Characterization of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from fresh vegetables of Dhaka city

Abstract

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is generally harmless bacteria that resides in the intestines of humans and animals and maintains intestinal health. This benign intestinal resident is also a highly adaptable and frequently lethal infection. Vegetables are susceptible to E. coli contamination from pre-harvest through post-harvest. This study aims to determine the frequency of the virulence gene and the antibiotic resistance of E. coli in fresh vegetables gathered from various areas of Dhaka. Of 250 vegetable samples, 101 (40.4%) included E. coli. Dhanmondi had the most positive isolates (12.87%) and followed by Rampura (11.88%), Farmgate (9.9%), Uttara (9.9%), Gulshan-1(7.92%), Gulshan-2 (7.92%), Banani (7.92%), Khilgoan (7.92%), Mirpur (6.94%), Mohakhali (5.94%), Mohammadpur (5.94%), and Bashundhara (4.95%). The highest percentage of positive isolates in Tomato was 52.0%. Respectively, followed by Capsicum (51.85%), Carrot (51.35%), Coriander (47.61%), Cabbage (44%), Cucumber (40.9%), Green Chili (36.84%), Mint (31.81%), Spring Onion (21.42%), Lettuce (20.83%). From the antibiotic susceptibility test, 95.04% of isolates showed multi-drug resistance (MDR). Moreover, the pathogenicity of 40 bacteria out of 101 isolates was evaluated through PCR, and 26 (65%) of the 40 isolates were confirmed positive for pathogenicity. According to these findings, there is a considerable cause for worry for the residents of the Dhaka region since there is a significant threat to human health. As a realization of these findings, it became clear that there is a compelling need to raise public awareness regarding the hygienic practices that should be followed while selling and purchasing fresh produce.