Mechanism of action of Coliprotec
Coliprotec aids in the prevention of post-weaning diarrhea in pigs caused by F4 (K88)-positive Escherichia coli by stimulating the immune system of the animal.
Post-weaning diarrhea is an infection that usually affects pigs in the first two weeks after weaning. Diarrhea results from ingesting pathogenic E. coli bacteria present in the maternity or nursery environment. These bacteria attach to intestinal cells by their fimbriae, then release the toxins causing the symptoms of the disease. The E. coli bacteria responsible for porcine post-weaning diarrhea mainly carry F4 fimbriae.
Coliprotec is a live vaccine that contains a culture of avirulent Escherichia coli bacteria. This means that it is itself an F4-positive E. coli bacteria, but does not produce any pathogenic toxin. When orally administered to pigs, the vaccine bacteria adhere to intestinal cells and trigger the immune response of the animal. Antibodies increase rapidly and prevent pathogenic bacteria colonizing the intestine.
The vaccine validation studies have shown its efficacy and safety. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Coliprotec significantly reduced colonization of pig intestines by F4-positive enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and consequently, that the duration and severity of diarrhea, as well as the accumulation of fluids in the intestines after infection, were significantly reduced. The safety of the vaccine has been demonstrated in a field study carried out in pig farms across three Canadian provinces.
Post-weaning diarrhea is an infection that usually affects pigs in the first two weeks after weaning. Diarrhea results from ingesting pathogenic E. coli bacteria present in the maternity or nursery environment. These bacteria attach to intestinal cells by their fimbriae, then release the toxins causing the symptoms of the disease. The E. coli bacteria responsible for porcine post-weaning diarrhea mainly carry F4 fimbriae.
Coliprotec is a live vaccine that contains a culture of avirulent Escherichia coli bacteria. This means that it is itself an F4-positive E. coli bacteria, but does not produce any pathogenic toxin. When orally administered to pigs, the vaccine bacteria adhere to intestinal cells and trigger the immune response of the animal. Antibodies increase rapidly and prevent pathogenic bacteria colonizing the intestine.
The vaccine validation studies have shown its efficacy and safety. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Coliprotec significantly reduced colonization of pig intestines by F4-positive enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and consequently, that the duration and severity of diarrhea, as well as the accumulation of fluids in the intestines after infection, were significantly reduced. The safety of the vaccine has been demonstrated in a field study carried out in pig farms across three Canadian provinces.