Shiga toxin producing E.coli (STEC) is an emerging pathogen. These STEC strains are grouped as O157 and non O157 group. The ability of STEC to cause serious disease in human is related to the production of one or more shiga- like toxins (stx1, stx2 or both). This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and characterization of Shiga toxin producing strains of E.coli (STEC) in cattle of Coimbatore. A total of 150 cattle samples were collected from different slaughter houses and transported to the laboratory. The different serogroups isolated are known for certain life threatening disease in humans in other parts of the world. Stx1 and Stx2 genes were identified by PCR. Antibiotic resistance is increasing among these STEC and usage of antibiotics for treatment of such strains result in induction of toxin production. Hence, phytochemicals from Punica granatum peels and Psidium guajava leaf extracts were studied as an alternative to antibiotics.
