[Adherence of pathogenic Escherichia coli to epithelial cells isolated from the intestinal mucosa of the rabbit, inhibiting effect of hyperimmune bovine colostrum and of various carbohydrates (author's transl)].

In order to study the mode of action of a bovine anti-Escherichia coli lactoserum (BLS), we have used a new test measuring the adherence of pathogenic E. coli on epithelial cells isolated from the small intestine of rabbit. A mixed suspension of E. coli and of epithelial cells is incubated for 15 min and the number of bacteria adhering to the cells counted under the microscope. The BLS at a concentration of 3.5 mg/ml IgG is able to reduce this number by a factor of 3-5. After absorption of the BLS with formaldehyde-treated bacteria, this factor is smaller than 2. At a concentration of 5 mg/ml, D-mannose and alpha-methylmannoside are as efficient inhibitors of adherence as BLS; at the same concentration, L-mannose is ineffective. The cultures of E. coli strongly agglutinating guinea pig erythrocytes, adhere to a larger extent to the epithelial cells. The last two observations confirm the important role played by fimbriae for the adhesive properties of E. coli. The presence of fimbrial antibodies would partially explain the inhibiting effect of BLS on adherence.