Virulence gene and antibiogram profile as markers of pathogenic Escherichia coli in tropical beaches of North Western India: Implications for water quality and human health

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of pathogenic Escherichia coli in anthropogenically marred tropical beaches of Mumbai, India. Out of 200 presumptive E. coli, (n = 125) isolates were analysed for presence of virulence genes specific to diarrheagenic pathotypes using a molecular approach. Fifty four percent of the isolates screened possessed at least one virulence gene. The presence of stx1, stx2, eaeA and hlyA genes was detected in 9%, 13%, 20% and 8% of isolates respectively, LT1 and ST1 genes was detected in 9% and 11% of isolates respectively. Also, Versova had higher prevalence of EPEC pathotype, Juhu and Girgaon had higher prevalence of EHEC and ETEC pathotypes, Dadar and Mahim had higher prevalence of ETEC pathotype. 100% of the isolates were Multiple Antibiotic Resistant with higher MAR indices stipulating an important human health concern due to a risk of developing water borne disease associated with exposure to contaminated waters.