Determination of Subtypes, Serogroups, And Serotypes, Virulence, and/ or Toxigenic Properties of Escherichia coli Isolated From Cattle, Sheep, and Goat Feces by Multiplex PCR

In the study, rectal swabs taken from 300 ruminant animals including cattle (100), sheep (100), and goats (100) were inoculated into Mac Conkey Agar and incubated for 18 h at 37degree celsius. Escherichia coli isolates were confirmed by biochemical tests and the BBL Crystal rapid diagnosis system. O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157 serotypes by PCR test following DNA isolation; ETEC (elt, Stla); EPEC (eaeA,bfpA); STEC (stx1, stx2, eaeA); EHEC (EhlyA); EAEC (CVD432) tested for virulence and/or toxigenic genes. As a result of the isolation studies, 50 E. coli from cattle feces, 92 from sheep feces, and 80 from goat feces were isolated and identified. Apart from the first 5 serotypes frequently seen in studies (O157, O26, O103, O111, and O145), higher rates were found in serogroups such as O45 and O121, and subtypes such as STECs (stx1 and stx2), EPEC (eaeA and bfpA) and EAEC (CVD432) types compared to other studies. The EAEC (CVD432) subtype was found to be very high in this study. It has been determined that serotypes and subtypes detected at high rates in cattle, sheep, and goat feces in our region may cause an increase in the incidence of some critical food-borne infections in humans. Within the framework of the concept of one health, taking the necessary precautions is important for public health.