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on its eligibility to be listed, Annex IV for its categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as in Article 9 and Article 8 for listing animal species related to the bacterium. The assessment has been performed following a methodology previously published. The outcome is the median of the probability ranges provided by the experts, which indicates whether each criterion is fulfilled (lower bound ≥ 66%) or not (upper bound ≤ 33%), or whether there is uncertainty about fulfilment. Reasoning points are reported for criteria with uncertain outcome. According to the assessment here performed, it is uncertain whether AMR E. coli can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention according to Article 5 of the AHL (33–66% probability). According to the criteria in Annex IV, for the purpose of categorisation related to the level of prevention and control as in Article 9 of the AHL, the AHAW Panel concluded that the bacterium does not meet the criteria in Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Categories A, B, C and D; 0–5%, 5–10%, 10–33% and 10–33% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively) and the AHAW Panel was uncertain whether it meets the criteria in Section 5 (Category E, 33–66% probability of meeting the criteria). The animal species to be listed for AMR E. coli according to Article 8 criteria include mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.

Autotransporter-based surface expression and complementation of split TreA fragments utilized for the detection of antibodies against bovine leukemia virus

Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) is an oncogenic virus which is the etiological agent of a neoplastic disease in infected cattle called enzootic bovine leukemia (EBL). The most common and sensitive diagnostic methods for EBL like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is time-consuming and requires manual handling which makes it unsuitable as an on-farm diagnostic test. Hence, there is a need for an alternative test with rapid detection and reduced manual labour. We have previously reported the use of E. coli periplasmic trehalase (TreA) in a split enzyme sensor diagnostic technology to detect immunoglobulins and antigen-specific antibodies. In the current study, a more sensitive detection was attempted by bacterial surface display of split TreA fragment by fusion with the autotransporter AIDA-I. The split TreA fragments fused to antigens require antigen-specific antibodies for complementation and to trigger trehalase activity. This surface complementation strategy was used to detect anti-BLV antibodies in clinical serum by incorporating the antigenic BLV capsid protein in the fusion proteins. To validate this assay, a panel of serum samples obtained from BLV positive and negative cattle were tested in comparison with ELISA results. Evaluation of this panel resulted in positive detection of all true positive samples. We further demonstrated that this assay can be enhanced by pre-adsorption of clinical serum samples using E. coli cells to increase the specificity and help reduce nonspecific binding. In conclusion, the p24 antigen specific BLV assay is a potential tool for simple and rapid diagnosis of BLV infection, which is compatible with both lab-based and a more user friendly on-farm format.

Virulence of Escherichia coli Serotypes for Mice

A study was undertaken to determine whether virulence in mice could be used to assess the pathogenicity of a variety of Escherichia coli serotypes. Sixty-one E. coli strains isolated from animals, poultry, or humans were serotyped to determine their O, K, and H antigens, and were administered to mice via the intraperitoneal route with and without a mucin adjuvant. The ld(50) dose was then determined for each serotype. The results indicated that the source of the serotype may be associated with virulence for mice. Serotypes isolated from nonenteric, systemic sources showed a greater virulence for mice inoculated intraperitoneally than did the enteric and the nonenteric, nonsystemic (localized) isolates. It was observed that not all serotypes belonging to a specific serogroup were virulent for mice and that the presence or absence of a K antigen had no effect on the virulence of strains of one serotype.

Attaching-effacing Escherichia coli infections in cattle

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli are now broadly placed into 6 classes based on virulence mechanisms. One of these classes, enterotoxigenic E coli, is the most common cause of diarrhea in beef and dairy calves in the first 4 days of life. Two other diarrheagenic classes, enterohemorrhagic E coli (EHEC) and enteropathogenic E coli (EPEC), are important causes of disease in human beings, but less well substantiated causes of diarrhea in calves. E coli strains that cause hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans, express high levels of Shiga toxin, cause attaching-effacing (A/E) lesions in intestinal epithelial cells, and possess a specific 60-MDa EHEC plasmid are known as EHEC. One feature EHEC and EPEC have in common is the causation of intestinal epithelial lesions known as attaching and effacing (A/E). Attaching-effacing E coli (AEEC) is a designation for those E coli strains known to cause A/E lesions or at least carry the genes for this trait, and therefore include organisms that fall into either the EHEC or EPEC classes. Because cattle are carriers of many different serotypes of EHEC, much emphasis has been placed on the public health and food safety concerns associated with the fecal shedding of these organisms. However, much less emphasis has been given to their roles as diarrheagenic pathogens of cattle. The goal of this article is to address the question of pathogenicity, with a review that focuses on the results of studies of natural and experimental infections with these organisms. The authors conclude that there is overwhelming evidence that many different serogroups of AEEC are diarrheagenic pathogens of calves.

Gastrointestinal Function

This chapter describes the normal biochemical processes of intestinal secretion, digestion, and absorption. The digestive system is composed of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or the alimentary canal, salivary glands, the liver, and the exocrine pancreas. The principal functions of the gastrointestinal tract are to digest and absorb ingested nutrients, and to excrete waste products of digestion. Most nutrients are ingested in a form that is either too complex for absorption or insoluble, and therefore, indigestible or incapable of being digested. Within the GI tract, much of these substances are solubilized and further degraded enzymatically to simple molecules, sufficiently small in size, and in a form that permits absorption across the mucosal epithelium. This chapter explains in detail the mechanisms of salivary secretions, compositions of saliva, and the functions of saliva. The chapter also elaborates properties of bile as well as the synthesis of bile acids. The chapter explores the pathogenesis of the important gastrointestinal diseases of domestic animals, and the biochemical basis for their diagnosis and treatment. The chapter concludes with a discussion on disturbances of gastrointestinal function such as vomition, acute diarrheas, malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth, and ulcerative colitis.

Efficacy of an Escherichia coli J-5 mutant strain bacterin in the protection of calves from endotoxin disease caused by subcutaneous challenge with endotoxins from Escherichia coli

The purpose of this trial was to examine the potential of a new Escherichia (E) coli J-5 mutant strain bacterin to reduce the severity of clinical disease caused by subcutaneous challenge with endotoxins of Gram-negative bacteria in calves. Day-old to 3-day old calves (n = 40 per study phase) were randomly assigned to either of two treatment groups, i.e. a vaccinated or a placebo group. Calves in the vaccinated group received an inactivated bacterin containing a J-5 mutant strain of E. coli via subcutaneous route at 2-4 days of age and at 14 days thereafter. The placebo contained only adjuvant and saline in lieu of the antigen. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) originating from E. coli were administered subcutaneously 3 weeks after the booster dose. The LPS challenge dosages were 1 and 8 microg/kg in study phases I and II, respectively. Various clinical, physiological, hematological, and serological parameters were measured at specific time intervals after challenge. The data were mostly analysed using peak changes from baseline recorded during the observation period. By the time of challenge the titers in vaccinated calves had increased significantly more than in the unvaccinated controls. Disease severity following subcutaneous challenge was dose dependent. In phase I, placebo calves were only mildly challenged whereas in phase II placebo calves showed a moderate challenge. After a mild challenge, there was little evidence of protection due to vaccination as only attitude was significantly improved in the vaccinates. In contrast, after a moderate challenge rectal temperature, hematocrit, blood glucose concentrations, and leukocyte changes were significantly better in the vaccinated group. In conclusion, the results of this study show that following a subcutaneous endotoxin challenge that induces a moderate clinical response, calves that were previously vaccinated with the E. coli J-5 bacterin were better protected than those in the placebo group.

Alterations in clinical, hematological and metabolic variables in bovine neonatal endotoxemia

Endotoxemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonate. Although many models are used to study the problem, none completely simulates the natural disease. To more clearly define a bovine neonatal endotoxemia model we studied the effects of dose of endotoxin on clinical, hematological and biochemical variables. Thirty-four neonatal calves were administered Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS) at 0 (0.9% saline solution), 0.2, 2.0 or 20 micrograms/kg, by either IV bolus or infusion over 50 minutes. Variables monitored included mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), leukocyte (WBC) count, plasma glucose and lactate concentrations and clinical status. All LPS-treated calves displayed similar clinical signs within one hour. Dose-dependent differences in response to LPS among groups became evident over time. Substantial dose-dependent changes in attitude, appetite, mucous membrane character, capillary refill time, MAP, plasma glucose and lactate concentrations, and WBC count were noted in LPS-treated calves. Higher doses of LPS induced a more prolonged clinical response and significantly (p < 0.05) greater hypotension, lacticemia and hypoglycemia. While dose altered the response to endotoxin, the method of administration had no overall effect on the variables measured.

Passive immunotherapy in neonatal calves--II. The efficacy of a J5 Escherichia coli hyperimmune plasma as immunotherapy in neonatal calves

Hyperimmunized bovine plasma containing antibodies to a mutant Escherichia coli O111:B4 (J5) was used to conduct a prospective double-blind clinical trial to evaluate its efficacy as an immunotherapy to bovine neonates in field conditions. Two- to three-day-old calves (N = 150) were randomized into three groups (n = 50) to receive (1) no plasma (NP) or (2) control (traces or no J5 antibody) bovine plasma (CP), or (3) hyperimmune bovine anti J5 plasma (HP) in two subcutaneous total doses of 10 ml kg-1 body weight at a 24 h interval. Various physiological, pathological and clinical parameters of the study subjects were observed up to three weeks while other data such as morbidity, mortality and the effect on heart girth increase were collected up to the end of the eighth week. Weekly serum total protein and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were preferentially increased from the baseline values in HP calves but not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in group comparison. Mean (geometric) serum J5 ELISA titers in the HP group were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the other two groups that increased about 1-log by the first week of plasma intervention, followed by a gradual decline by the third week. Out of three total deaths due to septicemia and colitis, one was from the NP group while the other two were from the HP group. Morbidity as measured daily on a 13-point scoring scale were not statistically (p > 0.05) different among the groups. Variation in the mean heart-girth increase was non-significant (p > 0.05) among groups by the eighth week. Higher increase in heart girth was generally associated with higher initial serum IgG (p < 0.01) concentration. Our results suggest that this lot of hyperimmune J5 plasma at this dose was not superior to control plasma or to no intervention in terms of calf morbidity and mortality.

Passive immunotherapy in neonatal calves--I. Safety and potency of a J5 Escherichia coli hyperimmune plasma in neonatal calves

A pair of studies designed to assess the clinical safety and potency of hyperimmune plasma administration was undertaken in neonatal calves. Bovine plasma from Holstein heifers hyperimmunized with a mutant Escherichia coli O111:B4 (J5) vaccine which had a geometric mean (GM) immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA titer of 3.5 x 10(4), was administered subcutaneously to < or = 2-day-old calves. In the first (study A) of two prospective trials, hyperimmune plasma was administered in two doses to colostrum-deprived (CD) (n = 7) and colostrum-fed (CF) (n = 16) neonatal dairy calves. Data were collected immediately before (0 h) and 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 288 h after the first plasma administration. Total serum protein and serum IgG concentration elevated in both groups with a significant (p < 0.01) rise of E. coli J5-specific IgG from the corresponding baseline by 6 h post-plasma administration. In the second (study B) trial, calves (N = 75) allocated into three protocol groups received two doses of either the hyperimmune (TT) J5 plasma (n = 30) or the control (CT) plasma (n = 30), and the third group (NT) received no plasma (n = 15). Data were collected up to 96 h post-plasma administration. Serum IgG and J5 specific ELISA antibody titer increased significantly (p < 0.01) in TT calves compared to the other group calves. The endotoxin contents of the administered plasma were < or = 1 EU ml-1 by limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) method and the collected physiological and hematological data values were similar in all groups in both trials. In addition, no immediate adverse reaction or death was observed in any phase of the plasma administration. The E. coli J5 hyperimmune bovine plasma, as prepared and administered to neonatal calves in the current trials, proved to be a safe and potent biomedical fluid.

Vaccines for preventing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections in farm animals

Fimbrial vaccines are routinely given parenterally to pregnant cattle, sheep and swine to protect suckling newborn calves, lambs and pigs against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections. Such vaccines are practical and effective because (1) most fatal ETEC infections in farm animals occur in the early neonatal period when the antibody titres in colostrum and milk are highest; (2) more than 90% of the ETEC in farm animals belong to a small family of fimbrial antigen types; (3) fimbriae consist of good protein antigens on the bacterial surface where they are readily accessible to antibody; (4) fimbriae are required for a critical step (adhesion-colonization) early in the pathogenesis of the disease. ETEC infections continue to be a significant clinical problem in farm animals in spite of extensive use of fimbriae-based vaccines. Definitive data on the efficacy of the commercial vaccines in field use are not available. The prevailing perception among animal health professionals is that the vaccines are effective, that the problem occurs chiefly among non-vaccinated animals, and that in some herds vaccination moves peak prevalence of disease from the first to the second or third week after birth, when mortality is lower. It has been suggested that extensive use of vaccines will rapidly select for the emergence of novel or previously low prevalence fimbrial antigen types. There is no evidence that this has happened after a decade of routine vaccine use in the United States. However, there is no active direct surveillance for such emergence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Humoral response in neonatal calves following immunization with Escherichia coli (strain J5): the effects of adjuvant, age and colostral passive interference

Serologic responses in 61 calves 3 to 34 days of age following immunization with bacterins containing a heat-killed rough mutant, Escherichia coli 0111:B4 (strain J5) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for the IgG isotype. Administration of either heat-killed bacteria or oil-based adjuvants alone failed to enhance serologic recognition of common core antigens when comparing to nonvaccinate controls. Increased titers were uniquely and specifically limited to calves receiving the antigen in an oil emulsion. In a second experiment, age and initial, passively acquired titer recognizing the vaccinal antigen were not found to have any effect on the magnitude of the humoral response of 57 calves following immunization.

Immunoglobulin production and transport by the mammary gland

In origin immunoglobulins in mammary secretions are both humoral, arising from the blood stream, and local, arising from production by plasmacytes in the mammary gland. The relative importance of each of these sources varies between species. In some species (human, rabbit, etc.), the transfer of maternal immunoglobulins to the blood stream of the neonate occurs in utero across the placenta or yolk sac membrane. In other species, including ruminants, transfer of maternal immunoglobulins to the neonate occurs exclusively via the colostrum. Both in utero and colostral routes of transfer are operative in other species. The concentration and class of immunoglobulins in the colostrum and milk of a species reflect the route and origin of the immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins transferred in quantity in utero or via the colostrum are mainly of the IgG class. Immunoglobulins locally produced by plasmacytes located adjacent to the secretory epithelium and in the mammary secretions are largely of the IgA and IgM classes. The bovine transfers large amounts of IgG immunoglobulins, and IgG1 in particular, from the blood stream across the mammary barrier into colostrum (and milk) by a specific transport mechanism. Bovine colostrum and milk also contain much smaller amounts of locally produced IgA and IgM.

Characterization of enterotoxigenic bovine Escherichia coli

Among 300 isolates of bovine Escherichia coli, 56 which had been found enterotoxigenic in calf gut loops were characterized on the basis of O and K antigens, colonial morphology and resistance to seven antimicrobial drugs. The 56 isolates enterotoxigenic in the calf were compared with the nonenterotoxigenic ones. Of the 56 enterotoxigenic E. coli the majority possessed the A type of K antigen and had OK groups, O9:K(PS274) or O101:K(RVC118). Fourteen of these isolates had the K99 antigen. None of 27 isolates found enterotoxigenic in the piglet but not in the calf possessed the K99 antigen or belonged to OK groups O9:K(PS274) or O101:K(RVC118). Comparison of the patterns of resistance to seven antimicrobial drugs showed that all enterotoxigenic and nonenterotoxigenic isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin and sulphachlorphyridiazine and that there was no significant difference in the patterns between the two groups. The majority of enterotoxigenic isolates were mucoid, whereas most of the nonenterotoxigenic isolates were nonmucoid.

Experimental neonatal colibacillosis in cows: serological studies

Serological studies of passive immunity in experimentally induced bovine colibacillosis was studied in a 41-cow university herd. Pregnant dams were antigenized prepartum with two injections administered by the subcutaneous and intrammamary routes with one of four vaccine preparations (killed bacteria, live bacteria, culture supernatant, or heart infusion broth [control]). The data indicate that 77% of the neonates born to vaccinated dams were strongly protected against oral challenge with Escherichia coli strain B-44. Bacterial agglutinin and passive hemagglutination titers of colostral whey directly reflected the efficacy of the vaccines. A notable decrease in the whey titers to somatic and capsular antigens occurred after heat treatment at 56 C for 30 min. Complicity of heat-liable immune factor(s) in protection from scouring was suggested. The nature of the protective antigen is not clearly defined by these studies but there is some evidence that the K antigen may play a vital role in this regard.

Studies of Escherichia coli infection in chickens

The pathogenesis of infection with Escherichia coli was studied in chickens using live O78:K80 cells and a heat-labile chick lethal toxin. The results obtained were compared with those observed in field outbreaks. The common histological findings of subepicardial edema and congestion, focal necrosis in the spleen and focal necrosis, congestion, edema and accumulation of fibrin in the liver support an active role for chick lethal toxin in the pathogenesis of E. coli disease.

Serum immunoglobulins in newborn calves before and after colostrum feeding

Pre-colostral and post-colostral sera of seven Holstein calves and colostral whey were analyzed immunoelectrophoretically. IgM, IgG(1) (fast), and IgG(2) (slow) were demonstrated while IgA was not detected in serum of new-born calves before colostrum feeding. In post-colostral serum IgG, IgM, in relatively higher levels, and IgA were present which corresponded with the classes of immunoglobulins found in whey. These observations suggest that the developing bovine fetus may be capable of independent immune response.

Escherichia coli agglutinins in cow serum, colostrum and the nursing calf

Immunochemical properties of Escherichia coli O antibodies present in bovine serum and colostrum were investigated. Dam and calf serum samples plus colostral whey samples were fractionated by gel filtration, and the 7S and 19S fractions isolated. Antibody activity against the O antigens of four recognized E. coli bovine pathogens was determined by the indirect hemagglutination test on the whole serum and colostral whey samples and the 7S and 19S fractions thereof. Mercaptoethanol reduction was used to chemically study the immunochemistry of the E. coli O antibodies. The E. coli O antibodies in dam serum were entirely 19S macroglobulins and appeared to be IgM immunoglobulins. The antibodies in colostrum and calf serum were both 7S and 19S globulins. Reasons for believing these 7S antibodies may be IgG, and the 19S antibodies IgA, immunoglobulins are presented.

A bacteriological and serological study of experimental escherichia coli infection of calves

Twelve hundred bacterial cultures from thirty newborn calves were examined serologically to determine the experimental pathogenicity of E. coli serotypes as well as the influence of enteric bacteria naturally present in the calves. Serotype O115:K.:H18 was pathogenic, O9:K35:H1O was not, and unclassified E. coli OX28 was questionable. Klebsiella sp. and E. coli OX28 occurred naturally in the calves and was responsible for some mortality. Contact exposure in two groups of calves was not successful. All calves had a detectable gamma-globulin level whether or not they had nursed the dam. Antibody to four E. coli O groups was present at a gamma-globulin level above 0.78 gm% but not belw 0.60 gm%. Antibody was associated with survival of calves given E. coli serotype 115:K.:H18 but not the less virulent 9:K35:H1O. There was no correlation between antibody level and bactericidal activity of the serums. The latter did not appear to offer resistance to infection by itself, but antibody level and bactericidal activity to E. coli O115 and O78 did protect all calves experimentally infected with different serotypes.

Microbiological quality of protein feed supplements produced by rendering plants

Samples of protein feed supplements produced by rendering plants were examined for salmonellae, total aerobic bacterial counts, coliform counts, and enterococci. Isolations of salmonellae were more frequent from products with high counts; however, 6% of the samples with total counts of less than 1,000 per gram and 14% of the samples with coliform counts of less than 1 per gram contained salmonellae. Serotypes of Escherichia coli which have been associated with disease in domestic animals and poultry were also isolated from products. Although the distribution of serotypes of salmonellae isolated from environmental swabs and flies was similar to that isolated from products, the isolation of several serotypes from flies which had not been isolated in plants suggested that flies may be a potential source of contamination.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus and Escherichia coli in neonatal calf enteritis

This study was initiated to determine the etiologic and pathogenic significance of an American strain of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus (strain NADL-MD) in enteritis of neonatal calves (calf scours). Three colostrum-fed calves from dams exposed intravenously to BVD virus at 6, 16 and 25 days prepartum, respectively, had moderate diarrhea persisting until the eighth day of life. The BVD virus was isolated from all 3 calves and persisted up to 93 days in 1 calf, indicating either that BVD was transmitted in utero or via the dam's milk. Three specific pathogen free (SPF) calves permitted dams' colostrum for the first 4 feedings and then given milk replacer were exposed orally on the day of birth to BVD virus. One calf died of neonatal enteritis 28 hours post-exposure and at necropsy the BVD virus was isolated from several of its organs. The remaining 2 calves had a mild diarrhea persisting to the eighth day of age. Two calves permitted dams' colostrum ad lib. for 72 hours, and then weaned, were exposed orally to BVD virus. Both calves had a mild persistent diarrhea and BVD virus was isolated from their blood for 56 days post-exposure.Of 13 SPF, colostrum-deprived calves exposed orally or intranasally at birth to the BVD virus, 4 had severe diarrhea and died of neonatal enteritis from 38 hours to 13 days postexposure. Isolations of BVD virus were made from several of the organs of the calves at necropsy. All of the 9 surviving calves had a moderate to severe diarrhea frequently persisting for 7 to 10 days, and BVD virus was isolated from the survivors up to 103 days postexposure. Several strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from calves after the second day of life, but were neither pathogenic for mice, nor serologically related to strains of E. coli usually associated with outbreaks of calf scours. Four colostrum-deprived SPF calves were exposed orally at birth to a strain of E. coli isolated from the intestine of the calf with the most acute symptoms and fatal neonatal enteritis. None of the four calves receiving the E. coli had diarrhea. One calf, however, had respiratory distress and died on day 5. Two SPF colostrum-deprived control calves had neither diarrhea nor respiratory distress. The above findings support the conclusion that BVD virus should not be overlooked as a primary cause of the neonatal calf enteritis complex.