molecular detection of colicin v in shiga toxin-producing escherichia coli (stec) sheep carcasses in kerman slaughterhouse

Colicins are antimicrobial proteins synthesized by escherichia coli (e. coli) to inhibit other e. coli strains as well as other closely related bacteria. these proteins have evolved to provide the carrying bacterium an advantage when competing with the closely related bacteria. the ability to produce colicins is common in the enterobacteriaceae family, and studies have revealed that approximately 30% of e. coli isolates are capable of producing at least one type of colicin. the present study is to determine the frequency of colicin gene from colicinogenic-e. coli. in this study, 33 isolates of shiga toxin-producing e. coli (stec) from sheep carcasses in kerman slaughter was investigated. specific primers were used in the pcr test to track the colicin v gene. in this study, among the mentioned 33 isolates, 3 isolates (9.09%) had to colicin v gene. the presence of colicin genes in stec strains poses several implications for public health. the enhanced survival and pathogenic potential of colicin-producing stec strains could lead to more severe and persistent infections, increasing the burden on healthcare systems.