The effect of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 on intestinal structure and solute transport in rabbits

Abstract

Background: The effect of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 infection on intestinal morphology and solute transport was examined. Methods: New Zealand white rabbits, aged 10 days, were infected with E. coli strain EDL933 (0157:H7 containing the 60-megadalton plasmid-encoding adhesion factors VT1 and VT2) and compared with controls. Small and large intestinal histology and solute transport were studied 5 days after inoculation. Ion transport in the distal colon was also examined in animals infected with different strains encoding a combination of pathogenic factors. Results: Infection with EDL933 induced diarrhea and mucosal disease in the colon, inhibited colonic Na+ absorption, and..