Investigation of virulence factors of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from sheep

All over the world, Escherichia coli (STEC), which produces Shiga toxin, is recognized as an important zoonotic pathogen. Ruminants, particularly cattle, are their main reservoirs, but role of small ruminants in epidemiology human infections has not been extensively evaluated many countries. In this study, it was aimed to determine toxin subtypes Stx1, Stx2, eae and ehxa genes producing isolates within strains sheep comparative effect variables such race sex on them. virulence STEC were identified 215 E. isolated from 272 rectal swab 12 different herds around Ankara. Of isolates, only 19 (8.84%) 3 (1.4%) 5 (2.33%) 9 (4.19%) genes, 13 (6%, 05) Stx1-Stx2-ehxa, Stx1-eae -ehxa, Stx2-eae-ehxa together 1 (0.47%) Stx1- eae, 30 (13.95%) ehxa, Stx2- 15 (6.98%) Stx2-ehxa 10 (4.65%) – detected together. 101 (46.98%) none detected. stx1 subtyping sheep, a high rate (82.35%) stx1c isolated. stx2 stx2f (%62,86), stx2c (%54,29), stx2b (%45,71), stx2d (%22,86), stx2h (%22,86) more common combinations. Detected at rate. These data indicate presence potential cause serious infection humans