Isolation of Escherichia coli O۱۵۷:H۷ from a Turkmen horse breeding farm in Iran

Background: Escherichia coli O۱۵۷:H۷ is one of the major zoonotic pathogens, mainly reported in ruminants, while its presence in horses has rarely been investigated. The objective of this study was to track and determine the prevalence of E. coli O۱۵۷:H۷ in a horse breeding farm in Iran. Methods: In this study, ۱۹ fecal samples were collected from ۱۹ horse that kept at a horse farm at south-west of Tehran. Samples were then cultured for bacteriological examination on SMAC medium for Escherichia coli identification and incubated at ۳۷ oC for ۷۲ hours. The suspected isolates were analyzed for the presence of O۱۵۷ and H۷ specific genes using PCR. Results: ۵ isolates (۳۱.۲۶%) were identified as sorbitol non-fermenters. PCR results revealed that only one isolate simultaneously carried both O۱۵۷ and H۷ genes, two isolates carried only the H۷ gene, one isolate carried only the O۱۵۷ gene, and one of the isolate lacked both genes. As far as we know, This is the first report of E. coli O۱۵۷:H۷ isolation from Iran. Conclusion: These findings, confirm the prevalence and genetic diversity of this bacterial species in horse in Iran which may have a role in their transmission to other animal and human specially those who worked in the related farms. Considering the pathogenic potential and zoonotic transmission capability of E. coli O۱۵۷:H۷, adherence to environmental hygiene practices, proper farm management and regular microbial monitoring are recommended. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact prevalence of the isolates in other regions of the country.

کلیدواژه ها:

Escherichia coli O۱۵۷:H۷ ، horse ، PCR ، zoonotic disease ، Tehran