In vivo Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum on Reduction in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Postweaning Pigs

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in order to reduce lesions and fecal shedding for the control of colibacillosis and edema disease in postweaning pigs. ETEC K88 colonized in greater abundance on the surface of the small intestinal tract of non-L. plantarum-fed pigs compared to L. plantarum-fed pigs. Reduced intestinal adherence and fecal shedding of ETEC K88 was observed in the L. plantarum-fed pigs, whereas brain lesions and fecal shedding of STEC F18 remained unchanged. The results of this study demonstrated that L. plantarum appeared to have beneficial effects on the colibacillosis but not edema disease in postweaning pigs.