The Identification of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to carry intimin gene isolated from various water sources

Escherichia coli is considered as one of the most important causes of bacterial infections transmitted through water and foods. Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis of Escherichia coli . The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Escherichia coli strains carrying virulence gene intimin isolated from different water sources in Alborz province.
This study was carried out in 2013. The research included all E. coli strains isolated from different surface water sources in Alborz province. Escherichia coli isolates were detected and identified by standard microbiological and biochemical tests. The strains were evaluated for the presence of intimin gene by PCR using specific primers.
One hundred E. coli strains were isolated then PCR was successfully optimized for detection of intimin gene. The PCR results showed 33% of the strains carried out intimin gene.
Compared to many studies, our findings showed the high frequency of E. coli strains carrying intimin gene isolated from surface water sources. The presence of this virulence genes is a potential threat for contamination of drinking water which is important for health care systems.