Journal of

Background and Aim: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) pathotypes belong to Enterobacteriaceae family that is known as the cause of gastroenteritis and diarrhea in under-5-year-old children. These bacteria have high prevalence in developed and developing countries that may cause severe illness or even death. The aim of this study was to examine EPEC prevalence in diarrheal samples of children under 5 years -- caused by the country’s food -- by PCR method.
Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 45diarrheal samples of children suffering from country food outbreaks were transferred to the Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). E. coli strain was identified using standard methods and biochemical tests. For the detection of Enteropathogenic E. coli, the presence of eae gene was checked by PCR method, and serologic test using specific antiserum (Mast company, England) was checked by agglutination method on slide.
Results: Of the 45 outbreaks, 28 Escherichia coli were identified, among which 1 isolate (3.6%) was identified as E. coli EPEC. This isolate contained eae gene. Based on the serological response of somatic antigen (O) and flagella (H), the isolated Escherichia coli serotype was EPEC O119B14.
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of EPEC E. coli in children’s diarrheal samples from food outbreaks is low, the presence of these isolates is important and should be considered.