Characterization of colonization of the rabbit gastrointestinal tract by Escherichia coli RDEC-1

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Abstract
An E. coli strain (RDEC-1) isolated in rabbits can colonize the gut, adhere to mucosal epithelial cells of the ileum, cecum and colon and cause diarrhea by a novel mechanism. Colonization of the rabbit gut by strain RDEC-1 was studied. Colonization reached a maximum 3-4 days post-inoculation with strain RDEC-1 and did not decrease until 15 days post-inoculation. Diarrhea occurred 3-4 days after colonization reached its maximum intensity. Semiquantitative rectal swab cultures were correlated with counts of colony-forming units [CFU] of strain RDEC-1/g of ileum, cecum and colon and their contents and were used to chart the course of colonization of the rabbit gut. The actual number of CFU/g was dependent on the stage of colonization and ranged from 4.0 .times. 103-2.4 .times. 106 in the ileum to 3.1 .times. 105-3.6 .times. 107 in the cecum. The number of CFU/g was not affected by the presence of diarrhea. E. coli RDEC-1 colonizes the ileum, cecum and colon of rabbits heavily for a relatively long period of time.