[Prevalence of Shiga toxin and Intimine genes in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from urine samples in Lorestan, Iran]

ABSTRACT

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC], as one of the most important food-borne pathogen, in human may lead to deadly syndromes, like hemolytic-uremic syndrome [HUS]. Occurrence of HUS following urinary tract infection [UTI] has been previously reported. The aim of this study was to identify stx1, stx2 and eaeA genes in E. coli strains isolated from urine samples in Alashtar [Lorestan, Iran]. A total number of 144 bacterial isolates were collected from three hospitals in Alashtar during a six-month period. One-hundred E. coli isolates were identified using the standard biochemical tests as well as the selective and differential media. The multiplex PCR method was used to evaluate the presence of stx1, stx2 and eaeA genes. Two out of 100 E. coli isolates carried both stx2 and eaeA genes and one isolate [1%] only sxt1gene. Moreover, the three genes were not found in any of the isolates tested. Detection of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli [e.g. O157H7 and non-O157H7 serotypes], which may lead to life-threatening syndromes such as HUS, from urine samples is of great importance. Further research in this field using the fast and precise molecular methods is recommended