Prevalence of E. coli and detection of virulent genes by multiplex PCR in meat products

Abstract

A total of 100 meat products samples of minced meat, kofta, beef burger and sausage (25 samples ofeach), weight of each sample10gm were collected from different shops and supermarkets in Cairogovernorate, to be investigated for the presence of E. coli and detection of virulent genes by moderntechnique (PCR). The obtained results indicated that the incidence of E. coli isolated from the examinedsamples were (4)16%, (7)28%, (6)24% and (11)44% of minced meat, kofta, beef burger and sausage,respectively. Actually E. coli strains isolated from 18 positive E.coli were 9 strains O26, O55:H7, O103,O111:H4, O114:H21, O119:H6, O124, O125:H21 and O128:H2. These isolated strains were investigated by using Multiplex PCR to detect presence of virulent genes (stx1, stx2 and eaeA) in each isolated strain. Theresults obtained reported that E. coli O26 & O111 posses (3) genes stx1, stx2 and eaeA genes, E.coli O103,O119 & O128 carry (2) genes stx1and stx2, E. coli O55 carry (2) genes stx1 and eaeA genes, E.coli O125carry (2) genes stx2 and eaeA genes, E. coli O114 posses (1) gene stx1gene. While virulence genes werenot detected in E. coli O124.