Search for Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) including 0157: H7 strains in and around Kolkata.

Abstract

PURPOSE: An attempt was made to isolate and characterize Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) from animals handlers, animal products and admitted diarrhoeic children in and around Kolkata. METHODS: A total of 415 samples were processed for detection of STEC by PCR and colony hybridization techniques. RESULTS: 0 (4.81%) samples were found to be positive for STEC. Diarrhoeic cattle accounted for maximum (22.1 %) isolation. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed PCR to be more sensitive than hybridization technique for detection of STEC.