Reduction of Adherence of E. coli O157:H7 to HEp-2 Cells and to Bovine Large Intestinal Mucosal Explants by Colicinogenic E. coli

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli strains (EHEC) had emerged as foodborne pathogens and cause in human diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Because of the widespread distribution of EHEC serotypes and O157 and non-O157 in cattle population, its control will require interventions at the farm level such as the administration of probiotics that produce inhibitory metabolites. E. coli O157:H7 shows tissue tropisms for the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of cattle. The aim of this study was to test the ability of a colicinogenic E. coli (isolated from bovine) to reduce the adherence of E. coli O157:H7 to HEp-2 cells and to GIT of cattle. We inoculated HEp-2 cells and bovine colon explants with both kinds of strains. Colicinogenic E. coli was able to reduce the adherence of E. coli O157:H7 to HEp-2 cells and to bovine tissues.