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Germon P, Foucras G, Smith DGE, Rainard P. Invited review: Mastitis Escherichia coli strains-Mastitis-associated or mammo-pathogenic? J Dairy Sci 2025; 108:4485-4507. [PMID: 40139360 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-26109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
Bovine mastitis remains a major concern for dairy farmers, mainly because of its effect on the economy of their activity and on animal welfare. Because Escherichia coli is considered a major mastitis pathogen, the diversity of E. coli strains isolated from mastitis cases has been studied for decades, with the aim to discover new ways to fight this infection. With the recent advances in whole-genome sequencing, a detailed view of the peculiarities of mastitis E. coli strains has emerged. This review aims to bring together the knowledge garnered over the years with the more recent results of whole-genome analyses. Whereas the concept of a mammary pathogenic E. coli has been proposed, because a common set of virulence genes cannot be identified among mastitis E. coli strains, we prefer the use of mastitis-associated E. coli (MAEC), with MAEC being more an "ecotype" rather than a "pathotype." Indeed, data available so far suggest that a common feature of MAEC would rather be an enrichment in fitness capabilities that makes them well-suited for survival and rapid adaptation to changing biotopes in the mammary gland, which we qualify as intramammary ecotopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Germon
- INRAE, ISP UMR 1282, Université François Rabelais de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Gilles Foucras
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Pascal Rainard
- INRAE, ISP UMR 1282, Université François Rabelais de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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2
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Su Z, Zhang L, Sun H, Hu Y, Fanning S, Du P, Cui S, Bai L. Characterization of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Cultured from Cattle Farms in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, During 2016-2017. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:761-770. [PMID: 33524305 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2020.2843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Most outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are attributed to consumption of contaminated foodstuffs including beef and dairy products. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of non-O157 STEC cultured from beef and dairy cattle and collected in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Results identified 67 non-O157 STEC recovered from the 793 samples including beef cattle (10.28%, 43/418) and dairy cattle (6.40%, 24/375). A total of 67 non-O157 STEC was sequenced allowing for in silico analyses of their serotypes, virulence genes, and identification of the corresponding multilocus sequence types (STs). Twenty-one O serogroups and nine H serotypes were identified and the dominant serotype identified was O22:H8. One stx1 subtype (stx1a) and four stx2 subtypes (2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d) were found in the 67 non-O157 STEC isolates. The results revealed that stx1a+stx2a-positive STEC isolates were predominant (32.83%, 22/67), followed by stx1a+stx2d (29.85%, 20/67) and stx2a alone (17.91%, 12/67). Non-O157 STEC isolates carried virulence genes ehxA (98.51%), subA (53.73%), and cdtB (17.91%). Of the four adherence-associated genes tested, eaeA was absent, whereas lpfA and iha were present in 67 and 55 non-O157 STEC isolates, respectively. The STEC isolates were divided into 48 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns and 10 STs, and ST446 (O22:H8) was the dominant clone (22.38%). Our results revealed that there was a high genetic diversity among non-O157 STEC isolated from beef and dairy cattle, some of which have potential to cause human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanqiang Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Honghu Sun
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China.,Food Microbiology Lab, Chengdu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of Food Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China.,School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Séamus Fanning
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China.,UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pengcheng Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenghui Cui
- Department of Food Science, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Li Bai
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Food Safety Research Unit (2019RU014) of Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
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3
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Structural and Functional Characterization of Stx2k, a New Subtype of Shiga Toxin 2. Microorganisms 2019; 8:microorganisms8010004. [PMID: 31861375 PMCID: PMC7022315 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) is the major virulence factor of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Stx evolves rapidly and, as such, new subtypes continue to emerge that challenge the efficacy of existing disease management and surveillance strategies. A new subtype, Stx2k, was recently identified in E. coli isolated from a wide range of sources including diarrheal patients, animals, and raw meats, and was poorly detected by existing immunoassays. In this study, the structure of Stx2kE167Q was determined at 2.29 Å resolution and the conservation of structure with Stx2a was revealed. A novel polyclonal antibody capable of neutralizing Stx2k and an immunoassay, with a 10-fold increase in sensitivity compared to assays using extant antibodies, were developed. Stx2k is less toxic than Stx2a in Vero cell assays but is similar to Stx2a in receptor-binding preference, thermostability, and acid tolerance. Although Stx2k does not appear to be as potent as Stx2a to Vero cells, the wide distribution and blended virulence profiles of the Stx2k-producing strains suggest that horizontal gene transfer through Stx2k-converting phages could result in the emergence of new and highly virulent pathogens. This study provides useful information and tools for early detection and control of Stx2k-producing E. coli, which could reduce public risk of infection by less-known STECs.
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Tang F, Wang J, Li D, Gao S, Ren J, Ma L, Liu F, Zhuge X, Yan G, Lu Y, Dai J. Comparative genomic analysis of 127 Escherichia coli strains isolated from domestic animals with diarrhea in China. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:212. [PMID: 30866824 PMCID: PMC6416869 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5588-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Escherichia coli is an important pathogen that causes diarrhea in both humans and animals. To determine the relationships between putative virulence factors and pathotypes or host taxa, many molecular studies on diarrhea-associated E. coli have been reported. However, little is known regarding genome-wide variation of E. coli from animal hosts. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing of 127 E. coli isolates from sheep and swine with diarrhea in China. We compared isolates to explore the phylogenomic relatedness based on host origin. We explored the relationships of putative virulence factors across host taxa and pathotypes. Antimicrobial resistance was also tested. Results The E. coli genomes in this study were diverse with clear differences in the SNP, MLST, and O serotypes. Seven putative virulence factors (VFs) were prevalent (> 95%) across the isolates, including Hcp, csgC, dsdA, feoB, fepA, guaA, and malX. Sixteen putative VFs showed significantly different distributions (P < 0.05) in strains from sheep and swine and were primarily adhesion- and toxin-related genes. Some putative VFs were co-occurrent in some specific pathotypes and O serotypes. The distribution of 4525 accessory genes of the 127 strains significantly differed (P < 0.05) between isolates obtained from the two animal species. The 127 animal isolates sequenced in this study were each classified into one of five pathotypes: EAEC, ETEC, STEC, DAEC, and EPEC, with 66.9% of isolates belonging to EAEC. Analysis of stx subtypes and a minimum spanning tree based on MLST revealed that STEC isolates from sheep and EAEC isolates from sheep and swine have low potential to infect humans. Antibiotic resistance analysis showed that the E. coli isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin and doxycycline. Isolates from southeast China were more resistant to antibiotics than isolates from northwest China. Additionally, the plasmid-mediated colist in resistance gene mcr-1 was detected in 15 isolates, including 4 from sheep in Qinghai and 11 from swine in Jiangsu. Conclusions Our study provides insight into the genomes of E. coli isolated from animal sources. Distinguishable differences between swine and sheep isolates at the genomic level provides a baseline for future investigations of animal E. coli pathogens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5588-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tang
- Key Lab Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture; Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanfang Wang
- Key Lab Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture; Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Dezhi Li
- Key Lab Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture; Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Song Gao
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianluan Ren
- Key Lab Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture; Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqing Ma
- Qinghai Academy of veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Liu
- CAS key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangkai Zhuge
- Key Lab Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture; Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Genqiang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lu
- Qinghai Academy of veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Dai
- Key Lab Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture; Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Sadekuzzaman M, Yang S, Mizan MFR, Ha SD. Reduction ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 in Biofilms Using Bacteriophage BPECO 19. J Food Sci 2017; 82:1433-1442. [DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.13729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadekuzzaman
- School of Food Science and Technology; Chung-Ang Univ.; 72-1 Nae-Ri, Daedeok-Myun Anseong Gyunggido 456-756 South Korea
- Dept. of Livestock Services; People's Republic of Bangladesh
| | - Sungdae Yang
- School of Food Science and Technology; Chung-Ang Univ.; 72-1 Nae-Ri, Daedeok-Myun Anseong Gyunggido 456-756 South Korea
| | - Md. Furkanur Rahaman Mizan
- School of Food Science and Technology; Chung-Ang Univ.; 72-1 Nae-Ri, Daedeok-Myun Anseong Gyunggido 456-756 South Korea
| | - Sang-Do Ha
- School of Food Science and Technology; Chung-Ang Univ.; 72-1 Nae-Ri, Daedeok-Myun Anseong Gyunggido 456-756 South Korea
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6
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Prieto-Calvo M, López M, Prieto M, Alvarez-Ordóñez A. Variability in resistance to Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) and Ultraviolet light (UV) and multiple stress resistance analysis of pathogenic verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC). Food Res Int 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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7
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Grau-Leal F, Quirós P, Martínez-Castillo A, Muniesa M. Free Shiga toxin 1-encoding bacteriophages are less prevalent than Shiga toxin 2 phages in extraintestinal environments. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:4790-801. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Grau-Leal
- Department of Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Diagonal 643, Annex, Floor 0 Barcelona E-08028 Spain
| | - Pablo Quirós
- Department of Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Diagonal 643, Annex, Floor 0 Barcelona E-08028 Spain
| | | | - Maite Muniesa
- Department of Microbiology; University of Barcelona; Diagonal 643, Annex, Floor 0 Barcelona E-08028 Spain
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8
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Lambertini E, Karns JS, Van Kessel JAS, Cao H, Schukken YH, Wolfgang DR, Smith JM, Pradhan AK. Dynamics of Escherichia coli Virulence Factors in Dairy Herds and Farm Environments in a Longitudinal Study in the United States. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:4477-88. [PMID: 25911478 PMCID: PMC4475889 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00465-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic Escherichia coli or its associated virulence factors have been frequently detected in dairy cow manure, milk, and dairy farm environments. However, it is unclear what the long-term dynamics of E. coli virulence factors are and which farm compartments act as reservoirs. This study assessed the occurrence and dynamics of four E. coli virulence factors (eae, stx1, stx2, and the gamma allele of the tir gene [γ-tir]) on three U.S. dairy farms. Fecal, manure, water, feed, milk, and milk filter samples were collected from 2004 to 2012. Virulence factors were measured by postenrichment quantitative PCR (qPCR). All factors were detected in most compartments on all farms. Fecal and manure samples showed the highest prevalence, up to 53% for stx and 21% for γ-tir in fecal samples and up to 84% for stx and 44% for γ-tir in manure. Prevalence was low in milk (up to 1.9% for stx and 0.7% for γ-tir). However, 35% of milk filters were positive for stx and 20% were positive for γ-tir. All factors were detected in feed and water. Factor prevalence and levels, expressed as qPCR cycle threshold categories, fluctuated significantly over time, with no clear seasonal signal independent from year-to-year variability. Levels were correlated between fecal and manure samples, and in some cases autocorrelated, but not between manure and milk filters. Shiga toxins were nearly ubiquitous, and 10 to 18% of the lactating cows were potential shedders of E. coli O157 at least once during their time in the herds. E. coli virulence factors appear to persist in many areas of the farms and therefore contribute to transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Lambertini
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Karns
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jo Ann S Van Kessel
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Huilin Cao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ynte H Schukken
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA GD Animal Health, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - David R Wolfgang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julia M Smith
- Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Abani K Pradhan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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9
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Mir RA, Weppelmann TA, Kang M, Bliss TM, DiLorenzo N, Lamb GC, Ahn S, Jeong KC. Association between animal age and the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in a cohort of beef cattle. Vet Microbiol 2015; 175:325-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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10
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Narváez-Bravo C, Echeverry A, Miller MF, Rodas-González A, Brashears MT, Aslam M, Brashears MM. Virulence characterization and molecular subtyping of typical and atypical Escherichia coli O157:H7 and O157:H(-) isolated from fecal samples and beef carcasses in Mexico. J Food Prot 2015; 78:264-72. [PMID: 25710140 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-14-348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to characterize virulence genes and subtype Escherichia coli O157:H7 and O157:H( 2 ) isolates obtained from a vertically integrated feedlot slaughter plant in Mexico. A total of 1,695 samples were collected from feedlots, holding pens, colon contents, hides, and carcasses. E. coli O157:H7 detection and confirmation was carried out using conventional microbiology techniques, immunomagnetic separation, latex agglutination, and the BAX system. A total of 97 E. coli O157 strains were recovered and screened for key virulence and metabolic genes using multiplex and conventional PCR. Eighty-eight (91.72%) of the strains carried stx2, eae, and ehxA genes. Ten isolates (8.25%) were atypical sorbitol-fermenting strains, and nine were negative for the flicH7 gene and lacked eae, stx1, stx2, and ehxA. One sorbitol-positive strain carried stx2, eae, tir, toxB, and iha genes but was negative for stx1 and ehxA. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis yielded 49 different PFGE subtypes, showing a high genetic diversity; however, the majority of the typical isolates were closely related (80 to 90% cutoff). Atypical O157 isolates were not closely related within them or to typical E. coli O157:H7 isolates. Identical PFGE subtypes were found in samples obtained from colon contents, feedlots, holding pens, and carcasses. Isolation of a sorbitolfermenting E. coli O157 positive for a number of virulence genes is a novel finding in Mexico. These data showed that genetically similar strains of E. coli O157:H7 can be found at various stages of beef production and highlights the importance of preventing cross-contamination at the pre- and postharvest stages of processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Narváez-Bravo
- Department of Food Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - Alejandro Echeverry
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Markus F Miller
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | | | - M Todd Brashears
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA
| | - Mueen Aslam
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 6000 C&E Trail, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada T4L 1W1
| | - Mindy M Brashears
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA.
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11
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Development of a real-time PCR procedure for quantification of viable Escherichia coli in populations of E. coli exposed to lactic acid, and the acid tolerance of verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) from cattle hides. Food Control 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Alvarez-Ordóñez A, Alvseike O, Omer MK, Heir E, Axelsson L, Holck A, Prieto M. Heterogeneity in resistance to food-related stresses and biofilm formation ability among verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains. Int J Food Microbiol 2012; 161:220-30. [PMID: 23337122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2012.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the resistance of ten verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) isolates of commonly encountered serogroups/-types and two non-pathogenic E. coli strains to various food-related stresses (acid, alkaline, heat and high hydrostatic pressure treatments) and their biofilm formation ability. In addition, the global changes in the cellular composition in response to the exposure to these adverse environments were monitored by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for two of the strains. Large inter-strain variations in stress resistance were observed. The most tolerant strains belonged to serogroup O157 which included both the O157:H7 type strain EDL933 and a representative isolate of the sorbitol fermenting O157:H- VTEC clone (strain MF3582). Strain C-600, a non-pathogenic laboratory strain, was sensitive to multiple stresses. Although wide variation in biofilm-forming ability was observed among VTEC isolates, no consistent relationships between biofilm-forming ability and capacity to withstand stress exposures were found. Analysis of the allelic status of the rpoS gene, involved in the general stress response of stationary-phase cells, allowed detection of loss-of-function mutations for two strains, E218/02 and MF2411, both of them showing as common features a high sensitivity to alkaline and heat treatments and a poor ability to form mature biofilms. Evidences found in this study confirm rpoS as a highly mutable gene in nature, and suggest its relevance not only for the mount of an active stress response but also for the establishment of mature biofilm communities. Our findings contribute to increase the knowledge on the resistance of VTEC to environmental stresses commonly encountered in the food chain, which can lead to improved strategies for preventing VTEC infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Alvarez-Ordóñez
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, University of León, Campus de Vegazana, E-24071 León, Spain.
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13
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Yoshitomi KJ, Jinneman KC, Zapata R, Weagant SD, Fedio WM. Detection and Isolation of Low Levels of E. coli O157:H7 in Cilantro by Real-Time PCR, Immunomagnetic Separation, and Cultural Methods with and without an Acid Treatment. J Food Sci 2012; 77:M481-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02813.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Fedio WM, Jinneman KC, Yoshitomi KJ, Zapata R, Weagant SD. Efficacy of a post enrichment acid treatment for isolation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from alfalfa sprouts. Food Microbiol 2012; 30:83-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Osman KM, Mustafa AM, Aly MA, AbdElhamed GS. Serotypes, Virulence Genes, and Intimin Types of Shiga Toxin-ProducingEscherichia coliand EnteropathogenicEscherichia coliIsolated from Mastitic Milk Relevant to Human Health in Egypt. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:297-305. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kamelia M. Osman
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ashgan M. Mustafa
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdy A.K. Aly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
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16
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Martínez R, Sánchez S, Alonso JM, Herrera-León S, Rey J, Echeita MA, Morán JM, García-Sánchez A. Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli prevalence in an ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) research center in Spain. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2011; 8:1309-11. [PMID: 21854263 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2011.0885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the epidemiological status of Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in an ocellated lizard research center focusing on the risk and hygiene aspects. Fecal and environmental samples were collected and examined for Salmonella spp. and STEC. Isolates were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and characterized using serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Overall, 52% of samples were positive for Salmonella spp. using RT-PCR and seven isolates were obtained from samples from ocellated lizards and their environment, whereas no samples were positive for STEC. Salmonella isolates belonged to S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kibusi and S. enterica subsp. salamae serovars 41:z10:z6 and 18:z10:z6, some of which have previously been isolated from human sources. Indistinguishable and closely related PFGE types were found, which supported the existence of horizontal transmission between animals due to crowding of animals and the persistence of Salmonella in the environment. The results of the current study emphasize the need for improved prevention efforts and good hygiene practices in research centers, recuperation centers, and zoos with reptiles to minimize the exposure of personnel and visitors to this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remigio Martínez
- Patología Infecciosa y Epidemiología, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
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17
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Bolton DJ. Verocytotoxigenic (Shiga toxin-producing) Escherichia coli: virulence factors and pathogenicity in the farm to fork paradigm. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2010; 8:357-65. [PMID: 21114423 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) are a good example of the evolution and emergence of pathogenic E. coli. Unknown before the late 1970s, these bacteria are a major cause of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome worldwide. The production of verocytotoxins is the main virulence feature of VTEC but cannot be solely responsible for full pathogenicity. VTEC associated with severe human disease are usually capable of colonizing the intestinal mucosa with a characteristic attaching-and-effacing mechanism, genetically governed by the locus of enterocyte effacement, and possess other mobile genetic elements carrying additional virulence genes such as plasmids, phages, and pathogenicity islands (e.g., O-I 122). Despite the huge amount of data collected after the sequencing of the full genome of VTEC O157, the virulence and the evolution of the different VTEC serotypes have only been partially unraveled. A greater understanding of the factors governing the development of severe disease in humans and the colonization of animal hosts must be achieved before effective intervention strategies aimed at the reduction of the burden of infection can be developed. Defining all the factors characterizing a fully pathogenic VTEC strain will be crucial to improve the efficacy of the diagnosis of human infections, the surveillance of animal reservoirs, the assessment of public health risks, and the development of control interventions. An overview of the VTEC virulence factors, including their genetic basis and function, would start this process and is the objective of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan J Bolton
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
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Kataoka Y, Irie Y, Sawada T, Nakazawa M. A 3-year epidemiological surveillance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in dogs and cats in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2010; 72:791-4. [PMID: 20124764 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.09-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For three years investigations from 1996 to 1998, we tried to isolate Escherichia coli O157:H7 from fecal samples collected from dogs and cats. In results, E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from 1 out of 614 samples (0.16%). This isolate produced Stx1 and Stx2 and was isolated from a dog kept by a human patient infected with E. coli O157:H7. Excluding in this case, dogs and cats as companion animals, therefore, may not give harbor to E. coli O157:H7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kataoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Allen KJ, Lepp D, McKellar RC, Griffiths MW. Examination of stress and virulence gene expression in Escherichia coli O157:H7 using targeted microarray analysis. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2008; 5:437-47. [PMID: 18713062 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2008.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 poses a threat to humans through food- and water-borne transmission. To investigate how environmental stresses affect the Escherichia coli O157:H7 transcriptome, we designed a targeted microarray consisting of stress response and virulence genes (n = 125) to analyze the impact of acidified (pH 3.5), cold (7.5 degrees C), and fresh tryptic soy broth (TSB) (37 degrees C) on E. coli O157:H7 stress response and virulence gene expression. Nutrient replenishment with fresh TSB resulted in 72 differentially expressed genes (> or = 1.5-fold change; p < 0.05), with 65 induced. All queried global and specific stress regulators were affected, as were 12 virulence genes. Cold-shocked cells displayed 17 differentially expressed genes, with 10 being induced. Induction of rpoS, members of the sigma(H) regulon (clpB, dnaK, ftsH), and acid resistance (AR) genes (gadA, gadX) was observed. Porin transcript (ompC, ompF) and gapA and tufA ancillary genes were repressed. Acid shock resulted in 24 differentially expressed genes, with 21 induced. No induction of any stationary phase AR system was observed, though acid-coping mechanisms were recruited, including mar and phoB induction, and repression of ompC and ompF. Stress regulators were induced, including relA, soxS, rpoE, and rpoH. The microarray data were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Exposure to sublethal stress events led to the induction of diverse stress response networks. In the food chain, sublethal events may render cells increasingly resistant to future stresses, potentially leading to increased survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Allen
- Department of Food Science and Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Abongo B, Momba M. Prevalence and potential link betweenE.coliO157:H7 isolated from drinking water, meat and vegetables and stools of diarrhoeic confirmed and non-confirmed HIVAIDS patients in the Amathole District South Africa. J Appl Microbiol 2008; 105:424-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03756.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Cooper IR, Taylor HD, Hanlon GW. Virulence traits associated with verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 recovered from freshwater biofilms. J Appl Microbiol 2008; 102:1293-9. [PMID: 17448164 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate whether epilithic biofilms in freshwater streams in a mixed UK agricultural river catchment harbour Escherichia coli O157, and if so, whether they demonstrate an association with those excreted by grazing farm animals. METHODS AND RESULTS Flint shingle, native to the study site, was used as a surface for biofilm development within cages of metal lath set into a stream bed at four locations on a chalkland farm. Shingle was collected from all sites once a month, as were pooled faecal samples from five farm animal populations. Subpopulations of E. coli, including E. coli O157 that demonstrated significant phenotypic and genotypic similarity with animal faecal isolates (t-test, P = 0.05) were isolated. Of 1002 E. coli isolates from biofilms and animal faeces, 48 were confirmed as the O157 strain by latex agglutination. The presence of five virulence traits associated with incidence of human disease was tested using PCR. Stx(2) was the most frequently isolated single gene (30 isolates), while stx(1) was the least frequently recovered (four isolates). CONCLUSION Escherichia coli O157, expressing up to four virulence factors associated with human disease, reside within freshwater biofilms in this agricultural environment. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Aquatic biofilms may potentially act as a reservoir for these pathogens, and the implications of the findings for the protection of drinking water resources should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Cooper
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
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22
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Cesaris L, Gillespie B, Srinivasan V, Almeida R, Zecconi A, Oliver S. Discriminating Between Strains ofEscherichia coliUsing Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and BOX-PCR. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2007; 4:473-80. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2007.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L. Cesaris
- Dipartimento Patologia Animale, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - B.E. Gillespie
- Department of Animal Science & Food Safety Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - V. Srinivasan
- Department of Animal Science & Food Safety Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - R.A. Almeida
- Department of Animal Science & Food Safety Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - A. Zecconi
- Dipartimento Patologia Animale, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S.P. Oliver
- Department of Animal Science & Food Safety Center of Excellence, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
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Nguyen QV, Hochstrasser L, Chuard C, Hächler H, Regamey C, Descombes E. Adult hemolytic-uremic syndrome associated with urosepsis due to Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli O138:H-. Ren Fail 2007; 29:747-50. [PMID: 17763172 DOI: 10.1080/08860220701460418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a 62-year-old man without prodromal symptoms who developed a hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) one week after the diagnosis of an acute bacteremic urinary infection (UTI). In this patient, the E. coli isolated in blood cultures was a non-O157:H7 Shigatoxin-producing strain that could subsequently be identified as O138:H-. This is a strain that is normally found in pigs and that has never been isolated in humans previously. UTI-related HUS is a rare event, as until now, only 14 pediatric and 3 adult cases have been reported. Indeed, this new case, besides its interesting microbiological aspects, should heighten our awareness of UTI-related HUS as a rare but real condition, not only in young children but also in adult patients. This should emphasize the necessity to search actively for other sources of Shigatoxin-producing E. coli in patients presenting with HUS without gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Vinh Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Orth D, Grif K, Dierich MP, Würzner R. Variability in tellurite resistance and the ter gene cluster among Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from humans, animals and food. Res Microbiol 2006; 158:105-11. [PMID: 17317110 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2006] [Revised: 10/25/2006] [Accepted: 10/31/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Tellurite-containing media are widely used for the screening and isolation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7, but tellurite resistance among non-O157 STEC is poorly characterized. Therefore, we investigated 202 STEC strains representing 61 different serotypes from humans, animals or food for the presence of ter genes by PCR and their correlation with tellurite resistance, by assessing growth on cefixime-tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar. All strains were screened for terC, terE and terF as markers for the ter gene cluster. Of the 202 strains, 127 contained terC and terE and were tellurite-resistant, but only 121 of these also contained terF. All 72 non-sorbitol-fermenting O157:H7 and O157:NM (non-motile) strains contained terC, terE and terF and expressed tellurite resistance. In contrast, all eight sorbitol-fermenting STEC O157:NM were terC-, terE- and terF-negative and tellurite-sensitive. Among non-O157 STEC, terC, terE and terF were found in all seven O145:NM, four O111:H8/NM, 17 of 18 O26:H11/NM and in 21 strains of 14 other serotypes. The strong correlation between the presence of ter genes and the ability to grow on tellurite-containing media suggest that the ter genes encode tellurite resistance in the vast majority of these strains. The presence of the ter gene cluster was significantly (P<0.00001) associated with the presence of eae genes. We conclude that the use of tellurite-containing media in screening for STEC will allow the detection of STEC O26, O111, O145 and non-sorbitol-fermenting O157, but most strains (in this study 74.3%) from other serotypes will be missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Orth
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University and Austrian Reference Laboratory for Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Schöpfstr. 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Abstract
The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of cattle in human disease due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and to discuss features of STEC that are important in human disease. Healthy dairy and beef cattle are a major reservoir of a diverse group of STEC that infects humans through contamination of food and water, as well as through direct contact. Infection of humans by STEC may result in combinations of watery diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Systems of serotyping, subtyping, and virulence typing of STEC are used to aid in epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis studies. Severe disease and outbreaks of disease are most commonly due to serotype O157:H7, which, like most other highly pathogenic STEC, colonize the large intestine by means of a characteristic attaching and effacing lesion. This lesion is induced by a bacterial type III secretion system that injects effector proteins into the intestinal epithelial cell, resulting in profound changes in the architecture and metabolism of the host cell and intimate adherence of the bacteria. Severe disease in the form of bloody diarrhea and the hemolytic uremic syndrome is attributable to Shiga toxin (Stx), which exists as 2 major types, Stx1 and Stx2. The stx genes are encoded on temperate bacteriophages in the chromosome of the bacteria, and production and release of the toxin are highly dependent on induction of the phages. Regulation of the genes involved in induction of the attaching and effacing lesion, and production of Stx is complex. In addition to these genes that are clearly implicated in virulence, there are several putative virulence factors. A major public health goal is to prevent STEC-induced disease in humans. Studies aimed at understanding factors that affect carriage and shedding of STEC by cattle and factors that contribute to development of disease in humans are considered to be important in achieving this objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Gyles
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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Oliver SP, Jayarao BM, Almeida RA. Foodborne pathogens in milk and the dairy farm environment: food safety and public health implications. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2005; 2:115-29. [PMID: 15992306 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2005.2.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Milk and products derived from milk of dairy cows can harbor a variety of microorganisms and can be important sources of foodborne pathogens. The presence of foodborne pathogens in milk is due to direct contact with contaminated sources in the dairy farm environment and to excretion from the udder of an infected animal. Most milk is pasteurized, so why should the dairy industry be concerned about the microbial quality of bulk tank milk? There are several valid reasons, including (1) outbreaks of disease in humans have been traced to the consumption of unpasteurized milk and have also been traced back to pasteurized milk, (2) unpasteurized milk is consumed directly by dairy producers, farm employees, and their families, neighbors, and raw milk advocates, (3) unpasteurized milk is consumed directly by a large segment of the population via consumption of several types of cheeses manufactured from unpasteurized milk, (4) entry of foodborne pathogens via contaminated raw milk into dairy food processing plants can lead to persistence of these pathogens in biofilms, and subsequent contamination of processed milk products and exposure of consumers to pathogenic bacteria, (5) pasteurization may not destroy all foodborne pathogens in milk, and (6) inadequate or faulty pasteurization will not destroy all foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes can survive and thrive in post-pasteurization processing environments, thus leading to recontamination of dairy products. These pathways pose a risk to the consumer from direct exposure to foodborne pathogens present in unpasteurized dairy products as well as dairy products that become re-contaminated after pasteurization. The purpose of this communication is to review literature published on the prevalence of bacterial foodborne pathogens in milk and in the dairy environment, and to discuss public health and food safety issues associated with foodborne pathogens found in the dairy environment. Information presented supports the model in which the presence of pathogens depends on ingestion of contaminated feed followed by amplification in bovine hosts and fecal dissemination in the farm environment. The final outcome of this cycle is a constantly maintained reservoir of foodborne pathogens that can reach humans by direct contact, ingestion of raw contaminated milk or cheese, or contamination during the processing of milk products. Isolation of bacterial pathogens with similar biotypes from dairy farms and from outbreaks of human disease substantiates this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Oliver
- Food Safety Center of Excellence and Department of Animal Science, 59 McCord Hall, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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