Vol. 9, Issue 8 (2020)

Author(s):
Xavier Mathew, Janus A, Deepa PM, Bipin KC, Biju P Habeeb and Jess Vergis

Abstract:
Colibacillosis is an economically important disease, causing neonatal diarrhoea and septicaemia in calves. It has worldwide occurrence and has been reported from almost all states of India. The present study was conducted to identify different strains of Escherichia coli associated with colibacillosis in calves from Wayanad district by identification of virulence factors through PCR. Thirty calves under the age of 28 days with signs of diarrhoea, pyrexia and dehydration were selected for the study. Faecal samples were collected to sterile sample collection vials and laboratory culture was performed. Lactose fermenting colonies from MacConkeys agar were futher cultured in EMB agar which is the selective media for E. coli. Bacterial DNA was isolated from isolated E. coli colonies and subjected to PCR. Virulence factors of pathogenic E. coli were targeted using specific primers against K99, F41, STa, intimin, Stx1 and Stx2 genes. Seventeen samples were found positive for Intimin, Stx1 and Stx2 together or alone suggesting the presence of EHEC/EPEC.