Detection of stx genes in E. coli samples isolated from pork and beef obtained from retail shops in Shillong, Meghalaya.

Jeremy N. Syiem; Richard M. Lyngdoh

Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2016

Detection of stx genes in E. coli samples isolated from pork and beef obtained from retail shops in Shillong, Meghalaya.

Jeremy N. Syiem, Richard M. Lyngdoh

Abstract :

Escherichia coli strains like O157:H7 produce Shiga toxins that cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans. In this study, 27 pork and 26 beef samples were obtained from retail shops in Shillong for isolation of E. coli. Pure cultures were isolated on EMB agar from 7 pork (35%) and 1 beef (8.33%). The isolates were then subjected to various biochemical tests which confirmed their identity. Multiplex PCR was used to amplify the genes stx1 and stx2 (Shiga toxin genes) after DNA extraction from the isolates. Amplification of Stx genes was seen in 2 (25%) of the pork isolates while no amplification was seen in the beef isolates. The results indicate that pork may be more contaminated by stx harbouring E. coli than beef.