Screening for Escherichia coli O157 isolates of bovine origin

Abstract

Escherichia coli O157 was serologically identified from isolated E. coli of bovine origin in Jessore, Bangladesh. Pre-enrichment and enrichment media were used in isolating the enteric bacteria and swip off transient soil microbes. Differential and selective culrure techniques were used and biochemical tests were performed to identify E. coli strains. Slide agglutination test with antisera against O157 anigens were performed on biochemically identified E. coli strains. A total of 15 samples consisting freshly deficated cowdung, compost and soil near cow shed were assessed and among them 24 isolates were identified as E. coli. Twelve E. coli isolates isolated from eight samples gave agglutination with anti O157 antisera. Presence of E. coli O157 isolates was higher in composts and soils compared to fresh cowdung. This result indicates the strains adaptive and survival potential in environmental condition and raises potential public health concerns in handling such animal waste and its derivatives.

Microbes and Health, January 2015. 4(1): 25-28