Prevalence of Shiga Toxin-Producing O157 and Non-O157 Escherichia coli in Anatolian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotypes are recognized as potentially important food-borne pathogens for humans. Ingestion of E. coli contaminated food is largely known to originate from livestock. Cattle and sheep herds hold the majority of agricultural revenue in Turkiye but Anatolian water buffaloes have often been underestimated for foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study is to determine virulence genes harboring E. coli O157 and six major non-O157 STEC (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) serotypes in feces of healthy Anatolian water buffaloes by using multiplex PCR (mPCR) method. Of the collected 458 fecal samples from healthy live animals, we have performed virulence and serotype targeting mPCR following direct DNA extraction from collected samples. Results indicate that there is 0.9% of O157 prevalence while six major non-O157 E. coli have not been identified. The characterization results of the virulence genes also showed that eae is most prevalent (5.7%) followed by ehxA (3.9%) and stx1 (3.1%). In this study, we have shown Anatolian buffaloes might have a relationship with other O-type E. coli strains. Non-O157 STECs, which are often disregarded in both animals and humans, should be investigated. As a consequence, gaining regional or national data collection will allow to implement better effective diagnosis and treatment options.