Flooding adds pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to the water sources in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
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Date
2016-10
Authors
Shah, M S
Eppinger, M
Ahmed, S
Shah, A A
Hameed, A
Hasan, F
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Abstract
Purpose: Seasonal rains in Pakistan result in heavy floods across the country, whereby faecal contaminants will be
added to the water bodies and cause numerous food‑borne outbreaks. The present study was aimed to determine the
prevalence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) strains in the water sources. Materials and Methods: Two hundred
water samples collected during (2011–2012) were processed for the isolation of E. coli (EC) strains. EC strains were
further analysed for antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and pathogroups‑specific virulence factors stx1, stx2, stx2c, eae,
tir, hlyA, bfpA, estA and eltA were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results: Thirty‑three percent
of the water samples were contaminated with EC pathotypes. Fifty percent (33/66) of the DEC pathotypes were
identified as enterotoxigenic EC (ETEC). Seventy‑two percent (13/18) of the enteropathogenic EC (EPEC) strains
were identified as typical EPEC and 28% (5/18) as atypical EPEC. Eleven percent (7/66) of the Shiga toxin EC (STEC)
isolates carried a combination of stx1 and stx2 genes. Summer was found as a peak season with 47% (31/66) for EC
pathogroups’ activities. Eighty‑nine percent of the strains showed resistance against tetracycline. Conclusion: ETEC and
EPEC are the primary causes of water contamination in southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
Firm adherence to the prescribed drugs can decrease trends in antibiotic resistance.
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Keywords
Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli, Shiga toxin‑producing Escherichia coli
Citation
Shah M S, Eppinger M, Ahmed S, Shah A A, Hameed A, Hasan F. Flooding adds pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to the water sources in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2016 Oct-Dec; 34(4): 483-488.