Transfer in vitro of Hly, Ent and K88 (F4) markers between E. coli strains isolated from pigs
Klimuszko, D.; Szynkiewicz, Z.; Binek, M.; Niemiałtowski, M.
Acta Microbiologica Polonica 36(4): 365-371
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0137-1320 PMID: 2457296 Document Number: 286942
Conjugation in vitro was used to investigate the ability of strains of Escherichia coli recovered from Polish pigs to transfer the Hly factor, the Ent factor (by strains transferring the Hly factor), and the K88 (F4) factor (by haemolytic pathogenic strains). About 30% of the Hly factor was transferred; putative serotypes pathogenic for pigs did not differ from other serotypes in efficiency of transfer; enterotoxic strains were more frequent donors of the Hly factor; Hly factor-transferring strains transferred factor Ent more often that factor Hly; Ent+transconjugants varied in their possession of haemolytic properties; and most strains of O147 and O149 transferred K88 (F4). It is concluded that strains need to pass through several consecutive conjugations before they become fully pathogenic.