Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Isolated from Tilapia and Mullet and its Public Health Significance

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is responsible for several food-borne outbreaks worldwide. In this study, tissue samples of finfish (tilapia, n = 100) and (mullet, 100), twenty human hand swabs from fish sellers fishermen were tested bacteriologically STEC presence. Isolates their antibiotic susceptibility examined the presence eaeA,stx1, stx2 genes. E. identified tissues (36.5% 12.5%) tilapia mullet, respectively; however, as high (60% 40%), respectively. Of recovered isolates, 25 presumptive (17 8 humans) yielded characteristic mauve-colored colonies on CHROMagar medium. The highest prevalence was in mullet freshwater Nile tributaries at 24% 48%, followed by farms 16% 12%, No isolated Suez Canal water saltwater farms. Recovered isolates belonged to 14 serotypes belonging (O121:H7, O113:H4, O119:H6, O128:H2, O153:H2, O91:H21, O26:H11, O44:H18, O146:H2, O55:H7, O124, O159, O78, O117: H4). (O26:H11, O15:H2, O121:H7, O119:H6). One or two Shiga-toxin (stx1 stx2) genes confirmed isolates. humans multi-drug resistant (MDR). This study reported a degree contamination Ismailia governorate with highlighted level antimicrobial resistance exhibited which very hazardous consumers.