Molecular detection of the Escherichia coli heme-utilization gene A virulence factor in E. coli isolated from the feces of horses in Sumbawa island, Indonesia

The transmission of Escherichia coli (E. coli) containing virulent genes from animals to humans and the environment poses significant public health challenges. This study aimed to detect the virulence factor of the E. coli heme-utilization gene A (chuA) in E. coli isolated from the feces of apparently healthy horses in the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. The study utilized 52 fecal samples from a total horse population of 283, calculated using the disease detection formula. Fresh feces were collected immediately after excretion and placed in buffered peptone water for subsequent analysis. The samples were then isolated on eosin methylene blue media and identified using biochemical tests. Identified E. coli strains were further examined for detecting the chuA gene using polymerase chain reaction techniques. The E. coli was successfully isolated and identified in 11 (21.15%) of the 52 collected fecal samples. Polymerase chain reaction analysis detected the chuA gene in 8 (15.38%) E. coli isolates at 279 bp on gel electrophoresis. The close interaction between horses and humans in the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia, may facilitate the spread of E. coli. Thus, surveillance is needed to employ a One Health approach to monitor E. coli strains encoding the chuA gene and other virulence factors to control their dissemination. (c) 2025Urmia University. All rights reserved.