Use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of K88 pili in fecal specimens from swine.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli are important in neonatal pig diarrhea. To be pathogenic, E coli must possess the ability to produce toxin and adherence structures called pili. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect K88 pili in feces of swine. Results were compared with standard isolation and identification techniques. Isolates were tested for labile toxin production by the Y-1 mouse adrenal gland test and presence of pili by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. The ability to detect K88 pili in feces correlated with the isolation of labile toxin-positive, K88-positive E coli.