Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Foods in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Incidence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) in foods usually consumed in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil was determined. Raw and cooked foods of animal and vegetable origin were investigated. Enterotoxigenic strains were found in approximately 3.5% of food samples contaminated with E. coli . There was a great predominance of ETEC strains producing only LT enterotoxin. None of the isolated strains produced LT and ST simultaneously. Several serotypes were involved, and none of them was positive for colonization factors CFA-I and CFA-II. One ETEC showed resistance to some antibiotics but most were sensitive to the ones tested.