Frequency of Shiga Toxin Associated Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Salivary Abomasum Disease in Kid Goats

Background: Salivary abomasum disease (SAD) is a devastating disease causing significant mortality in Iranian goat and sheep herds. Understanding the causative agents is essential for developing effective preventive measures. This study investigated the potential role of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in SAD pathogenesis. Methods: We isolated E. coli from kid goats aged 3-30 days experiencing a sudden, acute illness characterized by gait imbalance, and death within 48 hours during the kidding season. Following isolation, we employed multiplex PCR to identify the presence of Shiga toxin genes (Stx1 and Stx2) associated with virulence in STEC strains. Results: E. coli was isolated from 30 (75%) out of 40 animals. Notably, 7 (23.3%) isolates harbored the Stx2 gene, while only one isolate (3.3%) possessed the Stx1 gene. Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential role for STEC, particularly strains carrying the Stx2 gene, in the development of SAD and multiple abomasal hemorrhages, in kid goats. The presence of Shiga toxin genes in a significant proportion of E. coli isolates highlights the importance of further research to elucidate their  contribution to SAD pathogenesis and inform the development of targeted interventions.