Early Events of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Colonization on Gut Barrier Function: No Longer UndETECted?

Abstract

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are involved in piglet post-weaning diarrhea. The early effects of ETEC infection can be modulated by probiotics added to feed like Enterococcus faecium. TEC affect intestinal barrier function and transport properties and enhanced immunomediators. The differences in expression of tight junction proteins in the small intestine, produced by probiotic feeding in the small intestine, would be responsible for the diminished effects of ETEC and decreased diarrea outbreaks.