Background:

Diarrheagenic E. coli creates health and economic issues in cattle raising. It also participates in the spreading of antibioresitance genes that limit current antibiotherapies.

Aim.

To summarize state of the art information in relation to E. coli-bovine interaction, especially on neonatal calf diarrhea, and its implications in current antibiotherapy.

Development:

Bovines constitute an excellent reservoir of E. coli. The six diarrheagenic patotypes affect neonate calves to a greater or lesser degree. ETEC and STEC stand out among them; the former causes the greatest outbreaks of colibacillosis, and the latter is also a world growing zoonotic agent. Every patotype causes remarkable economic losses due to morbidity and mortality in these forms of animal breeding. Both commensal and diarrheagenic strains are sources of antibioresistance, which is enhanced by antibiotic use as growth promoters in cattle, thus jeopardizing current therapeutics. Probiotics and efficient microorganisms are sustainable alternatives.

Conclusions

All the diarrheagenic patotypes of E. coli cause diarrhea in calves to a greater or lesser degree, along with significant economic losses. STEC strains are zoonotic. Both diarrhoeal and commensal strains participate in the spreading of antibioresitance, which is triggered by inappropriate antibiotic use for treatment or as growth promoters. There are other more effective alternatives, without associated risks to health and the environment, which do not compromise the effectiveness of current antibiotherapy.