Detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Organic and Inorganic Farms

Agricultural activities are responsible for the occurrence of microorganisms in natural environment. The presence of E. coli in the environment is due to faecal contamination. Organic and chemical fertilisers are applied on agricultural land to increase crop yield. This leads to occurrence of E. coli and E. coli 0157: H7 in natural environment. Little is known on the effects of different farms management on the genotypes of Shiga Toxin Escherichia coli (STEC). This study aims to detect and analyse positive E. coli isolates for the presence of genes belonging to STEC in samples from organic and inorganic farms through the usage of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A total of 64 samples were collected from farms located at Siburan and Serian, Sarawak. E. coli was successfully isolated from 6(25%) water samples and 12(30%) soil samples. E. coli 0157: H7 was not detected in any of the samples collected. Results obtained from this study can assist in environmental impact assessment and in studying the distribution of E. coli in natural environment