Electronic Journal of Biology

Virulence Factors of Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli in Drinking Water of Shahrekord, Iran

Background: Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli are a substantial cause of water-borne diseases. The current research was done to study the microbial quality of the drinking water of Shahrekord with respect to the recognition of virulence factors of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli.

Methods and findings: A total of 200 drinking water samples were collected and positive strains were analyzed for presence of STEC strains and virulence factors by PCR technique. Ten out of 200 drinking water samples (5%) were positive for E. coli. Seven samples (70%) were STEC. All of the EHEC strains were simultaneously positive for stx1, eaeA and ehly genes. The prevalence of stx1 and eaeA genes, stx2 and eaeA genes and finally stxs and eaeA genes in the AEEC strains were 50%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

Conclusion: The bases of animal and human intestinal contaminations should be control to decrease the menace of E. coli in drinking water of Shahrekord.

Author(s):

Mina Shojaei

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