Detection of Escherichia coli virulence genes in baby alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from La Raya, Cusco, Peru

Pérez-Cornejo V.; Pezo D.C.; Cárdenas-Suárez N.; Becerra-Callo J.; Rojas M.M.; Manchego A.S.; Suice J.M. · Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru (2025) · DOI: 10.15381/rivep.v36i2.30631

Resumen

A total of 62 Escherichia coli positive isolates were analysed, obtained from faecal samples of alpaca calves less than 4 months old, of which 58 were diarrheal and 4 were non-diarrheic, from the South American Camelid Research Centre (CICAS) La Raya, Universidad San Antonio de Abad de Cusco (UNSAAC), located in the province of Canchis, Cusco. The aim of the study was to identify the stx1 and eaeA virulence genes of E. coli by PCR. The isolates were identified as E. coli positive by using MacConkey and EMB agars, and biochemical tests of Simmons citrate, urea and SIM. The results showed that 45.16% (28/62) of the isolates contained exclusively the stx1 gene, while 9.68% (6/62) had the eaeA gene. Furthermore, 37.09% (23/62) of the isolates showed the simultaneous presence of both genes. These findings indicate a high frequency of alpacas in the herds of the study area harbouring E. coli strains with the stx1 and eaeA genes. These results are consistent with previous research conducted in the mountain region of the country. ©Los autores.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco