Genotypic study of verocytotoxic Escherichia coli isolates from deer by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

AIM: This study was planned to study the genotypes of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) in fecal samples of deer due to its public health significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 fecal samples of deer were taken from Mathura district and Kanpur Zoo and screened for VTEC genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS: All fecal samples were positive for E. coli. All the E. coli isolates were screened by PCR to detect virulence genes stx1 , stx2 , eaeA, and hlyA. Of these, 15 isolates were found positive for VTEC having one or more genes in different combinations.

CONCLUSION: Genes such as stx1 , stx2 , eaeA, and hlyA were prevalent in VTEC isolates from feces of deer. The presence of VTEC isolates having virulent genes may pose a threat to public health.