Molecular Characteristics and Virulence Gene Analysis of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Cattle in Xinjiang

Non-O157 Shiga toxin (stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is recognized as an important human diarrheal pathogen. Cattle are the principal reservoirs of STEC, although other animals can be carriers. Humans are mainly infected by consuming contaminated drinking water or food. This study aimed to evaluate the virulence potential of isolated bovine non-O157 STEC to humans in Xinjiang. During 2015-2017, 978 rectal swab samples collected from cattle of 5 farms were screened for the presence of Shiga toxin-encoding genes by polymerase chain reaction. Strains identified as STEC were isolated from rectal swab samples, and were characterized for stx subtype, virulence genes, O serogroup, phylogenetic group, and hemolytic phenotype. Among 125 non-O157 STEC isolates, the prevalence percentages of stx(1) and stx(2) were 22 and 21, respectively, and 57% of the isolates carried both Shiga toxins. The stx subtypes were mainly found in the combination of stx(1a)/stx(2a) (57%), stx(2a) (20%), stx(1a) (22%), stx(1a)/stx(2a)/stx(2c) (1%), and stx(2a)/stx(2c) (1%). The enterohemolysin (ehxA) gene was found in 94% of the isolates. No intimin (eae) was detected. Hemolysis was observed in 33% of the isolates. Two STEC serogroups O145 (17%) and O113 (2%) were found, which were reported to be associated with outbreaks of human disease. Phylotyping assays showed that most strains largely belong to groups A (91%) and B1 (7%). The results of this study can help improve our understanding of the epidemiological aspects of bovine STEC and devise strategies for protection against it.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the virulence potential of isolated bovine non-O157 STEC strains in Xinjiang, which showed a high prevalence of multiple Shiga toxin subtypes and the enterohemolysin gene. Two serogroups associated with human disease outbreaks were identified, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the epidemiological aspects of bovine STEC for human protection strategies.