Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolated from Donkeys Slaughtered in Abattoirs in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Escherichia coli is a natural inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and animals. There are several strains of which some are harmless while some are pathogenic causing various fatal conditions in both humans and animals. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the occurrence of E. coli and detection of virulent genes of E. coli isolated from liver, spleen and small intestine of donkeys slaughtered in Maraban Idah, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 384 samples were collected from 128 donkeys from April to August 2018 based on owners’ consent. The samples were analyzed using standard methods of cultural enrichment, growth on selective media, biochemical test for identification and isolation of E. coli. Multiplex PCR was then used to detect presence of virulence genes in the E. coli isolates. The isolation rate was 5.2 % with organ distribution of 4.7 %. 4.7 % and 6.3 % for the intestine, liver and spleen respectively. Nineteen (19) of the 20 positive isolates profiled haboured different combinations of virulent genes viz: stx1-rfbO157-hlyA (n=2), stx1-rfbO157-eaeA-hlyA (n=6), stx1-eaeA (n=4), stx1-rfbO157 (n=1), stx1-rfbO157-eaeA (n=3), eaeA-hlyA (n=1), stx1-eaeA-hlyA (n=1) stx1-hlyA (n=1) hlyA (n=1) gene. This study showed that 60% of the isolates had the rfbO157 gene (E. coli O157 serotype), which is of great public health importance. Therefore, proper sanitation and hygienic practices should be ensured during and after slaughtering donkeys.