The Determination of Virulence Factors among Fish Originated Enterococci

OpenAlex İngilizce

Enterococci are commensal organisms of human and animals, and may cause diseases in particular conditions. Several virulence factors are responsible in the production of diseases. The aim of this study was to isolate enterococci from fish and to determine virulence factors of the isolates. A total of 26 (13%) Enterococcus faecalis strains were isolated from live, moribund and dead fish collected from fish farms in Aegian Region. Cytolysin and gelatinase activities and aggregation substance production of these strains were examined.Cytolysin production was not detected in any of E. faecalis strains. Of 26 strains tested, 27% was found to produce aggregation substance. Gelatinase activity was found in 11.5% of strains. The presence of strains with important virulence factors in enterococci from fish was established. It was suggested that these strains have the potential of producing disease in human and animals.