Isolation, Molecular Detection, Antibiogram Profiles and Associated Risk Factors of Escherichia Coli O157: H7 in Raw Milk of apparently healthy Dairy Cow in Jimma Town, Southwest Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Escherichia coli O157:H7, a common foodborne pathogen in developing nations, is found in raw cow milk. Raw milk facilitates the growth of bacteria due to its nutrient-rich properties, which make it ideal for bacterial growth. The current study aims to determine the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7, identify associated risk factors, detect specific virulence genes of E. coli O157:H7, and assess the antimicrobial resistance profile in raw cow milk from Jimma Town from March to November, 2023