2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Based on fecal culture the prevalence of EPEC infection was 18% in both live and deceased kittens. Based on qPCR amplification of eae from feces prevalence was 37% in live kittens and 48% in deceased kittens. EPEC was observed in kittens with and without diarrhea. However, kittens that died or were euthanized due to severe diarrhea harbored a significantly greater quantity of live EPEC and eae compared to kittens without diarrhea. Kittens diagnosed with EPEC had significantly greater severity of inflammatory infiltrates in the small intestine and colon and increased epithelial injury in the small intestine. Enteroadherent E. coli was observed by means of FISH in 2 kittens. When live and deceased kitten populations were examined on the basis of EPEC diagnosis, significant associations were observed between EPEC infection and medical history of subcutaneous fluid administration.