Prevalence, identification of virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance properties of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from ice cream and juice in sales centers

This study aimed to assess the virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains from ice cream and fruit juice sold in Isfahan, Iran. From March 2023 to March 2024, 500 samples were collected and analyzed using biochemical and molecular methods. The results showed that 52 (10.42%) samples were E. coli positive, with the highest prevalence in traditional juice (20%) and ice cream (15%). High antibiotic resistance rates were observed against ampicillin (86.53%), tetracycline (76.92%), and sulfamethoxazole (73.07%), while the lowest resistance was recorded for imipenem (7.69%).