Pilot study on CHCF1 genotype in a pig challenge model for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4ab/ac associated post-weaning diarrhea

Host genotype is important for enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) susceptibility. We conducted two trials to evaluate the effect of CHCF1 genotype on incidence of ETEC diarrhea. In trial 1 (n = 15 pigs), pigs were inoculated with 10(8) CFU or 10(10) CFU doses of an ETEC F4ac strain. In trial 2 (n = 33 pigs), pigs were inoculated with ETEC F4ab or F4ac. Across trials, all inoculated pigs that developed ETEC diarrhea were CHCF1 heterozygous susceptible (6/6). No inoculated CHCF1 homozygous resistant pigs developed ETEC diarrhea (0/26). Susceptibility towards ETEC F4ac/ab infection might correspond with CHCF1 genotype.

Automated summary

Host genotype plays a crucial role in the susceptibility to enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), with CHCF1 genotype possibly corresponding to susceptibility towards ETEC F4ac/ab infection.