Selection of aptamers to target enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections

[Excerpt] Introduction Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the leading cause of enteric infections in swine, resulting in significant costs for the industry (1 ). Initial adhesion to the intestinal epithelium relies on fimbriae, with F4 and F18 types being most associated with enteric infections. The traditional use of antibiotics for prevention and treatment is increasingly restricted due to rising antimicrobial resistance (2). Therefore, innovative strategies such as aptamers- small single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to target molecules through their 3D structures (Figure 1 )- emerge as a promising alternative.[...]