Identification and isolation of somatic pili from pathogenic Escherichia coli of turkeys.

Transmission electron microscopy was performed to identify the presence of somatic pili on Escherichia coli pathogenic to turkeys. Three common pathogenic serotypes of E coli (Ola, O2a, and O78) were used. They were cultured in tryptic soy, veal infusion, and Minca medium broth and were incubated at 37 C with and without CO2 (5%). The cultures were examined for the expression of pili after 24, 48, and 72 hours of incubation. Pili were on all strains of the 3 serotypes examined. These pili were also isolated and purified.