We studied the effectiveness of a recombinant vaccine capable of protecting piglets from enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
during lactation and after weaning. Following this purpose, we vaccinated some pregnant sows with the recombinant vaccine VACOLI™ (Heber Biotec S.A, P.O.Box 6162, Havana, CUBA), composed of enterotoxigenic
E. coli K88ab and K99 recombinant antigens, plus an oil adjuvant. Before weaning piglets were reimmunized to extend protection, and serum samples were tested by an enzyme-linked immunoassay in solid phase to determine the antibody levels against K88ab and K99. The control of
E. coli infections was performed by plating stool samples in selective media. There were no death recorded in piglets from vaccinated sows by collibacillosis during lactation, while in piglets from the control sows mortality was of 21%. The morbility and the number of deaths by other causes in the vaccinated group were significantly lower than in the control group. Total protection achieved was 93%. After weaning, mortality caused by
E. coli was 0.37% in the vaccinated group of piglets and 21.7% in the control group. The total protection in this period was 98%.