Isolation and Identification of Escherichia coli Serotype O157 from Swabs of Rectal Faeces in Aceh Cattle

Escherichia coli Serotype O157 (hereafter, E. coli O157) is known as a very important food-borne pathogen and the case spread world-wide in human. This study was aimed to isolate the bacteria of E. coli O157 from faecal sample of rectal swabs in aceh cattle. A number of 85 rectal swab samples were collected from aceh cattle in Cattle Breeding and Forage Centre of Directorate General of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture of Republic of Indonesia, in Indrapuri of Aceh Besar District, Aceh Province. The samples were taken to the Laboratory for isolaton by culturing in eosin methylene blue agar (EMBA) medium and then performed Gram staining and indol, methyl red, voges proskauer and citrate (IMVIC) test, followed by cultured in selective medium sorbitol Mac Conkey agar (SMAC), and proven using O157 latex agglutination test to exactly confirm the E. coli serotype O157. The results of this study were analysed descriptively. A number of 5 sampels among 85 rectal swab samples of aceh cattle were found positive for E. coli O157 (6 %). Therefore, a further study is needed in aceh cattle as it could direct to the existence of zoonotic agents of E. coli O157:H7, which is need to control for prevention of pathogenic transmission.