Molecular detection of Escherichia coli isolated from human, animal and environmental samples targeting mdh gene: A simple one health approach

Abstract

Background: Escherichia coli cause a wide range of infections in humans and animals in hospitals and community associated with multidrug-resistance, and serves as bioindicator of fecal contamination as well as AMR. Aim: Early detection of this bioindicator from humans, animals and environment facilitates characterization with respect to AMR and bacterial forensics for effective public health and infection control measurements. Method: We investigated a simple and rapid species-specific end-point and real-time PCR assays targeting malate dehydrogenase (mdh) gene to detect Escherichia coli isolated from livestock, human, and environmental water in Midnapore, West Bengal, India in a timely and cost-effective approach. Results: Of 126 E. coli isolates, 53, 41 and 32 were cultured from livestock, human and environmental water. The mdh gene was present in 120 (95.2%) isolates, including all environmental isolates. Two (3.8%) animal and four human (9.8%) isolates were discordant between culture and PCR results. The PCR assays produced results in about 90 min with a running cost of US$3-5 per sample. Conclusion: Both the PCR assays may be utilized in detection of Escherichia coli depending on the laboratory infrastructure.