Vol. 8, Issue 9 (2019)

Author(s):
Manjushree TR, C Sethulekshmi, C Latha, Binsy Mathew and Gleeja VL

Abstract:
Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) is an emerging enterovirulent pathogen that causes infection in humans and animals. The present study focussed on the occurrence of EAEC in calves and its associated environmental sources in Ernakulam. A total of 180 samples (60 calves’ diarrhoeic faecal samples, 60 water and 60 soil samples) were collected from two panchayats of Ernakulam. All the samples were subjected to isolation of E. coli through conventional culture techniques. Out of 180 samples, E. coli was isolated from 101 samples (51 calves, 19 soil and 31 water). Further E. coli isolates were subjected to PCR for the detection of EAEC virulence genes viz., astA, Pic, aggR and fimA genes. On analysis 21.57, 5.89, 5.89 and 15.69 per cent of the E.coli isolates from calves carried the astA, pic, aggR and fimA genes. From water and soil samples of calves rearing areas seven E.coli isolates carried virulence genes. To study the biofilm forming ability, EAEC isolates were subjected to quantitative biofilm assay through which it was inferred that more than 85 per cent of the isolates were low biofilm producers. On antibiotic sensitivity study, from different sources showed more than 80 per cent sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and meropenem. Cent per cent sensitivity against imipenem and >75 per cent of the isolates showed resistance against ampicillin, tetracyclin, cefotaxime and azithromycin. From the study it was concluded that EAEC is an emerging threat to the public health. because of its ability to form biofilm and increasing antibiotic resistance towards commonly used antibiotics.