Detection of virulence genes of intimin, hemolysin and shigatoxin in Escherichia coli isolated from Pscittacin

 Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common infectious agent between humans and animals that has high virulence genes. One of the virulence genes important in E. coli strains is the agent that binds bacteria to mucosal cells. Furthermore, the virulence genes of hemolysin and shigatoxin can also cause gastrointestinal complications by producing bacterial toxin. Therefore, E. coli strains that contain the aforementioned virulence genes can cause disease in humans. Since, pet birds have a very close relationship with their owners; it is possible to transfer this agent from these birds to humans. Identifying the status of different E. coli strains isolated from psittacine can be effective in controlling the virulence genes.

 For identification of virulence genes in E. coli by psittacine origin, 100 cloacal soaps were collected from different types of psittacine birds from Isfahan & Chahrmahal-va-Bakhtiyari pet shops. After preparation of cultures and purification, the E. coli infections were approved by biochemical tests of indol production, Methyl red reduction, Voges-proskawer reaction and citrate reduction. Then, using DNA extraction by boiling method, hemolysin (hly), Intimin (eae) and shigatoxin 1 and 2 genes (stx1 and stx2 were detected in E. coli strains.

 Results showed 18.57, 4.28, 2.85 percent of isolated E. coli strains posse eae, stx2 and hly genes. Only one strain had eae, hly, stx2 (1.42%), simultaneously. No strain has stx1 gene.

 By considering to increasing demand for maintenance of all kinds of parrots as a pet bird for children and adolescents, further care is needed to reduce the risk of zoonosis disease from these birds to human.