A MOLECULAR TEST FOR THE IDENTIFICATION O F ESCHERICHIA-COLI F-18 RECEPTORS - A BREAKTHROUGH IN THE BATTLE AGAINST PORCINE EDEMA DISEASE AND POST-WEANING DIARRHEA

Oedema disease and post-weaning diarrhoea in swine are associated with the colonization of the intestine with toxigenic Escherichia (E.) col i bacteria of various serotypes. Colonization depends on specific bind ing between adhesive fimbriae and receptors on the enterocytes. The de monstration of these receptors allows the identification of susceptibl e and resistant pigs. Direct sequencing of the alpha (1,2) fucosyltran sferase gene (FUT1) in swine being either susceptible or resistant to adhesion by F18 fimbriated E.coli revealed a mutation at basepair 307 (M307). Analysis of the mutation in Swiss Landrace and Large White fam ilies showed close linkage with the locus controlling resistance and s usceptibility to E.coli F18 adhesion (ECF18R). The FUT1(M307) mutation is a good marker for selection of E.coli of F18 adhesion resistant an imals. The mutation is found with variable frequencies in Duroc, Hamps hire and Pietrain pigs as well.