Molecular detection of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Toxins and Colonization Factors from Diarrheic Children in Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one well-established causative agent of diarrhea in the developing countries among young children. This prospective study was performed at Laboratories University Sulaimani (in Sulaymaniyah City/Iraq) from September to October 2021which aimed determine prevalence ETEC children and most colonization factor (CFA/I) ETEC. One hundred twenty-five fresh stool samples were collected hospitalized – with Dr. Jamal Ahmed Rashid’s Pediatric Teaching Hospital. The cultured on MacConkey eosin methylene blue agar as selective differential media for Gram- negative bacteria. Colonies identified through Gram staining biochemical tests including: Indole, methyl red, catalase reaction test. Vitek-2 machine depended test some obtained isolates. Most isolates (60%) showed positive results E. out this percentage, 14 (18.66%) using polymerase chain assay identifying stable labile toxins (LTs). It noticed that all toxin producer whereas LT not identified. Colonization 5 (CS5) has been detected three (21.42%), meanwhile, 11 (78.57%) have expressed factors all.