Effect of a commercial competitive exclusion culture on reduction of colonization of an antibiotic-resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli in day-old broiler chickens

One-day-of-age broiler chickens were administered a commercial competitive exclusion (CE) product and then challenged by three different methods with an Escherichia coli O78:K80 that was pathogenic for poultry and resistant to six antibiotics. Three challenge methods were used on 2-day-old broilers: direct challenge, precolonized seeder, and instant seeder. Direct challenge was accomplished by administering the challenge E. coli per os. The precolonized seeder challenge had two chicks that had received the challenge E. coli 24 hr previously, whereas the instant seeder challenge had two chicks given the challenge E. coli per os with immediate placement with the experimental birds. One oral dose of the commercial CE product significantly reduced the colonization of the small intestine, large intestine, and ceca by the highly antimicrobial resistant poultry pathogenic E. coli O78:K80 at 7 and 14 days postchallenge by all three challenge methods. The overall mean reductions in colonization were 3.0 log10 for the large intestine, 3.0 log10 for the small intestine, and 4.0 log10 for the cecum. The most severe challenge method, on the basis of the least amount of reduction of colonization of the challenge E. coli by the CE, was by the direct oral gavage at 2 days of age.     

Competitive exclusion by Bacillus subtilis spores of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis and Clostridium perfringens in young chickens

Cost effective control of avian diseases and food borne pathogens remains a high priority for all sectors of the poultry industry with cleansing and disinfection, vaccination and competitive exclusion approaches being used widely. Previous studies showed that Bacillus subtilis PY79(hr) was an effective competitive exclusion agent for use in poultry to control avian pathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O78:K80. Here we report experiments that were undertaken to test the efficacy of B. subtilis PY79(hr) in the control of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis and Clostridium perfringens in young chickens. To do this, 1-day-old and 20-day-old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicks were dosed with a suspension of B. subtilis spores prior to challenge with S. Enteritidis (S1400) and C. perfringens, respectively. For both challenge models, a single oral inoculum of 1x10(9) spores given 24h prior to challenge was sufficient to suppress colonisation and persistence of both S. Enteritidis and C. perfringens. In particular, the faecal shedding of S. Enteritidis, as measured by a semi-quantitative cloacal swabbing technique, was reduced significantly for the 36 days duration of the experiment. B. subtilis persisted in the intestine although with decreasing numbers over the same period. These data add further evidence that B. subtilis spores may be effective agents in the control of avian diseases and food borne pathogens.     

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies against Escherichia coli: association between indirect hemagglutination test and survival

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was modified for detection of antibodies against the two main pathogenic serotypes of Escherichia coli: serotypes O78:K80 and O2:K1. The ELISA was a more sensitive and repeatable test than the indirect hemagglutination test (IHT), which is a common method for detecting antibodies against E. coli. Cross-reactivity between the two strains was measured by reacting antisera of each serotype against homologous and heterologous antigens. The results suggest that aside from similar determinants expressed by the two serotypes, serotype O2:K1 expresses more strain-specific determinants than does O78:K80. Comparison of mean antibody titers of immunized chicks by IHT and ELISA along the primary response revealed that during the first 15 days after immunization with inactivated E. coli, the titers in both tests were parallel. After 15 days post-immunization, antibody titers measured by IHT decreased rapidly, whereas titers measured by ELISA decreased only slightly. In addition, a higher correlation was found between titers detected by ELISA and survival through challenge with E. coli than between titers detected with IHT and survival through challenge. The results suggest that the ELISA is a better test for detection of antibody in flocks suspected of being infected with E. coli.     

Duplex real-time PCR assays for rapid detection of virulence genes in E. coli isolated from post-weaning pigs and calves with diarrhoea

Duplex real-time PCR assays were used as modules to cover partially automated detection of 12 genes encoding adhesins, enterotoxins and Shiga toxins in faecal E. coli isolates. For this a total of 194 E. coli isolates from pigs suffering from post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), including 65 isolates with haemolytic activity, and 83 isolates from calves with diarrhoea were examined. Data obtained by PCR were compared with O-typing and with haemolytic activity as indirect virulence markers. E. coli O-types O139:K82, O141:K85, and O149:K91 accounted for 43.8% (n = 85) of all porcine strains and for 55.4% (n = 36) of the porcine strains, which exhibited haemolytic activity. These strains carried virulence genes by 65.9% (n = 56) and 80.6% (haemolytic E. coli, n = 29), respectively. The E. coli O-types O139:K82 and O141:K85 were significantly associated with the adhesin gene F18, and O149:K81 with the F4 gene. In this context, detection of the gene encoding F18 was coupled predominantly with the genes responsible for the production of the toxins ST-I, ST-II and Stx2, and the F4 gene with those of the enterotoxins ST-I, ST-II and LT. Both virulence patterns were detected more pronounced in E. coli strains with haemolytic activity. Fifty-six of a total of 83 E. coli isolates originating from calves were O-typed as O101 (O101:K28, O101:K30, O101:K32; n = 29), O78:K80 (n = 23), and O9:K35 (n = 4). Most of the E. coli O78:K80 strains carried the F17 gene (69.6%, n = 16). Virulence genes encoding for F4, F5 or ST-I were detected only in single cases. Intimin and Shiga toxin genes that are present in enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) were not detected.     

A vaccine against avian colibacillosis based on ultrasonic inactivation of Escherichia coli

Ultrasonic inactivation of Escherichia coli followed by irradiation was found to be the most efficient method for preparation of an effective vaccine against colibacillosis. Challenge experiments revealed that this vaccine provided the best protection compared with other methods of inactivation: heat, formaldehyde, and irradiation. Preparing the ultrasonicated vaccine from O2:K1 strain increased its range and also supported adequate protection against homologous strain O78:K80. The degree of protection conferred by the vaccine was positively correlated with the antibody titer against E. coli as measured on day of challenge. Low antibody titers detected 5 days post-vaccination resulted in only 20% protection. High antibody titers detected at 8 and 15 days post-vaccination correlated with a low number of chicks with lesions. In each challenged group, the live chicks that did not develop lesions had higher antibody titers than chicks with lesions, revealing a correlation between numbers of chicks with lesions and antibody titers as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.     

The effect of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma on clinical response in weaned piglets challenged with a pathogenic Escherichia coli.

Weaned piglets were used to determine the effect of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on the clinical response to an infection with a pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O139:K82 LT(-). The piglets were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. One group was fed the control diet containing soybean(meal) plus whey powder. The test piglets were fed a diet with 8% SDPP. Piglets were orally infected with the challenge strain on days 6 and 7 after weaning. The experimental period lasted 14 days after which the piglets were euthanised and necropsied. Faecal samples were collected daily for bacteriological analysis. Segments of jejunum, caecum and rectum were removed for bacteriological analysis post mortem. Feed intake and weight gain, faecal and condition scores and body temperature were measured daily. In the control and SDPP groups, 6 and 7 piglets died from diarrhoea. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) were substantially higher in the SDPP group than in the control group. SDPP-fed piglets generally had a more favourable faecal score and a healthier appearance than did the control piglets. The faecal excretion of E. coli O139:K82 was similar for control and test piglets. There were no diet effects on the E. coli O139:K82 counts at different sites of the intestine. In this experiment, the inclusion of SDPP at an economically acceptable percentage in the diet could not prevent piglet losses due to challenge with a pathogenic E. coli, but improvements of ADG, ADFI and faecal and condition scores were achieved.     

Dermatitis in broilers caused by Escherichia coli: isolation of Escherichia coli from field cases, reproduction of the disease with Escherichia coli O78:K80 and conclusions under consideration of predisposing factors

A dermatitis in broiler chickens, especially on the caudal back, thighs and around the cloaca is observed more frequently in the last years. The skin is swollen at sites of inflammation and a fibrineous plaque extends between muscle and subcutis. No clinical signs are visible in the living flock but the disease causes economical losses because of degrading and rejection of carcasses. Studies of literature and own field observations suggest that Escherichia (E.) coli is involved in the development of the dermatitis. The following serotypes were isolated from field cases: O78:K80 (3X), O2:K56 (2X), O127:K63 (3X), O9:K57 (1X), O140 (2X); two isolates could not be identified. The reproduction of the dermatitis was successful by infection via feather follicles with E. coli O78:K80. The density of broilers kept on farms may contribute to the outbreak of dermatitis by violation of the skin followed by infection of the injuries. Massage of the infected sites by close contact of birds and insufficient hygiene may support the development of the disease.     

The pathogenicity of Campylobacter jejuni as a monoinfection and as a mixed infection with Escherichia coli 078:K80 in broilers

Two week old broilers (n = 61) with a monoinfection with Campylobacter jejuni (0.5 ml of suspension containing 10(5) CFU/ml per os) showed reduced increase in weight during week 3 after infection compared to the control group. An other group of chickens (n = 31) was additionally infected with a suspension of Escherichia (E.) coli O78:K80 via drinking water from day 4 to 6 after the primary infection. This mixed infection provoked clinical signs of a disease and reduced increase in weight during the first two weeks of the experiment. Seven broilers of this group showed a fibrinous pericarditis and/or perihepatitis. Four of these chickens died. It can be concluded from the experiment that an infection with Campylobacter causes reduced weight gain and supports a systemic infection with E. coli.     

鸡源大肠埃希氏菌部分生物学特性研究

对从天津地区分离到的71株鸡大肠杆菌的部分生物学特性包括致病性、血清型、耐药特性和免疫原性等进行了研究。结果表明其中60株为致病性菌株,占分离菌株的84.5%;60个致病性菌株共定型出45个菌株,分属O1、O2、O5、O6、O20、O45、O53、O74、O75、O78、O88、O89、O92、O107、O111、O145等16个血清型,其中O78、O88、O2、O45、O53和O145为优势血清型,占定型菌株的73.4%;试验菌株具有广泛的耐药性,60个致病性菌株均为多重耐药。免疫原性测定试验结果表明,O2、O78、O88血清型菌株均可对相同血清型菌株提供很好的保护,但3个血清型菌株之间缺乏有效的保护。     

Production of toxins by Escherichia coli strains isolated from calves with diarrhoea in galicia (north-western Spain)

A total of 289 Escherichia coli colonies isolated from 78 diarrhoeic calves were studied for production of heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable (STa) enterotoxins, verotoxin (VT), cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF) and K99 antigen, and they were serotyped. Production of STa was detected in a single strain possessing both K99 and F41 antigens; the serotype was 09:K (A) 35. LT-producing strains were not detected. From 16 (20.5%) calves, 51 VT-producing colonies of E. coli were isolated. Production of the necrotic factor was detected in 33 E. coli colonies isolated from 14 (17.9%) calves. Serotype was a useful marker for production of VT and CNF. Among the 51 VT-producing colonies, 24 were untypable and the remainder belonged to serotypes O2:K?, O103:K--, O104:K?, O128:K?, O153:K-- and O157:K--:H7. Four of the 33 CNF-producing colonies were untypable and the majority of the remaining colonies belonged to serotypes O15:K14, O78:(K80), O123:K-- and O139:K--. Both VT and CNF were lethal for mice, but only CNF showed necrotizing reaction in rabbit skin. Our results indicate that VT-producing and CNF-producing E. coli strains are frequently isolated from diarrhoeic calves and that according to the serotypes exhibited, some of them might be considered potential pathogens for humans. The role of VT-producing and CNF-producing strains in calf diarhoea remains to be established.     

Isopathic and pluralist homeopathic treatment of commercial broilers with experimentally induced colibacillosis

This study sought to determine the efficacy of isopathic and pluralist homeopathic treatment of colibacillosis in broiler chickens and thereby contribute to the evaluation of homeopathy in general. In each of two experiments three groups of broilers, infected intratracheally at 8 days of age with E. coli (O78:K80), were treated with different combinations of homeopathic remedies. Control groups and an infected, doxycyline-treated group were included. Experiments differed only in the dose of E. coli. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated based on the parameters mortality, body weight gain and colibacillosis lesions. In both experiments doxycyline prevented mortality and reduced E. coli lesions and stunting. None of the homeopathically treated groups differed significantly with respect to any of the parameters from the non-medicated, infected control group. It is concluded that the results of this study do not justify use of these homeopathic remedies for treatment of colibacillosis in broilers. Furthermore, no significant effects of this homeopathic treatment were established.     

Effect of Streptococcus faecium C-68 in control of Escherichia coli-induced diarrhea in gnotobiotic pigs

Streptococcus faecium was fed to prevent colibacillosis in gnotobiotic pigs. Three strains of Escherichia coli were used. With strain O:K103, 987P:NM in pigs fed S faecium before the E coli challenge exposure, the pigs exhibited less severe diarrhea, recovered earlier, and produced better weight gains than did pigs given E coli only. Escherichia coli strains O157:K88ac:H19 and O8:K87, K88ab:H19 were more virulent. Pigs fed S faecium and challenge exposed with these 2 strains of E coli developed mild diarrhea; however, none of the pigs died, and they continued to eat well and gained weight. Pigs given E coli only developed severe diarrhea and lost weight, and 5 of 8 infected pigs died. Bacterial counts of E coli and S faecium from 3 areas of the small intestine and the cecum were all comparable among experimental groups. Histopathologic examinations demonstrated abundant colonization of the intestinal tract with S faecium. Seemingly, S faecium reduced the toxic effects of E coli and prevented generalized infection and death.     

interactions between escherichia coli and Newcastle disease virus in chickens

We investigated the interaction between Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Escherichia coli in cell cultures, embryonated eggs, and 8-wk-old chickens. We measured the interactions on the basis of bacterial adherence and NDV hemagglutination titer in chickens, chicken embryos, and chicken embryo cell culture. Depending on the inoculation order of E. coli, a significant alteration of the growth of NDV was observed in both chickens and chicken embryos. When certain strains of E. coli were given before NDV exposure, the virus titers were lowered. In chickens, the mean virus titer was significantly (P < 0.05) lowered in the crop, the proventriculus, the gizzard, and the jejunum. However, there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups for NDV titers in the duodenum, ileum, and cecum. In chicken embryos, when E. coli serotypes O78 and O119:B14 were inoculated before NDV exposure, the mean NDV titers were significantly (P < 0.5) lowered. However, there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in NDV titer between the two groups when E. coli serotypes O78:K80:NM and O1ab:K NM were inoculated 24 hr before NDV exposure. When NDV was given prior to E. coli exposure, NDV titer was higher in both chickens and chicken embryos. In chickens, when NDV was given 48 hr before E. coli inoculation, NDV was detected in the proventriculus, gizzard, jejunum, ileum, and cecum, whereas no virus was detected in the control groups (NDV only). In the crop, NDV was detected at a significantly (P < 0.05) higher titer in the E. coli-inoculated group when compared with the control group that received NDV alone. In chicken embryos, virus titer was significantly (P < 0.05) higher when NDV was given 24 hr before E. coli inoculation for all three NDV strains used (Ulster and V4 strains). Adherence of E. coli to chicken embryo kidney (CEK) cells was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when the CEK cells were infected first with NDV and then by E. coli. The mean bacterial count per microscopic field in NDV-uninfected monolayers was eight compared with 112 for the NDV-infected monolayers. In approximately 10% of the fields in NDV-infected monolayers, the bacteria were too numerous to count.     

Evaluation of the adhesive capacity of Escherichia coli isolates associated with avian cellulitis

It has been shown that Escherichia coli isolates from lesions of cellulitis belong to a limited number of clonal groups distinct from those of isolates found in the environment of these birds. In this study, different in vitro methods were used to evaluate adherence properties of E. coli isolates from cellulitis lesions and environments of high- and low-cellulitis prevalence broiler flocks. One hundred isolates were tested by hemagglutination. Adherence to frozen sections of chicken skin and binding to soluble fibronectin were examined for 40 of these 100 isolates by immunofluorescence and by immunocytofluorometry, respectively. Localization of bacterial adherence to skin tissues was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. It was demonstrated that O78:K80 isolates from cellulitis lesions adhered to skin sections to a much greater extent in deeper than in superficial tissue layers. A greater bacterial adherence following growth in TSB at 37 C was demonstrated for isolates from flocks with high prevalence of cellulitis than for isolates from flocks with low prevalence of cellulitis. MANOVA analysis results showed a significant difference between superficial and deep tissue layers only for one set of isolates from flocks with high prevalence of cellulitis. Hemagglutinating activity was variable among the O78:K80 isolates obtained from flocks with high prevalence of cellulitis. The results obtained for some O78:K80 isolates following growth in TSB suggest a role for type 1 fimbriae or F1 in adherence to skin sections. This was reinforced by the finding that adherence was inhibited by D-mannose. Poultry E. coli isolates that express F1 had no affinity for soluble fibronectin, although localization of the adherence in skin sections suggested a role for extracellular matrix components such as collagen and insoluble fibronectin.     

Effect of antibodies to type 1 fimbriae on clearance of fimbriated Escherichia coli from the bloodstream of turkeys

Young turkeys (n = 20) were inoculated IV with fimbriated, virulent Escherichia coli ECl (O78:K80: H9:F1). Blood samples were collected for bacterial quantitation at postinoculation minutes (PIM) 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60. Immediately after the PIM 30 sampling, the turkeys were allotted into 4 groups (5 turkeys/group) and were injected IV with 1 of the following antisera: group 1, antibodies to F1 fimbriae (AF); group 2, antibodies to E coli O78 antigen (AO); group 3, antibodies to live, fimbriated (F1+) homologous E coli (ALEC); or group 4, normal turkey serum (NTS) collected from a healthy turkey. Compared with NTS, ALEC and AO caused a significant reduction in blood-borne E coli, whereas AF did not reduce bacterial numbers. In addition, 2 groups of 10 turkeys were inoculated IV with live, F1+ or nonfimbriated (F1-) E coli ECl. Numbers of viable bacteria were determined in blood samples and liver specimens collected 2 minutes after inoculation. Compared with F1- bacteria, significantly more F1+ bacteria were found in liver specimens and significantly fewer F1+ bacteria were found in blood samples. Results indicated that antibodies to F1 fimbriae do not enhance clearance of F1+ E coli from the bloodstream of turkeys probably because F1+ bacteria are selectively cleared by the liver, even without antibody.     

Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 excretion in sheep by oral lactoferrin administration

Ruminants are an important reservoir of Escherichia coli O157:H7, therefore reducing E. coli O157:H7 excretion by these animals could play a key role in reducing human infections. The present study investigates the potential of bovine lactoferrin, a natural antimicrobial-immunomodulatory protein of milk, to prevent colonization and excretion of E. coli O157:H7 in sheep. The effect of two different doses of lactoferrin (1.5 g or 0.15 g per 12h) was evaluated on colonization of sheep intestine and faecal excretion of the NCTC12900 strain. Hereto, lactoferrin was orally administered to sheep during 30 consecutive days and sheep were experimentally infected with E. coli O157:H7 on the second day of the lactoferrin administration. Interestingly, both lactoferrin dosages significantly reduced the number of E. coli O157:H7 in faeces as well as the duration of faecal excretion. The high dose group showed a significantly higher antibody response against EspA and EspB, two structural proteins of the bacterial type III secretion system (TTSS), than the colonization control group. The results suggest that oral lactoferrin administration could be used to prevent persistent colonization of sheep with E. coli O157:H7.     

Fimbriae and enterotoxins associated with Escherichia coli serogroups isolated from pigs with colibacillosis

A comprehensive study of 223 Escherichia coli isolates from pigs with colibacillosis included determination of O serogroups, detection of heat-labile enterotoxin, heat-stable enterotoxin (STa and STb), and identification of K88, K99, 987-P, F-41, and type 1 fimbriae. The incidence of the various E coli types among isolates of pigs of different ages was also determined. Escherichia coli bearing K88 fimbriae accounted for 48% of all isolates studied, were most often of serogroup O157, O149, or O8, and usually produced labile toxin alone or in combination with STa or STb. These E coli were commonly isolated from pigs in each age group studied (0 to 5 days, 6 to 10 days, 11 to 24 days, and greater than 24 days). Escherichia coli bearing 987-P accounted for 30% of the isolates, were most often of serogroup O141 or O20, and usually produced STa. Escherichia coli bearing K99 accounted for 13% of the isolates, usually were of serogroup O101 or O8, and almost always produced STa. Escherichia coli bearing 987-P or K99 were most often isolated from pigs less than 6 days of age. Fimbriae F-41, when identified, were usually on E coli of serotype O101:K99. Although infrequently found, type 1 fimbriae were on E coli of most of the serogroups identified in this study.     

日粮添加枯草芽胞杆菌对大肠埃希菌感染仔猪免疫功能的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加枯草芽胞杆菌对大肠埃希菌K88感染仔猪血清免疫功能的影响。选用平均体重6.8kg±0.5kg的去势"杜×长×大"三元杂交公猪8头,随机分为2组,每头猪单栏饲养,对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组饲喂基础饲粮+0.1%枯草芽胞杆菌,每头猪灌服致病性大肠埃希菌K88菌液(1×1011 CFU)。采用ELISA方法检测血清中细胞因子和猪瘟抗体水平。结果表明,采食添加枯草芽胞杆菌的处理组仔猪比对照组仔猪血清IL-10水平提高(P0.01),血清IL-8和TNF-α水平降低(P0.01),猪瘟抗体阻断率提高(P0.05)。结果提示,仔猪采食含枯草芽胞杆菌的饲粮时,能够调节机体免疫功能,缓解致病性大肠埃希菌K88感染造成的炎症反应。研究工作为枯草芽胞杆菌的推广应用提供了试验依据。     

Evaluation of a monoclonal antibody to the K99 fimbrial adhesin produced by Escherichia coli enterotoxigenic for calves, lambs and piglets

All the K99+ Escherichia coli grown at 37 degrees C stained strongly with a peroxidase labelled K99 monoclonal antibody using a direct immunoperoxidase staining procedure. There was no reaction when these bacteria were cultured at 18 degrees C or when K99- E coli were grown at either temperature. The binding of the monoclonal antibody to K99 antigen was inhibited by OK antisera to heterologous K99+ E coli but OK antisera to E coli producing adhesins other than K99 were without effect. Using the slide agglutination test the reactions of the monoclonal antibody were identical to those of a polyclonal antiserum to K99 when both were used in parallel to examine 100 K99+ E coli from at least 10 somatic O groups and 1308 K99+ E coli from at least 82 different somatic O groups submitted for routine serological typing in England or the, USA. The monoclonal antibody reacted with K99+ E coli in cryostat sections of the ileum from a piglet infected with E coli strain B44 (O9: K30, K99, F41) but there was no reaction with similar material from piglets infected by E coli strains 1751 (O101: F41), X177/81 (O9: K103, 987P) or Abbotstown (O149: K91, K88ac).     

Construction and evaluation of a delta cya delta crp Salmonella typhimurium strain expressing avian pathogenic Escherichia coli O78 LPS as a vaccine to prevent airsacculitis in chickens.

Avian pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli cause a number of extraintestinal diseases in poultry, including airsacculitis and colisepticemia. Expression of O78 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is frequently associated with pathogenic isolates. Salmonella, a common poultry contaminant, is a major public health concern. The purpose of this work was to develop an E. coli vaccine for poultry with the use of an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium carrier that would benefit both the bird and the consumer. Orally administered attenuated S. typhimurium delta cya delta crp strains have been shown to provide excellent protection against wild-type Salmonella challenge in chickens. This work describes the construction of a delta cya delta crp derivative of an avian pathogenic S. typhimurium that expresses both the homologous group B determinants (O1,4,5,12) and the heterologous E. coli O78 LPS O antigens. This was accomplished by inserting the E. coli rfb region, which encodes the genes required for O78 expression, into the chromosomal cya gene of S. typhimurium, creating a defined deletion/insertion mutation. A delta crp mutation was introduced in a subsequent step. Expression of both O antigens was stable in vitro and in vivo. Vaccination of white leghorn chicks at day of hatch and 14 days with the recombinant vaccine strain induced serum immune responses against both S. typhimurium and E. coli LPS and protected the birds against subsequent challenge with an avian pathogenic E. coli O78 strain. Introduction of a mutation in rfc, which encodes the O antigen polymerase, reduced the chain length of the S. typhimurium LPS without affecting the expression of O78. The rfc mutation further enhanced the ability of the vaccine strain to protect chickens against E. coli challenge.