Detection of Serotypes and Virulence Factors of Escherichia coli from Piglets in Beijing

To investigate the cause of piglets diarrhea, and the distribution of the serotype and virulence factors of swine Escherichia coli in Beijing, 400 diarrhea samples were collected. TSA serum agar culture method was used to isolate Escherichia coli, serotype identification test and virulence factor genes test were used to verify the presence of O-antigen. 64 strains of E.coli were isolated from 400 diarrhea samples, among which 42 strains of E.coli were classified as 8 serotypes:O101(18.7%),O64(12.5%),O8(10.9%),O20(10.9%),O45(4.7%),O149(4.7%),O2(1.6%) and O89(1.6%), and the major virulence factors were STa, Stx2e, astA and eaeA. There were 8 mainly serotypes that caused piglets diarrhea in Beijing area, among which O101 serotype accounted for the highest proportion. The major virulence factors were astA and eaeA, accounted for more than 50% of all strains, STa and Stx2e accounted for more than 30% of all strains. These data would provide effective data to support the prevention and control of piglet diarrhea in Beijing.