Physiopathological effects ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 inoculation in weaned calves fed with colostrum containing antibodies to EspB and Intimin

• Published in: Vaccine 2014-06, Vol.32 (30), p.3823
• Main Authors: Rabinovitz, BC, Vilte, DA, Larzábal, M, Abdala, A, Galarza, R, Zotta, E, Ibarra, C, Mercado, EC, Cataldi, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacteria; Bacteriology; Cattle; Diarrhea; E coli; Immunization; Infections; Milk; Proteins
• ISSN: 0264-410X; 1873-2518
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.04.073

Escherichia coliO157:H7 is responsible for severe intestinal disease and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious systemic complication which particularly affects children. Cattle are the primary reservoir forE. coliO157:H7 and the main source of infection for humans. In this study, we evaluated the ability of transferred maternal colostral antibodies against γ-Intimin C280and EspB, to protect young weaned calves fromE. coliO157:H7 infection. Hyperimmune colostra were obtained by immunization of pregnant cows with a mix of the mentioned antigens. All vaccinated cows mounted a significant IgG response against γ-Intimin C280, and EspB in sera and colostra. Colostrum-fed calves also exhibited high serum IgG titers against γ-Intimin C280and EspB along with a rise in mucosal γ-Intimin C280-specific IgG antibodies at recto-anal junction and ileum. Additionally, 70 day-old calves received a challenge withE. coliO157:H7 but no reduction in total bacterial shedding or frequency ofE. coliO157:H7 excretion from these calves was observed. Most tissue samples showed granulocyte focal infiltrations of the lamina propria and enterocyte erosion. In conclusion, up to the 70th day, the passively acquired γ-Intimin-C280and EspB-IgG antibodies present in sera and recto-anal mucosa reached a titer insufficient to reduce EHEC O157 shedding and damages of experimentally inoculated young calves.