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Fecal analysis: hemolytic E. coli
Overview
- E. coli Escherichia coli is a normal commensal found in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Presence of E. coli on routine culture is therefore common.
- Pathological strains do occur and must be distinguished from pathogenic strains.
- Must demonstrate:
- Toxin production.
- PCR PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) for ability to produce toxin.
- Serotyping.
- Evidence that E. coli is attaching to mucosa.
- Pathogenic strains include:
- Enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC).
- Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC).
- Cytotoxic E.coli (VTEC/STEC).
- Enteroaggressive E. coli (EAEC).
Uses
Alone
- Typing of isolates from fecal cultures necessary to determine pathogenic E. coli as cause of acute diarrhea in cats.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Submit fecal samples for culture. Check with the receiving laboratory before requesting typing.
- The receiving laboratory should be notified of a potentially pathogenic E. coli case.
- Serotyping and PCR for determination of pathogenic strains of E. coli.
- Intestinal biopsy samples for histopathology to confirm attachment of E. coli to mucosal cells.
Dispose of consumables and fecal material following Health and Safety regulations.
Technique intrinsic limitations
- Many microbiology laboratories will not have the facility to type E. coli.
- Requires specialist laboratory examination in UK.
- May fail to differentiate commensal from pathogenic E. coli.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from VetMedResource and PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Manual of Small Animal Clinical Pathology (1998) Eds: Davidson M, Else R & Lumsden J. BSAVA, UK.
- Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians (1998) 4th edn. Ed: McCurnin D M. W B Saunders.
- BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (1997) Eds: Thomas D A et al. Iowa State University Press, USA.
- Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians (1997) 3rd edn. Ed: Pratt P W. Mosby.