Detection of stx(1), stx(2), LT and ST toxin genes and O-157 and H-7 antigen genes among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from Iran

作者：Nazemi A^*; Mirinargasi M; Khataminezhad M R; Mostafavi Shokouhi S K; Sharifi S H

来源：African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2012, 6(5): 867-869.

DOI：10.5897/AJMR11.944

• Escherichia coli
• urinary tract infections
• stx(1)
• stx(2)
• LT toxin gene
• ST toxin gene
• O-157 antigen gene
• H-7 antigen genes.

Infection with Shiga like toxin-producing strains of Escherichia coli (STEC) in addition to diarrhea is associated with severe and fatal complications such as hemolytic uremia syndrome (HUS). Nonetheless, the conventional diagnostic methods of the strains are not precise, and accurate data regarding their infection incidence is not available in many countries including Iran. The aim of this study was to detect stx(1), stx(2), LT and ST toxin genes, as well as O-157 and H-7 antigen genes in E. coli samples isolated from patients with urinary tract infection. A total of 100 urinary samples were collected from patients with urinary tract infection who were referring to the health centers in Tehran, Iran, during years 2010-2011. E. coli isolation was performed according to the standard laboratory methods. DNA was extracted from samples and the presence of stx(1), stx(2), lt, st, O-157 and H-7 genes was investigated by PCR method. Out of 100 samples, 10 (10%) were carrying stx(1), 7 (7%) H-7, 6 (6%) stx(2), 2 (2%) lt, and 1 (1%) O-157 genes. One sample was carrying both stx(1) and stx(2) genes, while none of samples were carrying st gene. The results indicate that ETEC and STEC strains, with a relatively conserved genetic pool, are capable of causing urinary tract infection. Due to the importance of these strains in public health, it is suggested that the conventional methods used for their detection be replaced by a molecular method especially based on the presence of stx genes.

• 出版日期2012-2-9