The relationship between virulence factor genes and diarrhogenicity of E. coli isolated from calves was investigated using an infant rabbit model. EaeA and/or VT gene-positive E.coli strains colonized in the intestine and induced diarrhea in the rabbits. These genes are thus significant factors in the diarrhogenicity of E.coli from calves.
(Lab. of Feed Microbiology, Feed Safety Research Division)
