Genotypic profiles of virulent genes detected among the Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from swiftlets in Borneo

Aims: The occurrence of multiple pathogenic Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are important nosocomial and hazardous infection clinically challenge worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to screen for the virulent genes profiles to ascertain their prevalence in swiftlets in Borneo. Methodology and results: The Enterococci, E. coli and P. aeruginosa bacteria were isolated from the swiftlets' faeces and air inside swiftlet houses, which located in the Southern, Central and Northern regions of Borneo. The isolates were identified to the species level by 16S rRNA sequencing assay. Specific primers were designed for detection of the potential virulence genes in E. faecalis (ace, AS, efaA and gelE), E. coli (stx) and P. aeruginosa (oprL) by PCR assay. A total of 38 Enterococci, 26 of E. coli and 2 of P. aeruginosa fecal and airborne bacteria were identified. Sixty-seven percent of E. faecalis isolates were detected positive for four virulence genes, 27% possessed three (AS, efaA, gelE) genes and 6% possessed two (ace, AS) genes. There were no stx genes detected among all the E. coli isolates. The oprL gene was detected in all the P. aeruginosa isolates. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Virulence genes are important in the pathogenesis of both clinical and avian infections which considered to be a serious public health threat. The high incidence of virulence genes detection in E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa indicates these genes were widely disseminated among the bacteria found in swiftlet houses, suggesting the important issues in the pathogenesis of infections and diseases which may cause potential health risks to humans.