Prevent of death caused by E. coli k99 in infant mice by colicinogenic E. coli

E. coli k99 is one of the major causes of diarrhea in neonatal calves. Colicin is an antimicrobial peptide produced by one strain of E. coli to suppress the growth of other strains of E. coli. The aim of this study was to control E. coli k99 infection in mice by oral administration of colicinogenic E. coli (CEC). This experimental study was conducted on two groups of control and treatment infant mice, strain BALB/c. The control group was subdivided into two groups: one group was fed with colicinogenic E. coli (CEC) and the second control group was E. coli k99. The treatment group was administrated with colicinogenic E. coli (CEC) and also with E. coli k99 in intervals. Finally, the mortality rate of the mice was assayed in both treatment and control groups. Results of this study delineated that all mice in the control group who were fed with colicinogenic E. coli was survived while 83% of the second control group (40 cases) died due to production of heat-stable enterotoxin. Our study showed that the mortality rate in the treatment group was significantly reduced, and the reduction rate was increased in higher doses of colicinogenic E. coli (CEC).  Based on the antibacterial activity of CEC against E. coli k99, colicin is an appropriate choice for control of the infection. Furthermore, it is possible to replace colicins instead of conventional antibiotics for control of the intestinal disorder.