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 stx(1), stx(2), eaeA, and hlyA. Of these, 15 isolates were found positive for VTEC having one or more genes in different combinations. CONCLUSION: Genes such as stx(1), stx(2), 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.