Phenotypic Characterization of Escherichia coli by Investigation of Neurotoxicity

Six samples of fruits and vegetables were tested positive for Escherichia coli 0157H:7 out of a total of three hundred samples of fruits and vegetables obtained from five Local markets using sorbitol macConkey which is a selective media for Escherichia coli 0157H:7 The isolates show strong neurotoxic effect on the movement of the experimental mice which led to the death of the experimental animal after introducing the E. coli 0157H:7 isolates peritoneally with none of the symptoms or lethality in any case of the control Mice. The remarkable decrease observed after every 30 minutes from initial active movement to moderately active to very slowly and finally death could be attributed to the effect of the toxins on the nerves of the animal thereby causing weakness in the joints and finally death of the animal if not treated.

Keywords: Escherichia coli, Neurotoxicity, Neurotoxin.

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