Identification, cloning and sequencing of Escherichia coli strain chi1378 (O78:K80) iss gene isolated from poultry colibacillosis in Iran.

Abstract

AIMS: To identify, clone and sequence the iss (increased serum survival) gene from E. coli strain chi1378 isolated from Iranian poultry and to predict its protein product, Iss. METHODS AND RESULTS: The iss gene from E. coli strain chi1378 was amplified and cloned into the pTZ57R/T vector and sequenced. From the DNA sequence, the Iss predictive protein was evaluated using bioinformatics. Iss from strain chi1378 had 100% identity with other E. coli serotypes and isolates from different origins and also 98% identity with E. coli O157:H7 Iss protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed no significant different phylogenic groups among E. coli strains. CONCLUSIONS: The strong association of predicted Iss protein among different E. coli strains suggests that it could be a good antigen to control and detect avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Because the exact pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors are unknown, the Iss protein could be used as a target for vaccination in the future, but further research is required.