[A molecular test for the detection of E. coli F18 receptors: a breakthrough in the struggle against edema disease and post-weaning diarrhea in swine].

Oedema disease and post-weaning diarrhoea in swine are associated with the colonization of the intestine with toxigenic Escherichia (E.) coli bacteria of various serotypes. Colonization depends on specific binding between adhesive fimbriae and receptors on the enterocytes. The demonstration of these receptors allows the identification of susceptible and resistant pigs. Direct sequencing of the alpha (1,2) fucosyltransferase gene (FUT1) in swine being either susceptible or resistant to adhesion by F18 fimbriated E.coli revealed a mutation at basepair 307 (M307). Analysis of the mutation in Swiss Landrace and Large White families showed close linkage with the locus controlling resistance and susceptibility to E.coli F18 adhesion (ECF18R). The FUT1 (M307) mutation is a good marker for selection of E.coli of F18 adhesion resistant animals. The mutation is found with variable frequencies in Duroc, Hampshire and Pietrain pigs as well.