Isolation of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) From Raw Milk in Kermanshah by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Background: Infectious diarrhoeal diseases cause major problems throughout the world and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) may cause infantile diarrhoea among children in developing countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of EPEC strains in raw milk samples. Materials and Methods: Raw milk samples collected from various cow farms in Kermanshah, Iran, during the period of 22nd June to 22nd September 2009 and were examined for EPEC presence using PCR reactions targeting eaeA, and then stx1 and stx2. Results: Of the 206 samples, 17 (8.25%) were contaminated with E. coli eaeA positive and stx1 and stx2 negative (EPEC). Conclusions: Our results confirm that raw milk recovered in Kermanshah may be a source for gastrointestinal infections by EPEC and strict preventive measures should be adopted to decrease contamination of milk with EPEC and other bacteria originated from animals.