The primary objective of this study was to extract E. coli samples from red meat samples and analyze their sensitivity to antibiotics. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the impact of various concentrations of plant extract, as well as the effects of heat and UV radiation on E. coli samples. To detect enterotoxins and antimicrobial genes, a PCR assay was employed.
A total of 162 samples of red meat were analyzed using biochemical reactions (microbat kits), resulting in the identification of 63 samples containing E. coli. (38.8%).
Cefoperazone exhibits a sensitivity rate of 94.1% and a minimal resistance rate of 5.9%, suggesting its potential efficacy against the examined dietary samples. Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Meropenem, have relatively low sensitivity percentages (41.1% for Ampicillin/Sulbactam and 41.1% for Meropenem) compared to other antibiotics. In addition, Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Meropenem exhibit higher resistance rates, showing a proportion of 58.9%. This suggests possible constraints in the effectiveness of these antibiotics against the examined dietary samples, with a notable portion showing resistance.
The plant extract affects the growth of E. coli, but it does not affect the enterotoxin genes (fliC, stx1, stx2, eae, and rfbE genes). However, it acts as a natural antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of E. coli.
The study demonstrates that heat and UV radiation have distinct effects on the detection of virulence genes, leading to alterations in gene expression and DNA integrity. Specific genes, such as eae and rfbE, tolerate certain stresses, while others, like stx-1 and fliC, are more sensitive to being affected