Adhesion factors and antimicrobial resistance of strains associated with colibacillosis in piglets in Colombia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The pathogenicity of is determined by the presence of genes that mediate virulence factors such as adherence capacity and toxin production. This research aimed to identify the adhesion factors and antibiotic resistance capacity of strains associated with diarrhea in piglets in Colombia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Presumptive strains were isolated from the rectal swabs of piglets in swine farms between 4 and 40 days of age with evidence of diarrhea. Presumptive strains were tested for antibiotic resistance. The hemolytic capacity of presumptive strains was measured and molecularly identified. Strains confirmed as hemolytic was evaluated for the presence of five adhesion factors (F4, F5, F6, F18, and F41) and resistance to 11 antibiotics.

RESULTS

Fifty-two putative strains were isolated, six of which showed a hemolytic capacity. The hemolytic strains were molecularly identified as . Adhesive fimbriae were found in five of six β-hemolytic isolates. Combinations of the adhesion factors F6-F18 and F6-F41 were linked to antibiotic resistance capacity.

CONCLUSION

The phenomenon of strains resistant to multiple antibiotics on pig farms represents a constant risk factor for public health and pig production.