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Malavez Y, Nieves-Miranda SM, Loperena Gonzalez PN, Padin-Lopez AF, Xiaoli L, Dudley EG. Exploring Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of E. coli Isolates in Dairy Cattle: A Baseline Study across Dairy Farms with Varied Husbandry Practices in Puerto Rico. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2879. [PMID: 38138023 PMCID: PMC10745463 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial treatment in livestock can contribute to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) microorganisms. Despite substantial surveillance of AMR bacteria in the continental United States, the prevalence of these AMR organisms in U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, remains understudied. The goals of this research included obtaining baseline data on the antimicrobial profile of E. coli isolates from Puerto Rico dairy farms with different husbandry practices. Seventy-nine fecal samples were collected from two types of conventional dairy farms: those that fed calves with tank milk and those that fed calves with waste milk. These samples were collected from the animals' rectums, culture, and subsequently confirmed through biochemical tests. Out of these samples, 32 isolates were analyzed phenotypically and genotypically to elucidate their AMR profiles. The results underscore a discrepancy in the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance genes between calves and adult cattle. Notably, waste milk-fed calves exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli when compared to their tank milk-fed counterparts. These disparities emphasize the need for more comprehensive investigations to determine causative factors. These results underscore the urgency of comprehensive strategies to raise awareness about how management practices influence antimicrobial resistance, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Malavez
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, PR 00603, USA; (S.M.N.-M.); (A.F.P.-L.)
- Department of Biology, Industrial Biotechnology Program, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR 00681, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Agricultural Experimental Station, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR 00681, USA
| | - Sharon M. Nieves-Miranda
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, PR 00603, USA; (S.M.N.-M.); (A.F.P.-L.)
| | - Paola N. Loperena Gonzalez
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, PR 00603, USA; (S.M.N.-M.); (A.F.P.-L.)
| | - Adrian F. Padin-Lopez
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, PR 00603, USA; (S.M.N.-M.); (A.F.P.-L.)
| | - Lingzi Xiaoli
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA (E.G.D.)
| | - Edward G. Dudley
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA (E.G.D.)
- E. coli Reference Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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2
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Fitzgerald SF, Mitchell MC, Holmes A, Allison L, Chase-Topping M, Lupolova N, Wells B, Gally DL, McNeilly TN. Prevalence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 in Wild Scottish Deer with High Human Pathogenic Potential. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2795. [PMID: 37685059 PMCID: PMC10486872 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections associated with wildlife are increasing globally, highlighting many 'spillover' species as important reservoirs for these zoonotic pathogens. A human outbreak of STEC serogroup O157 in 2015 in Scotland, associated with the consumption of venison meat products, highlighted several knowledge gaps, including the prevalence of STEC O157 in Scottish wild deer and the potential risk to humans from wild deer isolates. In this study, we undertook a nationwide survey of wild deer in Scotland and determined that the prevalence of STEC O157 in wild deer is low 0.28% (95% confidence interval = 0.06-0.80). Despite the low prevalence of STEC O157 in Scottish wild deer, identified isolates were present in deer faeces at high levels (>104 colony forming units/g faeces) and had high human pathogenic potential based on whole genome sequencing and virulence gene profiling. A retrospective epidemiological investigation also identified one wild deer isolate from this study as a possible source of a Scottish human outbreak in 2017. These results emphasise the importance of food hygiene practices during the processing of wild deer carcasses for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F. Fitzgerald
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, UK
| | - Mairi C. Mitchell
- Scottish E. coli O157/STEC Reference Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK (L.A.)
| | - Anne Holmes
- Scottish E. coli O157/STEC Reference Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK (L.A.)
| | - Lesley Allison
- Scottish E. coli O157/STEC Reference Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK (L.A.)
| | - Margo Chase-Topping
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Nadejda Lupolova
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Beth Wells
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, UK
| | - David L. Gally
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Tom N. McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, UK
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Wanelik KM, Begon M, Fenton A, Norman RA, Beldomenico PM. Positive feedback loops exacerbate the influence of superspreaders in disease transmission. iScience 2023; 26:106618. [PMID: 37250299 PMCID: PMC10214397 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Superspreaders are recognized as being important drivers of disease spread. However, models to date have assumed random occurrence of superspreaders, irrespective of whom they were infected by. Evidence suggests though that those individuals infected by superspreaders may be more likely to become superspreaders themselves. Here, we begin to explore, theoretically, the effects of such a positive feedback loop on (1) the final epidemic size, (2) the herd immunity threshold, (3) the basic reproduction number, R0, and (4) the peak prevalence of superspreaders, using a generic model for a hypothetical acute viral infection and illustrative parameter values. We show that positive feedback loops can have a profound effect on our chosen epidemic outcomes, even when the transmission advantage of superspreaders is moderate, and despite peak prevalence of superspreaders remaining low. We argue that positive superspreader feedback loops in different infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, should be investigated further, both theoretically and empirically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara M. Wanelik
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mike Begon
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andy Fenton
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachel A. Norman
- Department of Computing Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Pablo M. Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Universidad Nacional del Litoral), Esperanza, Argentina
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Fikadu Y, Kabeta T, Diba D, Waktole H. Antimicrobial Profiles and Conventional PCR Assay of Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) Isolated from Cattle Slaughtered at Bedele Municipal Abattoir, South West Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:521-530. [PMID: 36721631 PMCID: PMC9884442 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s388102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) is considered the most prevalent food borne pathogen that has gained increasing attention worldwide in recent years. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out at Bedele Municipal abattoir on cattle that were reported healthy from detailed ante-mortem inspections and having various body conditions scores. A total of 516 samples were collected and examined after enriched in modified peptone water. Following an enrichment, the samples were plated onto MacConkey agar and then onto Eosin methylene blue agar. Finally after a few similar procedures, 14 E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) isolates were confirmed through latex agglutination test. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results This study finding revealed that the overall prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 out of 516 samples was found to be 2.7%. However, on sample type basis, the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 from feacal samples, carcass swabs, butcher hand swabs and knife swabs were 4.7%, 3.3%, 1.1% and 1.1%, respectively. It was also found that that the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was significantly affected by age groups of slaughtered cattle (p<0.05). Moreover, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test result on average showed that almost all of E. coli O157:H7 isolates were highly susceptible to kanamycin and no resistance was shown to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Finally, the conventional PCR detection of stx1, st2 and hylA genes revealed that only 21.4% and 14.3% were found to contain stx1 and hylA genes respectively. Conclusion To wrap up, this study showed that Shiga toxin producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) isolates were found with almost low overall prevalence rate from all sample sources in this study site. Therefore, improving abattoir facilities and slaughter house workers' personal hygiene are recommended to curtail E. coli O157:H7 meat contamination in this abattoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoobsan Fikadu
- Department of Animal Health Research, Horro Guduru Livestock Genetic Conservation and Research Center, Wollega University, Guduru, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Yoobsan Fikadu, P.O.Box:395, Tel +251917731118, Email
| | - Tadele Kabeta
- Department of Public Health, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Diriba Diba
- Office of Vice President for Research Community Engagement and Technology Transfer, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Hika Waktole
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Malavez Y, Loperena-Gonzalez PN, Nieves-Miranda SM, Vazquez-Rodriguez E, Centeno-Velez CN, Xiaoli L, Dudley EG. Virulence Potential of Escherichia coli Isolates from a Beef Farm in Puerto Rico. Microbiol Resour Announc 2022; 11:e0044322. [PMID: 36286991 PMCID: PMC9670937 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00443-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Sixteen Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from fecal matter from a beef farm in Puerto Rico. Isolates were whole-genome sequenced for in silico characterization, including pathotype characterization, virulence, and plasmid identification. The results of the draft genomes identified potential pathogenic E. coli strains from beef cattle in Puerto Rico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Malavez
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
| | | | | | | | | | - Lingzi Xiaoli
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward G. Dudley
- Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- E. coli Reference Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Super Shedding in Enteric Pathogens: A Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112101. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Super shedding occurs when a small number of individuals from a given host population shed high levels of a pathogen. Beyond this general definition, various interpretations of the shedding patterns have been proposed to identify super shedders, leading to the description of the super shedding phenomenon in a wide range of pathogens, in particular enteric pathogens, which are of considerable interest. Several underlying mechanisms may explain this observation, including factors related to the environment, the gut microbiota, the pathogen itself (i.e., genetic polymorphism), and the host (including immune factors). Moreover, data suggest that the interplay of these parameters, in particular at the host–pathogen–gut microbiota interface, is of crucial importance for the determination of the super shedding phenotype in enteric pathogens. As a phenomenon playing an important role in the epidemics of enteric diseases, the evidence of super shedding has highlighted the need to develop various control strategies.
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7
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Sterilizer of Knives in the Meat Industry, Working by Activating Aqueous Solutions with Glow Discharge Plasma. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10081536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of approaches for the non-thermal sterilization of instruments is an urgent task to ensure the safety of meat industry products, where the use of hot water leads to the formation of condensates and a deterioration in the hygienic condition of the premises. In this study, an installation for sterilizing knives was created, which works by activating aqueous salt solutions with a glow discharge. The power consumption of the installation reactor is only 125–150 Wh. The temperature rise of the sterilizing agent used is about 1.1 ± 0.2 °C/min/L. The effectiveness of the installation for plasma-activation of aqueous solutions of chloride and sodium sulfate by glow discharge (PAW) in relation to the inactivation of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas gessardii and L. monocytogenes, on steel surfaces was evaluated. Samples of stainless steel (parts of knives) were used in two versions (new and artificially aged). Mono- and polyspecies bacterial biofilms were grown on the surface of the samples. The treatment was carried out by immersing samples of steel plates in plasma-activated aqueous solutions. It was found that the treatment of plates in a knife sterilizer for 1 min had an effective effect on the inhibition of all types of studied bacteria.
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8
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Lange ME, Uwiera RRE, Inglis GD. Enteric Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Cattle, and the Use of Mice as a Model to Elucidate Key Aspects of the Host-Pathogen-Microbiota Interaction: A Review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:937866. [PMID: 35898542 PMCID: PMC9310005 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.937866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotype O157:H7 is responsible for foodborne disease outbreaks, typically associated with the consumption of undercooked foods contaminated with cattle manure containing the bacterium. At present, effective mitigations do not exist. Many of the factors regulating enteric colonization by E. coli O157:H7 in cattle, and how cattle respond to the bacterium are unknown. In this regard, intestinal colonization locations, shedding patterns, interactions with the enteric microbiota, and host immune responses to infection are current knowledge gaps. As disturbances to host homeostasis are believed to play an important role in the enteric survival of the bacterium, it is important to consider the potential importance of stress during cattle production. Husbandry logistics, cost, and the high genetic, physiological, and microbial heterogeneity in cattle has greatly hampered the ability of researchers to elucidate key aspects of the host-pathogen-microbiota interaction. Although mice have not been extensively used as a cattle model, the utilization of murine models has the potential to identify mechanisms to facilitate hypothesis formulation and efficacy testing in cattle. Murine models have been effectively used to mechanistically examine colonization of the intestine, host responses to infection, and to interactively ascertain how host physiological status (e.g., due to physiological stress) and the enteric microbiota influences colonization and disease. In addition to reviewing the relevant literature on intestinal colonization and pathogenesis, including existing knowledge gaps, the review provides information on how murine models can be used to elucidate mechanisms toward the development of rationale-based mitigations for E. coli O157:H7 in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximo E. Lange
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Richard R. E. Uwiera
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - G. Douglas Inglis
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: G. Douglas Inglis
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9
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Kudva IT, Trachsel J, Biernbaum EN, Casey T. Novel reusable animal model for comparative evaluation of in vivo growth and protein-expression of Escherichia coli O157 strains in the bovine rumen. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268645. [PMID: 35617366 PMCID: PMC9135228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we had demonstrated that Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) strain 86–24 expresses proteins involved in survival rather than virulence in vitro in rumen fluid from dairy cattle limit fed a maintenance diet. Here, we verified if this observation would be true for different O157 strains grown in vitro in rumen fluid from, and in vivo in the rumen of, animals on contrasting maintenance (high fiber) and lactation (high energy-protein) diets usually limit fed to dairy cattle. For the in vivo studies, an economical, novel, reusable and non-terminal rumen-fistulated animal model permitting simultaneous evaluation of multiple bacterial strains in the bovine rumen was developed. All experiments were conducted in duplicate using different animals to account for host-related variations. The O157 strains included, 86–24, EDL933 and the super shed SS-17. E. coli NalR (#5735), derived from a bovine intestinal commensal E. coli, was included as a control. As expected, diet influenced ruminal pH and volatile fatty acid (VFA) composition. The pH ranged from 6.2–7.0 and total VFA concentrations from 109–141 μM/ml, in animals fed the maintenance diet. In comparison, animals fed the lactation diet had a ruminal pH ranging between 5.18–6.0, and total VFA of 125–219 μM/ml. Strain dependent differences in O157 recovery from the rumen fluid of cattle fed either diet was observed, both in vitro and in vivo, with O157 strains 86–24 and EDL933 demonstrating similar survival patterns. Analysis of the O157 proteomes expressed in the rumen fluid/rumen verified previous observations of adaptive responses. Any difference in the adaptive response was mainly influenced by the animal’s diet and growth conditions (in vitro and in vivo) and not the O157 strain. These new insights into the O157 responses could help formulate modalities to control O157 across strains in cattle at all stages of husbandry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira T. Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa
- * E-mail:
| | - Julian Trachsel
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa
| | - Erika N. Biernbaum
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), ARS Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Thomas Casey
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa
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Antaki-Zukoski EM, Li X, Hoar B, Adaska JM, Byrne BA, Atwill ER. Understanding the transmission dynamics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 super-shedding infections in feedlot cattle. PeerJ 2022; 9:e12524. [PMID: 35036119 PMCID: PMC8697766 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) super-shedding cattle in feedlots has the potential to increase the overall number (bio-burden) of E. coli O157:H7 in the environment. It is important to identify factors to reduce the bio-burden of E. coli O157 in feedlots by clarifying practices associated with the occurrence of super-shedders in feedlot cattle. Methods The objective of this study is to (1) identify host, pathogen, and management risk factors associated with naturally infected feedlot cattle excreting high concentrations of E. coli O157:H7 in their feces and (2) to determine whether the ingested dose or the specific strain of E. coli O157:H7 influences a super-shedder infection within experimentally inoculated feedlot cattle. To address this, (1) pen floor fecal samples and herd parameters were collected from four feedlots over a 9-month period, then (2) 6 strains of E. coli O157:H7, 3 strains isolated from normal shedder steers and 3 strains isolated from super-shedder steers, were inoculated into 30 one-year-old feedlot steers. Five steers were assigned to each E. coli O157:H7 strain group and inoculated with targeted numbers of 102, 104, 106, 108, and 1010 CFU of bacteria respectively. Results In the feedlots, prevalence of infection with E. coli O157:H7 for the 890 fecal samples collected was 22.4%, with individual pen prevalence ranging from 0% to 90% and individual feedlot prevalence ranging from 8.4% to 30.2%. Three samples had E. coli O157:H7 levels greater than 104 MPN/g feces, thereby meeting the definition of super-shedder. Lower body weight at entry to the feedlot and higher daily maximum ambient temperature were associated with increased odds of a sample testing positive for E. coli O157:H7. In the experimental inoculation trial, the duration and total environmental shedding load of E. coli O157:H7 suggests that the time post-inoculation and the dose of inoculated E. coli O157:H7 are important while the E. coli O157:H7 strain and shedding characteristic (normal or super-shedder) are not. Discussion Under the conditions of this experiment, super-shedding appears to be the result of cattle ingesting a high dose of any strain of E. coli O157:H7. Therefore strategies that minimize exposure to large numbers of E. coli O157:H7 should be beneficial against the super-shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in feedlots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Antaki-Zukoski
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Xunde Li
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Bruce Hoar
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - John M Adaska
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Tulare Branch, University of California, Tulare, California, USA
| | - Barbara A Byrne
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Edward R Atwill
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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11
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Seasonal effect on Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 in the beef industry in Colombia, South America. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07547. [PMID: 34345734 PMCID: PMC8319524 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This research investigated the variations in the occurrence of Salmonella, STEC O157:H7 and non-O157 in the beef production chain in Colombia affected by seasons, hypothesizing that pathogen prevalence will be highest in the rainy season owing to soil moisture promoting bacteria multiplication and transfer between animals. To test this hypothesis, samples were obtained from five abattoirs, which represent 50% of the beef production in this country. A total of 1017 samples were collected, from which 606 were bovine feces, 206 were hide swabs, and 205 corresponded to carcass post-intervention. From the 1017 samples, 49.9% (n = 507) were collected during dry season, while 50.1% (n = 510) during rainy season. All samples (n = 1017) underwent screening for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, while only a proportion of fecal samples (n = 339) were screened for the big six STEC serogroups and their virulence markers. The effect of season, age of animal and sex of animal were correlated with the prevalence results. A total of 84.7% of fecal samples carried virulence genes associated to STEC (stx or eae), suggesting that testing and control should be increased for the big-six STEC compared to E. coli O157:H7. Pathogen prevalence in feces was found to be 8.3%, 5.0%, and 51.0% for Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7 and STEC non-O157, respectively. Hides had a prevalence of 15.0% and 6.8% of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. Carcasses post-intervention were found to have 4.4% and 2.5% prevalence of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. A seasonal effect was found for fecal samples. E. coli O157 and non-O157 STEC shedding were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) during rainy season compared to dry season. In contrast, hides and carcasses were more likely to present lower incidence of pathogens during rainy months compared to dry season; however, it was significant only for Salmonella on carcasses with estimated odds of detection almost six times higher in the dry season relative to the rainy season (OR = 5.90, 95% CI 1.18-29.57).
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12
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Katani R, Kudva IT, Srinivasan S, Stasko JB, Schilling M, Li L, Cote R, DebRoy C, Arthur TM, Sokurenko EV, Kapur V. Strain and host-cell dependent role of type-1 fimbriae in the adherence phenotype of super-shed Escherichia coli O157:H7. Int J Med Microbiol 2021; 311:151511. [PMID: 33975122 PMCID: PMC8605689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2021.151511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Super-shed (SS) Escherichia coli O157 (E. coli O157) demonstrate a strong, aggregative, locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE)-independent adherence phenotype on bovine recto-anal junction squamous epithelial (RSE) cells, and harbor polymorphisms in non-LEE-adherence-related loci, including in the type 1 fimbriae operon. To elucidate the role of type 1 fimbriae in strain- and host-specific adherence, we evaluated the entire Fim operon (FimB-H) and its adhesion (FimH) deletion mutants in four E. coli O157 strains, SS17, SS52, SS77 and EDL933, and evaluated the adherence phenotype in bovine RSE and human HEp-2 adherence assays. Consistent with the prevailing dogma that fimH expression is genetically switched off in E. coli O157, the ΔfimHSS52, ΔfimB-HSS52, ΔfimB-HSS17, and ΔfimHSS77 mutants remained unchanged in adherence phenotype to RSE cells. In contrast, the ΔfimHSS17 and ΔfimB-HSS77 mutants changed from a wild-type strong and aggregative, to a moderate and diffuse adherence phenotype, while both ΔfimHEDL933 and ΔfimB-HEDL933 mutants demonstrated enhanced binding to RSE cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, both ΔfimHSS17 and ΔfimHEDL933 were non-adherent to HEp-2 cells (p < 0.05). Complementation of the mutant strains with their respective wild-type genes restored parental phenotypes. Microscopy revealed that the SS17 and EDL933 strains indeed carry type 1 fimbriae-like structures shorter than those seen in uropathogenic E. coli. Taken together, these results provide compelling evidence for a strain and host cell type-dependent role of fimH and the fim operon in E. coli O157 adherence that needs to be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robab Katani
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Indira T Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Sreenidhi Srinivasan
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Judith B Stasko
- Microscopy Services, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Megan Schilling
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Lingling Li
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Cote
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Chitrita DebRoy
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Terrance M Arthur
- Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | | | - Vivek Kapur
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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13
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Evaluation of Cattle for Naturally Colonized Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Requires Combinatorial Strategies. Int J Microbiol 2021; 2021:6673202. [PMID: 33868404 PMCID: PMC8032530 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6673202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups O157, O26, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O45 are designated as food adulterants by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service. Cattle are the primary reservoir of these human pathogens. In this study, 59 Angus crossbred heifers were tested specifically for these seven STEC serogroups using a combination of standard culture, serological, PCR, and cell cytotoxicity methods to determine if comparable results would be obtained. At the time of fecal sampling, the animals were approximately 2 years old and weighed 1000–1200 lbs. The diet comprised of 37% ground alfalfa hay, 25% ground Sudan hay, and 38% ground corn supplemented with trace minerals and rumensin with ad libitum access to water. Non-O157 STEC were isolated from 25% (15/59) of the animals tested using a combination of EC broth, CHROMagar STECTM, and Rainbow Agar O157. Interestingly, the O157 serogroup was not isolated from any of the animals. Non-O157 STEC isolates were confirmed to be one of the six adulterant serogroups by serology and/or colony PCR in 10/15 animals with the predominant viable, serogroup being O103. PCR using DNA extracted from feces verified most of the colony PCR results but also identified additional virulence and O-antigen genes from samples with no correlating culture results. Shiga toxin- (Stx-) related cytopathic effects on Vero cells with fecal extracts from 55/59 animals could only be associated with the Stx gene profiles obtained by fecal DNA PCR and not culture results. The differences between culture versus fecal DNA PCR and cytotoxicity assay results suggest that the latter two assays reflect the presence of nonviable STEC or infection with STEC not belonging to the seven adulterant serogroups. This study further supports the use of combinatorial culture, serology, and PCR methods to isolate viable STEC that pose a greater food safety threat.
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14
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Mulaosmanovic E, Windstam ST, Vågsholm I, Alsanius BW. Size Matters: Biological and Food Safety Relevance of Leaf Damage for Colonization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 gfp. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:608086. [PMID: 33584570 PMCID: PMC7873480 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.608086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the biological and food safety relevance of leaf lesions for potential invasion of food pathogens into the plant tissue (internalization). This was done by determining the role of artificial leaf damage in terms of damaged leaf area on proliferation of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+. In a two-factorial experiment, unwashed fresh baby leaf spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) was subjected to four damage levels (undamaged, low, moderate, high damage; factor 1) and three incubation intervals (0, 1, 2 days post-inoculation; factor 2). Individual leaves were immersed for 15 s in a suspension loaded with E. coli O157:H7 gfp+ (106 CFU × mL–1). The leaves were analyzed individually using image analysis tools to quantify leaf area and number and size of lesions, and using confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy to visualize leaf lesions and presence of the introduced E. coli strain on and within the leaf tissue. Prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+ was assessed using a culture-dependent technique. The results showed that size of individual lesions and damaged leaf area affected depth of invasion into plant tissue, dispersal to adjacent areas, and number of culturable E. coli O157:H7 gfp+ directly after inoculation. Differences in numbers of the inoculant retrieved from leaf macerate evened out from 2 days post-inoculation, indicating rapid proliferation during the first day post-inoculation. Leaf weight was a crucial factor, as lighter spinach leaves (most likely younger leaves) were more prone to harbor E. coli O157:H7 gfp+, irrespective of damage level. At the high inoculum density used, the risk of consumers’ infection was almost 100%, irrespective of incubation duration or damage level. Even macroscopically intact leaves showed a high risk for infection. These results suggest that the risk to consumers is correlated with how early in the food chain the leaves are contaminated, and the degree of leaf damage. These findings should be taken into account in different steps of leafy green processing. Further attention should be paid to the fate of viable, but non-culturable, shiga-toxigenic E. coli on and in ready-to-eat leafy vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Mulaosmanovic
- Microbial Horticulture Unit, Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Sofia T Windstam
- Microbial Horticulture Unit, Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Ivar Vågsholm
- Bacteriology and Food Safety Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Beatrix W Alsanius
- Microbial Horticulture Unit, Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
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15
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McCarthy SC, Burgess CM, Fanning S, Duffy G. An Overview of Shiga-Toxin Producing Escherichia coli Carriage and Prevalence in the Ovine Meat Production Chain. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:147-168. [PMID: 33395551 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2020.2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens that are capable of causing serious human illness. Ovine ruminants are recognized as an important source of STEC and a notable contributor to contamination within the food industry. This review examined the prevalence of STEC in the ovine food production chain from farm-to-fork, reporting carriage in sheep herds, during abattoir processing, and in raw and ready-to-eat meats and meat products. Factors affecting the prevalence of STEC, including seasonality and animal age, were also examined. A relative prevalence can be obtained by calculating the mean prevalence observed over multiple surveys, weighted by sample number. A relative mean prevalence was obtained for STEC O157 and all STEC serogroups at multiple points along the ovine production chain by using suitable published surveys. A relative mean prevalence (and range) for STEC O157 was calculated: for feces 4.4% (0.2-28.1%), fleece 7.6% (0.8-12.8%), carcass 2.1% (0.2-9.8%), and raw ovine meat 1.9% (0.2-6.3%). For all STEC independent of serotype, a relative mean prevalence was calculated: for feces 33.3% (0.9-90.0%), carcass 58.7% (2.0-81.6%), and raw ovine meat 15.4% (2.7-35.5%). The prevalence of STEC in ovine fleece was reported in only one earlier survey, which recorded a prevalence of 86.2%. Animal age was reported to affect shedding in many surveys, with younger animals typically reported as having a higher prevalence of the pathogen. The prevalence of STEC decreases significantly along the ovine production chain after the application of postharvest interventions. Ovine products pose a small risk of potential STEC contamination to the food supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhán C McCarthy
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine M Burgess
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Duffy
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Akomoneh EA, Esemu SN, Jerome Kfusi A, Ndip RN, Ndip LM. Prevalence and virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli O157 from cattle slaughtered in Buea, Cameroon. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235583. [PMID: 33320853 PMCID: PMC7737970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Escherichia coli O157 is an emerging foodborne pathogen of great public health concern. It has been associated with bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. Most human infections have been traced to cattle and the consumption of contaminated cattle products. In order to understand the risk associated with the consumption of cattle products, this study sought to investigate the prevalence and identify virulence genes in E. coli O157 from cattle in Cameroon. Method A total of 512 rectal samples were obtained and analysed using conventional bacteriological methods (enrichment on modified Tryptone Soy Broth and selective plating on Cefixime-Tellurite Sorbitol Mac-Conkey Agar) for the isolation of E. coli O157. Presumptive E. coli O157 isolates were confirmed serologically using E. COLIPROTM O157 latex agglutination test and molecularly using PCR targeting the rfb gene in the isolates. Characterisation of the confirmed E. coli O157 strains was done by amplification of stx1, stx2, eaeA and hlyA virulence genes using both singleplex and multiplex PCR. Results E. coli O157 was detected in 56 (10.9%) of the 512 samples examined. The presence of the virulence genes stx2, eaeA and hylA was demonstrated in 96.4% (54/56) of the isolates and stx1 in 40 (71.4%) of the 54. The isolates exhibited three genetic profiles (I-III) with I (stx1, stx2, eaeA and hlyA) being the most prevalent (40/56; 71.4%) while two isolates had none of the virulence genes tested. Conclusion A proportion of cattle slaughtered in abattoirs in Buea are infected with pathogenic E. coli O157 and could be a potential source of human infections. We recommend proper animal food processing measures and proper hygiene be prescribed and implemented to reduce the risk of beef contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Achondou Akomoneh
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Seraphine Nkie Esemu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Achah Jerome Kfusi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Roland N Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Lucy M Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
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17
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Dewsbury DMA, Cernicchiaro N, Depenbusch B, Nagaraja TG, Renter DG. Effectiveness of a Direct-Fed Microbial Product Containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei in Reducing Fecal Shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Commercial Feedlot Cattle. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2020; 18:16-23. [PMID: 32898446 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2020.2828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) product in reducing fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in finishing commercial feedlot cattle in Kansas (KS) and Nebraska (NE). Utilizing a randomized complete block design within the feedlot (KS, n = 1; NE, n = 1), cattle were randomly allocated to 20 pens, grouped in blocks of two based on allocation date, and then, within the block, randomly assigned to a treatment group (DFM or negative control). The DFM product was included in the diet at a targeted daily dose of 1 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU) of the Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei combination per animal for at least 60 d before sampling. Feedlots were sampled for four consecutive weeks; weekly sampling consisted of collecting 20 pen floor fecal samples per pen. Fecal samples were subjected to culture-based methods for detection and isolation of E. coli O157, and positive samples were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Primary outcomes of interest were fecal prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O157 supershedding (≥104 CFU/g of feces) prevalence. Data for each feedlot were analyzed at the pen level using mixed models accounting for the study design features. Model-adjusted mean E. coli O157:H7 fecal prevalence estimates (standard error of the mean [SEM]) for DFM and control groups were 8.2% (SEM = 2.2%) and 9.9% (SEM = 2.5%) in KS and 14.6% (SEM = 2.8%) versus 14.3% (SEM = 2.6%) in NE; prevalence did not differ significantly between treatment groups at either site (KS, p = 0.51; NE, p = 0.92). Mean E. coli O157 supershedding prevalence estimates for DFM and control groups were 2.2% (SEM = 0.7%) versus 1.8% (SEM = 0.7%) in KS (p = 0.66) and 6.7% (SEM = 1.5%) versus 3.2% (SEM = 1.0%) in NE (p = 0.04). In conclusion, administering the DFM product in the finishing diet of feedlot cattle did not significantly reduce E. coli O157:H7 fecal prevalence or supershedding prevalence in study pens at either commercial feedlot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M A Dewsbury
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.,Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Natalia Cernicchiaro
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.,Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | | | - T G Nagaraja
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - David G Renter
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.,Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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18
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Oblessuc PR, Melotto M. A Simple Assay to Assess Salmonella enterica Persistence in Lettuce Leaves After Low Inoculation Dose. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1516. [PMID: 32765443 PMCID: PMC7381196 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is an enterobacterium associated with numerous foodborne illnesses worldwide. Leafy greens have been a common vehicle for disease outbreaks caused by S. enterica. This human pathogen can be introduced into crop fields and potentially contaminate fresh produce. Several studies have shown that S. enterica can survive for long periods in the plant tissues. Often, S. enterica population does not reach high titers in leaves; however, it is still relevant for food safety due to the low infective dose of the pathogen. Thus, laboratory procedures to study the survival of S. enterica in fresh vegetables should be adjusted accordingly. Here, we describe a protocol to assess the population dynamics of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium 14028s in the leaf apoplast of three cultivars of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). By comparing a range of inoculum concentrations, we showed that vacuum infiltration of a bacterium inoculum level in the range of 3.4 Log CFU ml–1 (with a recovery of approximately 170 cells per gram of fresh leaves 2 h post inoculation) allows for a robust assessment of bacterial persistence in three lettuce cultivars using serial dilution plating and qPCR methods. We anticipate that this method can be applied to other leaf–human pathogen combinations in an attempt to standardize the procedure for future efforts to screen for plant phenotypic variability, which is useful for breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maeli Melotto
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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19
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Al-Ajmi D, Rahman S, Banu S. Occurrence, virulence genes, and antimicrobial profiles of Escherichia coli O157 isolated from ruminants slaughtered in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:210. [PMID: 32677884 PMCID: PMC7364618 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01899-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a major source of food-borne illness around the world. E. coli O157 has been widely reported as the most common STEC serogroup and has emerged as an important enteric pathogen. Cattle, in particular have been identified as a major E. coli O157:H7 reservoir of human infections; however, the prevalence of this organism in camels, sheep, and goats is less understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and concentration of E. coli serotype O157 in the feces of healthy camels (n = 140), cattle (n = 137), sheep (n = 141) and goats (n = 150) slaughtered in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for meat consumption between September 2017 and August 2018. We used immunomagnetic separation coupled with a culture-plating method to detect E. coli O157. Non-sorbitol fermenting colonies were assessed via latex-agglutination testing, and positive cultures were analyzed by performing polymerase chain reactions to detect genes encoding attaching and effacing protein (eaeA), hemolysin A (hlyA, also known as ehxA) and Shiga toxin (stx1 and stx2), and E. coli O157:H7 specific genes (rfb O157, uidA, and fliC). All E. coli O157 isolates were analyzed for their susceptibility to 20 selected antimicrobials. RESULTS E. coli O157 was observed in camels, goats, and cattle fecal samples at abundances of 4.3, 2, and 1.46%, respectively, but it was undetectable in sheep feces. The most prevalent E. coli O157 gene in all STEC isolates was stx2;, whereas, stx1 was not detected in any of the samples. The fecal samples from camels, goats, and cattle harbored E. coli O157 isolates that were 100% susceptible to cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and polymyxin B. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of E. coli O157 in slaughter animals in the UAE. Our results clearly demonstrate the presence of E. coli O157 in slaughtered animals, which could possibly contaminate meat products intended for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawood Al-Ajmi
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafeeq Rahman
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sharmila Banu
- Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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20
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Kintz E, Williams NJ, Jones N, van der Es M, Lake IR, O'Brien SJ, Hunter PR. Regional differences in presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli virulence-associated genes in the environment in the North West and East Anglian regions of England. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 71:179-186. [PMID: 32333799 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli is carried in the intestine of ruminant animals, and outbreaks have occurred after contact with ruminant animals or their environment. The presence of STEC virulence genes in the environment was investigated along recreational walking paths in the North West and East Anglia regions of England. In all, 720 boot sock samples from walkers' shoes were collected between April 2013 and July 2014. Multiplex PCR was used to detect E. coli based on the amplification of the uidA gene and investigate STEC-associated virulence genes eaeA, stx1 and stx2. The eaeA virulence gene was detected in 45·5% of the samples, where stx1 and/or stx2 was detected in 12·4% of samples. There was a difference between the two regions sampled, with the North West exhibiting a higher proportion of positive boot socks for stx compared to East Anglia. In univariate analysis, ground conditions, river flow and temperature were associated with positive boot socks. The detection of stx genes in the soil samples suggests that STEC is present in the English countryside and individuals may be at risk for infection after outdoor activities even if there is no direct contact with animals. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Several outbreaks within the UK have highlighted the danger of contracting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from contact with areas recently vacated by livestock. This is more likely to occur for STEC infections compared to other zoonotic bacteria given the low infectious dose required. While studies have determined the prevalence of STEC within farms and petting zoos, determining the risk to individuals enjoying recreational outdoor activities that occur near where livestock may be present is less researched. This study describes the prevalence with which stx genes, indicative of STEC bacteria, were found in the environment in the English countryside.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kintz
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, UK
| | - N J Williams
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - N Jones
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - M van der Es
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, UK
| | - I R Lake
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, UK.,School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - S J O'Brien
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - P R Hunter
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
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21
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Fitzgerald SF, Beckett AE, Palarea-Albaladejo J, McAteer S, Shaaban S, Morgan J, Ahmad NI, Young R, Mabbott NA, Morrison L, Bono JL, Gally DL, McNeilly TN. Shiga toxin sub-type 2a increases the efficiency of Escherichia coli O157 transmission between animals and restricts epithelial regeneration in bovine enteroids. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008003. [PMID: 31581229 PMCID: PMC6776261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific Escherichia coli isolates lysogenised with prophages that express Shiga toxin (Stx) can be a threat to human health, with cattle being an important natural reservoir. In many countries the most severe pathology is associated with enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) serogroups that express Stx subtype 2a. In the United Kingdom, phage type (PT) 21/28 O157 strains have emerged as the predominant cause of life-threatening EHEC infections and this phage type commonly encodes both Stx2a and Stx2c toxin types. PT21/28 is also epidemiologically linked to super-shedding (>103 cfu/g of faeces) which is significant for inter-animal transmission and human infection as demonstrated using modelling studies. We demonstrate that Stx2a is the main toxin produced by stx2a+/stx2c+ PT21/28 strains induced with mitomycin C and this is associated with more rapid induction of gene expression from the Stx2a-encoding prophage compared to that from the Stx2c-encoding prophage. Bacterial supernatants containing either Stx2a and/or Stx2c were demonstrated to restrict growth of bovine gastrointestinal organoids with no restriction when toxin production was not induced or prevented by mutation. Isogenic strains that differed in their capacity to produce Stx2a were selected for experimental oral colonisation of calves to assess the significance of Stx2a for both super-shedding and transmission between animals. Restoration of Stx2a expression in a PT21/28 background significantly increased animal-to-animal transmission and the number of sentinel animals that became super-shedders. We propose that while both Stx2a and Stx2c can restrict regeneration of the epithelium, it is the relatively rapid and higher levels of Stx2a induction, compared to Stx2c, that have contributed to the successful emergence of Stx2a+ E. coli isolates in cattle in the last 40 years. We propose a model in which Stx2a enhances E. coli O157 colonisation of in-contact animals by restricting regeneration and turnover of the colonised gastrointestinal epithelium. Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) O157 strains are found in cattle where they are asymptomatic, while human exposure can lead to severe symptoms including bloody diarrhoea and kidney damage due to the activity of Shiga toxin (Stx). The most serious symptoms in humans are associated with isolates that encode Stx subtype 2a. The advantage of these toxins in the animal reservoir is still not clear, however there is experimental evidence implicating Stx with increased bacterial adherence, immune modulation and suppression of predatory protozoa. In this study, the hypothesis that Stx2a is important for super-shedding and calf-to-calf transmission was tested by comparing excretion and transmission dynamics of E. coli O157 strains with and without Stx2a. While Stx2a did not alter excretion levels when calfs were orally challenge, it enabled colonisation of more in contact ‘sentinel’ animals in our transmission model. We show that Stx2a is generally induced more rapidly than Stx2c, resulting in increased levels of Stx2a expression. Both Stx2a and Stx2c were able to restrict cellular proliferation of epithelial cells in cultured bovine enteroids. Taken together, we propose that rapid production of Stx2a and its role in establishing E. coli O157 colonisation in the bovine gastrointestinal tract facilitate effective transmission and have led to its expansion in the cattle E. coli O157 population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F. Fitzgerald
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | - Amy E. Beckett
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sean McAteer
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Sharif Shaaban
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Morgan
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rachel Young
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A. Mabbott
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Morrison
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - James L. Bono
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - David L. Gally
- Division of Immunity and Infection, The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DLG); (TNM)
| | - Tom N. McNeilly
- Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DLG); (TNM)
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22
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Jeamsripong S, Chase JA, Jay-Russell MT, Buchanan RL, Atwill ER. Experimental In-Field Transfer and Survival of Escherichia coli from Animal Feces to Romaine Lettuce in Salinas Valley, California. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7100408. [PMID: 31569566 PMCID: PMC6843402 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This randomized controlled trial characterized the transfer of E. coli from animal feces and/or furrow water onto adjacent heads of lettuce during foliar irrigation, and the subsequent survival of bacteria on the adaxial surface of lettuce leaves. Two experiments were conducted in Salinas Valley, California: (1) to quantify the transfer of indicator E. coli from chicken and rabbit fecal deposits placed in furrows to surrounding lettuce heads on raised beds, and (2) to quantify the survival of inoculated E. coli on Romaine lettuce over 10 days. E. coli was recovered from 97% (174/180) of lettuce heads to a maximal distance of 162.56 cm (5.33 ft) from feces. Distance from sprinklers to feces, cumulative foliar irrigation, and lettuce being located downwind of the fecal deposit were positively associated, while distance from fecal deposit to lettuce was negatively associated with E. coli transference. E. coli exhibited decimal reduction times of 2.2 and 2.5 days when applied on the adaxial surface of leaves within a chicken or rabbit fecal slurry, respectively. Foliar irrigation can transfer E. coli from feces located in a furrow onto adjacent heads of lettuce, likely due to the kinetic energy of irrigation droplets impacting the fecal surface and/or impacting furrow water contaminated with feces, with the magnitude of E. coli enumerated per head of lettuce influenced by the distance between lettuce and the fecal deposit, cumulative application of foliar irrigation, wind aspect of lettuce relative to feces, and time since final irrigation. Extending the time period between foliar irrigation and harvest, along with a 152.4 cm (5 ft) no-harvest buffer zone when animal fecal material is present, may substantially reduce the level of bacterial contamination on harvested lettuce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saharuetai Jeamsripong
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA (M.T.J.-R.)
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jennifer A. Chase
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA (M.T.J.-R.)
| | - Michele T. Jay-Russell
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, CA 95618, USA (M.T.J.-R.)
| | - Robert L. Buchanan
- Center of Food Safety and Security Systems, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Edward R. Atwill
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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23
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Enhanced insights from human and animal host-associated molecular marker genes in a freshwater lake receiving wet weather overflows. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12503. [PMID: 31467317 PMCID: PMC6715810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the magnitude of wet weather overflow (WWO)-driven sewage pollution in an urban lake (Lake Parramatta) located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Water samples were collected during a dry weather period and after two storm events, and tested for a range of novel and established sewage- [Bacteroides HF183, crAssphage CPQ_056 and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV)] and animal feces-associated (Bacteroides BacCan-UCD, cowM2 and Helicobacter spp. associated GFD) microbial source tracking marker genes along with the enumeration of culturable fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus spp. The magnitude of general and source-specific fecal pollution was low in water samples collected during dry weather compared to storm events. The levels of HF183, crAssphage and PMMoV in water samples collected during storm events were as high as 6.39, 6.33 and 5.27 log10 GC/L of water, respectively. Moderate to strong positive correlations were observed among the quantitative occurrence of sewage-associated marker genes. The concentrations of HF183 and PMMoV in most storm water samples exceeded the risk benchmark threshold values established in the literature for primary contact recreators. None of the samples tested was positive for the cowM2 (cow) marker gene, while BacCan-UCD (dog) and GFD (avian) animal-associated markers were sporadically detected in water samples collected from both dry weather and storm events. Based on the results, the ongoing advice that swimming should be avoided for several days after storm events appears appropriate. Further research to determine the decay rates of sewage-associated marker genes in relation to each other and enteric viruses would help refine current advice. Microbial source tracking approaches employed in this study provided insights into sources of contamination over currently used FIB.
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24
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Baker CA, De J, Bertoldi B, Dunn L, Chapin T, Jay-Russell M, Danyluk MD, Schneider KR. Prevalence and concentration of stx+ E. coli and E. coli O157 in bovine manure from Florida farms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217445. [PMID: 31125367 PMCID: PMC6534375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fresh produce outbreaks due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) continue to occur in the United States (US). Manure-amended soils can pose a public health risk when used for growing raw agricultural commodities. Knowing the prevalence and concentration of STEC in untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) is important to help guide the most appropriate pre-harvest interval(s) following application to limit risks from these soil amendments. Bovine manure samples were collected from 12 farms in Florida, including samples from piles, lagoons, barns, and screened solids. Two methods were used to detect stx1/2 and rfbE genes in samples. A prevalence rate of 9% for stx1 and/or stx2 and 19% for rfbE was observed from the 518 bovine manure samples evaluated. A most probable number (MPN) assay was performed on stx+ samples when applicable. The geometric mean for stx+ samples (n = 20) was 3.37 MPN g-1 (0.53 log MPN g-1) with a maximum value of 6,800 MPN g-1 (3.83 log MPN g-1). This research was part of a larger nationwide geographical study on the prevalence and concentration of STEC in bovine manure to help guide regulations on feasible pre-harvest intervals for the application of untreated BSAAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Baker
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jaysankar De
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bruna Bertoldi
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Laurel Dunn
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, Florida, United States of America
| | - Travis Chapin
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michele Jay-Russell
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle D. Danyluk
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, Florida, United States of America
| | - Keith R. Schneider
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Canevari JT, Firestone SM, Vincent G, Campbell A, Tan T, Muleme M, Cameron AWN, Stevenson MA. The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii shedding in dairy goats at the time of parturition in an endemically infected enterprise and associated milk yield losses. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:353. [PMID: 30453951 PMCID: PMC6245909 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1667-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This was a panel study of the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in does in an endemic dairy goat enterprise in Victoria, Australia. Our first objective was to determine the prevalence of does shedding C. burnetii at the time of parturition and to quantify the concentration of genome equivalents (GE) present in each C. burnetii positive sample. Our second objective was to determine the proportion of positive does that were persistent shedders. Our final objective was to quantify the association between C. burnetii qPCR status at the time of kidding and daily milk volumes produced during the subsequent lactation. Results Vaginal swabs (n= 490) were collected from does at the time of kidding and analysed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Shedding of C. burnetii was detected in 15% (95% CI: 12% to 18%) of the sampled does. Does were classified as qPCR-negative, qPCR-positive low and qPCR-positive high based on the estimated concentration of GE from the qPCR. Persistent shedding at relatively low concentrations was detected in 20% (95% CI: 10% to35%) of shedding does sampled again at their subsequent parturition. After controlling for possible confounders and adjusting for variation in daily milk yields at the individual doe level, daily milk yields for qPCR-positive high does were reduced by 17% (95% CI: 3% to 32%) compared to qPCR-negative does (p= 0.02). Conclusions Shedding concentrations of C. burnetii were highly skewed, with a relatively small group of does shedding relatively high quantities of C. burnetii. Further, high shedding does had reduced milk yields compared to qPCR-negative does. Early detection and culling of high shedding does would result in increased farm profitability and reduce the risk of Q fever transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- José T Canevari
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia. .,Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido, INTA, Leales, Tucumán, 4113, Argentina.
| | - Simon M Firestone
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Gemma Vincent
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Ballerine Street, Geelong Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Angus Campbell
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tabita Tan
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael Muleme
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Mark A Stevenson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
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26
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McCabe E, Burgess CM, Lawal D, Whyte P, Duffy G. An investigation of shedding and super-shedding of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli O157 and E. coli O26 in cattle presented for slaughter in the Republic of Ireland. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 66:83-91. [PMID: 30350347 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) are an important group of pathogens and can be transmitted to humans from direct or indirect contact with cattle faeces. This study investigated the shedding of E. coli O157 and O26 in cattle at the time of slaughter and factors associated with super-shedding (SS) animals. Rectoanal mucosal swab (RAMS) samples were collected from cattle (n = 1,317) at three large Irish commercial beef abattoirs over an 18 month period, and metadata were collected at the time of sampling regarding farm of origin, animal age, breed and gender. RAMS swabs were examined for the presence and numbers of E. coli O157 and O26 using a previously developed quantitative real-time PCR protocol. Samples positive by PCR were culturally examined and isolates analysed for the presence of stx subtypes, eae and phylogroup. Any samples with counts >104 CFU/swab of STEC O157 or O26 were deemed to be super-shedders. Overall, 4.18% (55/1,317) of RAMS samples were positive for STEC O157, and 2.13% (28/1,317) were classified as STEC O157 SS. For STEC O26, 0.76% (10/1,317) of cattle were positive for STEC O26, and 0.23% (3/1,317) were classified as super-shedders. Fewer STEC shedders and SS were noted among older animals (>37 months). There was a seasonal trend observed for STEC O157, with the highest prevalence of shedding and SS events in the autumn (August to October). The majority of E. coli O157 (50/55) isolates had stx2 and were eae positive, with no significant difference between SS and low shedders (LS). Interestingly, all STEC O26 (n = 10) were eae negative and had varied stx profiles. This study demonstrates that, while the overall shedding rates are relatively low in cattle at slaughter, among positive animals there is a high level of SS, which may pose a higher risk of cross-contamination during slaughter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dolapo Lawal
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Whyte
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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27
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Fox EM, Jiang Y, Gobius KS. Key pathogenic bacteria associated with dairy foods: On-farm ecology and products associated with foodborne pathogen transmission. Int Dairy J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2018.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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28
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Noll LW, Shridhar PB, Ives SE, Cha E, Nagaraja TG, Renter DG. Detection and Quantification of Seven Major Serogroups of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli on Hides of Cull Dairy, Cull Beef, and Fed Beef Cattle at Slaughter †. J Food Prot 2018; 81:1236-1244. [PMID: 29969294 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-17-497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Dehiding during beef cattle processing can introduce fecal contaminants, including Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), from hides onto carcass surfaces, creating the potential for contaminated beef. Fecal shedding of major STEC serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157; STEC-7) may differ among cattle populations, yet no study has been conducted to isolate STEC-7 on hides of multiple cattle types on the same production days at the same processing plant. Our objective was to estimate and compare prevalence and concentrations of STEC-7 on hides of cull dairy, cull beef, and fed beef cattle from the same date and processing plant. Overall, 1,500 cattle hides were sponge sampled from cull dairy ( n = 500), cull beef ( n = 500) and fed beef cattle ( n = 500) over 10 processing days. To determine prevalence, samples were subjected to an immunomagnetic separation culture method, and presumptive STEC isolates were tested by PCR for serogroup and major virulence genes. A spiral plate method was used to enumerate STEC-7 from hide samples. Data were analyzed with linear mixed models. All STEC-7 serogroups except O121 were detected and quantified on cattle hides in this study population. Slightly more fed beef hides (77 of 500; 15.4%) and cull beef hides (76 of 500; 15.2%) were positive for at least one STEC-7 strain compared with cull dairy hides (57 of 500; 11.4%), but cattle type was not significantly associated ( P = 0.19) with STEC-7 prevalence. Fed beef hides had a significantly higher prevalence ( P < 0.05) of STEC O103, O145, and O157 serogroups than did either of the other cattle types. The highest proportions of quantifiable samples were for STEC O145 (32 of 1,500 samples; 2.1%) and O157 (31 of 1,500 samples; 2.1%) serogroups, with the majority of concentrations at 3 to 5 and 2 to 4 log CFU/100 cm2 of hide, respectively. Results indicate that hide contamination with some major STEC serogroups differs significantly among cattle types at harvest, even within the same day and location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance W Noll
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Pragathi B Shridhar
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - Samuel E Ives
- 2 Department of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas 79016, USA
| | - Elva Cha
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506.,3 Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - T G Nagaraja
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
| | - David G Renter
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506.,3 Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506
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29
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Noll LW, Chall R, Shridhar PB, Liu X, Bai J, Delannoy S, Fach P, Nagaraja TG. Validation and Application of a Real-Time PCR Assay Based on the CRISPR Array for Serotype-Specific Detection and Quantification of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Cattle Feces †. J Food Prot 2018; 81:1157-1164. [PMID: 29939793 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-18-049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Several real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays have been developed for detection and quantification of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in complex matrices by targeting genes for serogroup-specific O-antigen ( rfbEO157), H7 antigen, and one or more major virulence factors (Shiga toxin and intimin). A major limitation of such assays is that coamplification of H7 and virulence genes in a sample does not signal association of those genes with the O157 serogroup. Clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) polymorphisms are highly correlated with certain enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) serotypes, including O157:H7, and the presence of genes for Shiga toxin ( stx1 and stx2) and intimin ( eae). Our objectives were to develop and validate a qPCR assay targeting the CRISPR array for the detection and quantification of EHEC O157:H7 in cattle feces and to evaluate the applicability of the assay for detection of and comparison with a four-plex qPCR assay targeting rfbEO157, stx1, stx2, and eae genes and a culture method. Detection limits of the CRISPRO157:H7 qPCR assay for cattle feces spiked with pure cultures were 2.1 × 103 and 2.3 × 100 CFU/g before and after enrichment, respectively. Detection of E. coli O157 in feedlot cattle fecal samples ( n = 576) was compared among the CRISPRO157:H7 qPCR assay, culture method, and four-plex qPCR assay. The CRISPRO157:H7 qPCR detected 42.2% of the samples (243 of 576 samples) as positive for E. coli O157:H7, compared with 30.4% (175 samples) by the culture method. Nearly all samples (97.2%; 560 samples) were positive for rfbEO157 by the four-plex PCR, but 21.8% (122 of 560 samples) were negative for the stx and/or eae genes, making it unlikely that EHEC O157:H7 was present in these samples. Cohen's kappa statistic indicated a fair and poor agreement beyond that due to chance between the CRISPR assay and the culture method and four-plex assay, respectively. This novel qPCR assay can detect the EHEC O157:H7 serotype in cattle feces by targeting CRISPR polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance W Noll
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Rachel Chall
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Pragathi B Shridhar
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Xuming Liu
- 2 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Jianfa Bai
- 2 Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Sabine Delannoy
- 3 Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Food Safety Laboratory, Platform IdentyPath, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Patrick Fach
- 3 Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Food Safety Laboratory, Platform IdentyPath, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - T G Nagaraja
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
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30
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Schlager S, Lepuschitz S, Ruppitsch W, Ableitner O, Pietzka A, Neubauer S, Stöger A, Lassnig H, Mikula C, Springer B, Allerberger F. Petting zoos as sources of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:927-932. [PMID: 30257809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their general low incidence, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli (STEC) infections are considered an important public health issue due to the severity of illness that can develop, particularly in young children. We report on two Austrian petting zoos, one in Tyrol (2015) and one in Vorarlberg (2016), which were identified as highly likely infection sources of STEC infections. The petting zoo related cases involved a case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) due to STEC O157:HNM in 2015 and an outbreak of STEC O157:H7 infections affecting five young children and two adults in 2016. The HUS case accounted for 2.8% of the 36 STEC O157:HNM/H7 infections notified in Austria in 2015 (5,9% of 17 HUS cases). The seven cases described for 2016 accounted for 4.0% of the 177 human STEC infections documented for Austria in 2016, and for 19.4% of the 36 STEC O157:HNM/H7 infections notified that year. The evaluation of the STEC infections described here clearly underlines the potential of sequence-based typing methods to offer suitable resolutions for public health applications. Furthermore, we give a state-of-the-art mini-review on the risks of petting zoos concerning exposure to the zoonotic hazard STEC and on proper measures of risk-prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schlager
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah Lepuschitz
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Werner Ruppitsch
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Oksana Ableitner
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ariane Pietzka
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sabine Neubauer
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Stöger
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Heimo Lassnig
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Claudia Mikula
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Burkhard Springer
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Allerberger
- National Reference Centre for Escherichia coli including Verotoxin producing E. coli, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Beethovenstraße 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria.
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Paquette SJ, Stanford K, Thomas J, Reuter T. Quantitative surveillance of shiga toxins 1 and 2, Escherichia coli O178 and O157 in feces of western-Canadian slaughter cattle enumerated by droplet digital PCR with a focus on seasonality and slaughterhouse location. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195880. [PMID: 29649278 PMCID: PMC5897018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Often Escherichia coli are harmless and/or beneficial bacteria inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of livestock and humans. However, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) have been linked to human disease. Cattle are the primary reservoir for STEC and STEC “super-shedders” are considered to be a major contributor in animal to animal transmission. Among STEC, O157:H7 is the most recognized serotype, but in recent years, non-O157 STEC have been increasingly linked to human disease. In Argentina and Germany, O178 is considered an emerging pathogen. Our objective was to compare populations of E. coli O178, O157, shiga toxin 1 and 2 in western Canadian cattle feces from a sampling pool of ~80,000 beef cattle collected at two slaughterhouses. Conventional PCR was utilized to screen 1,773 samples for presence/absence of E. coli O178. A subset of samples (n = 168) was enumerated using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and proportions of O178, O157 and shiga toxins 1 & 2 specific-fragments were calculated as a proportion of generic E. coli (GEC) specific-fragments. Distribution of stx1 and stx2 was determined by comparing stx1, stx2 and O157 enumerations. Conventional PCR detected the presence of O178 in 873 of 1,773 samples and ddPCR found the average proportion of O178, O157, stx1 and stx2 in the samples 2.8%, 0.6%, 1.4% and 0.5%, respectively. Quantification of stx1 and stx2 revealed more virulence genes than could be exclusively attributed to O157. Our results confirmed the presence of E. coli O178 in western Canadian cattle and ddPCR revealed O178 as a greater proportion of GEC than was O157. Our results suggests: I) O178 may be an emerging subgroup in Canada and II) monitoring virulence genes may be a more relevant target for food-safety STEC surveillance compared to current serogroup screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah-Jo Paquette
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - James Thomas
- University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tim Reuter
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Bommana S, Walker E, Desclozeaux M, Jelocnik M, Timms P, Polkinghorne A, Carver S. Molecular and serological dynamics of Chlamydia pecorum infection in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4296. [PMID: 29379689 PMCID: PMC5787346 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia pecorum is a globally significant livestock pathogen causing pathology and production losses. The on-farm infection and serological dynamics and the relevance of existing diagnostic tools for diagnosing C. pecorum in livestock remains poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized the antigen and antibody dynamics of this pathogen in a longitudinal study of prime lamb production, utilizing the infection focused C. pecorum-specific 16S rRNA qPCR assay and serology based chlamydial Complement fixation Test (CFT). METHODS The study consisted of 76 Border Leicester mixed sex lambs (39 females and 37 males) that were sampled bimonthly from 2-10 months of age in a commercial farm operating in Central NSW, Australia. Blood/plasma was analysed for CFT antibodies, and swabs from conjunctival, rectal and vaginal sites were analysed for C. pecorum shedding using qPCR. We assessed the temporal and overall dynamics of C. pecorum in lambs, including detailed description and comparison of qPCR and CFT, the timing of first detection by either diagnostic method, the lag between infection and antibody response; and the distribution of qPCR load and CFT antibody titre over time. RESULTS Over the study period, C. pecorum was highly prevalent (71.0% by qPCR, 92.1% by CFT, 96.0% by both), with 21.1% (16/76) lambs shedding ≥1, 000 qPCR copies/µl (denoted as high shedders). C. pecorum shedding (as evidence of infection) were first observed at two months of age (14.4%) with a significant peak of infection occurring at six months of age (34.2%), whereas seroconversions peaked at eight months of age (81.5%). 52.6% of C. pecorum qPCR and CFT positive lambs became qPCR negative by 10 months of age, indicating clearance of chlamydial infection. Although CFT is utilised for on-farm detection of active infection, we confirm that it lagged behind qPCR detection (average lag 1.7 ± 2.1 months) and that the proportion of qPCR positives simultaneously identified by CFT was low with 2/11 (18.1%), 0/13, 17/25 (68.0%), 5/7 (71.4%) and 1/10 (10.0%) concurrent seroconversions occurring at two, four, six, eight and 10 months of age, respectively. DISCUSSION This work reveals rapid rates of C. pecorum infection and widespread exposure during lamb production. The comparison of molecular and serological diagnostic agreement longitudinally, supports the use of qPCR as an important ancillary tool for the detection of active infections in conjunction with chlamydial CFT for routine veterinary diagnostics. Development of rapid Point-of-Care (POC) tools for diagnosing active infection would be valuable for producers and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhya Bommana
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | | | - Marion Desclozeaux
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Newell DG, La Ragione RM. Enterohaemorrhagic and other Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC): Where are we now regarding diagnostics and control strategies? Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65 Suppl 1:49-71. [PMID: 29369531 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli comprises a highly diverse group of Gram-negative bacteria and is a common member of the intestinal microflora of humans and animals. Generally, such colonization is asymptomatic; however, some E. coli strains have evolved to become pathogenic and thus cause clinical disease in susceptible hosts. One pathotype, the Shiga toxigenic E. coli (STEC) comprising strains expressing a Shiga-like toxin is an important foodborne pathogen. A subset of STEC are the enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), which can cause serious human disease, including haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). The diagnosis of EHEC infections and the surveillance of STEC in the food chain and the environment require accurate, cost-effective and timely tests. In this review, we describe and evaluate tests now in routine use, as well as upcoming test technologies for pathogen detection, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). We have considered the need for improved diagnostic tools in current strategies for the control and prevention of these pathogens in humans, the food chain and the environment. We conclude that although significant progress has been made, STEC still remains an important zoonotic issue worldwide. Substantial reductions in the public health burden due to this infection will require a multipronged approach, including ongoing surveillance with high-resolution diagnostic techniques currently being developed and integrated into the routine investigations of public health laboratories. However, additional research requirements may be needed before such high-resolution diagnostic tools can be used to enable the development of appropriate interventions, such as vaccines and decontamination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Newell
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - R M La Ragione
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Stromberg ZR, Lewis GL, Schneider LG, Erickson GE, Patel IR, Smith DR, Moxley RA. Culture-Based Quantification with Molecular Characterization of Non-O157 and O157 Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Isolates from Rectoanal Mucosal Swabs of Feedlot Cattle. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2017; 15:26-32. [PMID: 29022742 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2017.2326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains are foodborne pathogens carried in the intestinal tracts of ruminants and shed in the feces. High concentrations (≥104 colony-forming units [CFU]/g) of EHEC in cattle feces are associated with contamination of hides, and subsequently, carcasses and beef. Several studies using agar media have quantified O157 but few have quantified non-O157 EHEC in samples from cattle. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the concentration of O157 and non-O157 EHEC in cattle, and to characterize the associated EHEC isolates for their virulence potential. Two hundred feedlot steers were sampled by rectoanal mucosal swab (RAMS) every 35 days over four sampling periods, and a spiral plating method using modified Possé differential agar was used to quantify EHEC organisms in these samples. Bacterial colonies from agar plates were tested by multiplex PCR for Shiga toxin and intimin genes (stx and eae, respectively), and confirmed EHEC isolates (i.e., positive for both stx and eae) were serotyped and characterized for virulence genes using a microarray. Organisms detected in this study included O26, O101, O103, O109, O121, O145, O157, and O177 EHEC, with all except O121 quantifiable and measuring within a range from 9.0 × 102 to 3.0 × 105 CFU/g of RAMS sample. Organisms of the same EHEC serogroup were not detected in quantifiable concentrations from a single animal more than once. EHEC organisms most commonly detected at quantifiable levels were O26, O157, and O177. Interestingly, O26 EHEC isolates tested negative for stx1 but positive for stx2a. High concentrations of EHEC were detected in 11 (5.5%) of the steers at least once over the sampling period. These results indicate that in addition to O157, non-O157 EHEC are transiently present in high concentrations in the rectoanal mucosal region of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Stromberg
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Gentry L Lewis
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Liesel G Schneider
- 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Galen E Erickson
- 3 Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Isha R Patel
- 4 Division of Molecular Biology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition , United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland
| | - David R Smith
- 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University , Mississippi State, Mississippi
| | - Rodney A Moxley
- 1 School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln , Lincoln, Nebraska
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Castro VS, Carvalho RCT, Conte-Junior CA, Figuiredo EES. Shiga-toxin ProducingEscherichia coli: Pathogenicity, Supershedding, Diagnostic Methods, Occurrence, and Foodborne Outbreaks. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2017; 16:1269-1280. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Silva Castro
- Animal Science Program, Faculdade de Agronomia e Zootecnia; Univ. Federal de Mato Grosso; 78060-900 Mato Grosso Brazil
- Natl. Inst. of Health Quality Control; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Rio de Janeiro 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Ricardo César Tavares Carvalho
- Nutrition, Food and Metabolism Program, Faculdade de Nutrição; Univ. Federal de Mato Grosso; 78060-900 Mato Grosso Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Dept. of Food Technology, Faculdade de Veterinária; Univ. Federal Fluminense; 24230-340 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Food Science Program, Inst. de Química; Univ. Federal do Rio de Janeiro; 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Natl. Inst. of Health Quality Control; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz; Rio de Janeiro 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Eduardo Eustáquio Souza Figuiredo
- Animal Science Program, Faculdade de Agronomia e Zootecnia; Univ. Federal de Mato Grosso; 78060-900 Mato Grosso Brazil
- Nutrition, Food and Metabolism Program, Faculdade de Nutrição; Univ. Federal de Mato Grosso; 78060-900 Mato Grosso Brazil
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Kim M, Kuehn LA, Bono JL, Berry ED, Kalchayanand N, Freetly HC, Benson AK, Wells JE. The impact of the bovine faecal microbiome on Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence and enumeration in naturally infected cattle. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 123:1027-1042. [PMID: 28736954 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The objective of this study was to determine if the faecal microbiome has an association with Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence and enumeration. METHODS AND RESULTS Pyrosequencing analysis of faecal microbiome was performed from feedlot cattle fed one of three diets: (i) 94 heifers fed low concentrate (LC) diet, (ii) 142 steers fed moderate concentrate (MC) diet, and (iii) 132 steers fed high concentrate (HC) diet. A total of 322 585 OTUs were calculated from 2,411,122 high-quality sequences obtained from 368 faecal samples. In the LC diet group, OTUs assigned to the orders Clostridiales and RF39 (placed within the class Mollicutes) were positively correlated with both E. coli O157:H7 prevalence and enumeration. In the MC diet group, OTUs assigned to Prevotella copri were positively correlated with both E. coli O157:H7 prevalence and enumeration, whereas OTUs assigned to Prevotella stercorea were negatively correlated with both E. coli O157:H7 prevalence and enumeration. In both the MC diet group and the HC diet group, OTUs assigned to taxa placed within Clostridiales were both positively and negatively correlated with both E. coli O157:H7 prevalence and enumeration. However, all correlations were weak. In both the MC diet group and the HC diet group, stepwise linear regression through backward elimination analyses indicated that these OTUs were significantly correlated (P < 0·001) with prevalence or enumeration, explaining as much as 50% of variability in E. coli O157:H7 prevalence or enumeration. CONCLUSIONS Individual colonic bacterial species have little impact on E. coli O157:H7 shedding but collectively groups of bacteria were strongly associated with pathogen shedding. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Bacterial groups in the bovine colon may impact faecal shedding of the zoonotic pathogen E. coli O157:H7, and manipulation of the intestinal microbiota to alter these bacteria may reduce shedding of this pathogen and foodborne illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kim
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - L A Kuehn
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - J L Bono
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - E D Berry
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - N Kalchayanand
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - H C Freetly
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - A K Benson
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - J E Wells
- U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, USDA, ARS, Clay Center, NE, USA
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Worley JN, Flores KA, Yang X, Chase JA, Cao G, Tang S, Meng J, Atwill ER. Prevalence and Genomic Characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Cow-Calf Herds throughout California. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e00734-17. [PMID: 28550057 PMCID: PMC5541215 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00734-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 is a zoonotic food- and waterborne bacterial pathogen that causes a high hospitalization rate and can cause life-threatening complications. Increasingly, E. coli O157:H7 infections appear to originate from fresh produce. Ruminants, such as cattle, are a prominent reservoir of E. coli O157:H7 in the United States. California is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the world for fresh produce, beef, and milk. The close proximity of fresh produce and cattle presents food safety challenges on a uniquely large scale. We performed a survey of E. coli O157:H7 on 20 farms in California to observe the regional diversity and prevalence of E. coli O157:H7. Isolates were obtained from enrichment cultures of cow feces. Some farms were sampled on two dates. Genomes from isolates were sequenced to determine their relatedness and pathogenic potential. E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from approximately half of the farms. The point prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 on farms was highly variable, ranging from zero to nearly 90%. Within farms, generally one or a few lineages were found, even when the rate of isolation was high. On farms with high isolation rates, a single clonal lineage accounted for most of the isolates. Farms that were visited months after the first visit might have had the same lineages of E. coli O157:H7. Strains of E. coli O157:H7 may be persistent for months on farms.IMPORTANCE This survey of 20 cow-calf operations from different regions of California provides an in depth look at resident Escherichia coli O157:H7 populations at the molecular level. E. coli O157:H7 is found to have a highly variable prevalence, and with whole-genome sequencing, high prevalences in herds were found to be due to a single lineage shed from multiple cows. Few repeat lineages were found between farms in this area; therefore, we predict that E. coli O157:H7 has significant diversity in this area beyond what is detected in this survey. All isolates from this study were found to have pathogenic potential based on the presence of key virulence gene sequences. This represents a novel insight into pathogen diversity within a single subtype and will inform future attempts to survey regional pathogen populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay N Worley
- Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristopher A Flores
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Xun Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer A Chase
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Guojie Cao
- Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Shuai Tang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jianghong Meng
- Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Edward R Atwill
- Western Center for Food Safety, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Katani R, Cote R, Kudva IT, DebRoy C, Arthur TM, Kapur V. Comparative genomics of two super-shedder isolates of Escherichia coli O157:H7. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182940. [PMID: 28797098 PMCID: PMC5552260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) are zoonotic foodborne pathogens and of major public health concern that cause considerable intestinal and extra-intestinal illnesses in humans. O157 colonize the recto-anal junction (RAJ) of asymptomatic cattle who shed the bacterium into the environment through fecal matter. A small subset of cattle, termed super-shedders (SS), excrete O157 at a rate (≥ 104 CFU/g of feces) that is several orders of magnitude greater than other colonized cattle and play a major role in the prevalence and transmission of O157. To better understand microbial factors contributing to super-shedding we have recently sequenced two SS isolates, SS17 (GenBank accession no. CP008805) and SS52 (GenBank accession no. CP010304) and shown that SS isolates display a distinctive strongly adherent phenotype on bovine rectal squamous epithelial cells. Here we present a detailed comparative genomics analysis of SS17 and SS52 with other previously characterized O157 strains (EC4115, EDL933, Sakai, TW14359). The results highlight specific polymorphisms and genomic features shared amongst SS strains, and reveal several SNPs that are shared amongst SS isolates, including in genes involved in motility, adherence, and metabolism. Finally, our analyses reveal distinctive patterns of distribution of phage-associated genes amongst the two SS and other isolates. Together, the results of our comparative genomics studies suggest that while SS17 and SS52 share genomic features with other lineage I/II isolates, they likely have distinct recent evolutionary histories. Future comparative and functional genomic studies are needed to decipher the precise molecular basis for super shedding in O157.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robab Katani
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Cote
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Indira T. Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Chitrita DebRoy
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- E. coli Reference Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Terrance M. Arthur
- Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Clay Center, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Vivek Kapur
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wang O, McAllister TA, Plastow G, Stanford K, Selinger B, Guan LL. Host mechanisms involved in cattle Escherichia coli O157 shedding: a fundamental understanding for reducing foodborne pathogen in food animal production. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7630. [PMID: 28794460 PMCID: PMC5550497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06737-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The host mechanisms involved in Escherichia coli O157 super-shedding in cattle is largely unknown. In this study, the comparison of transcriptomes of intestinal tissues between super-shedders (SS) and cattle negative for E. coli O157 (NS) was performed, aiming to identify genes that are potentially associated with super-shedding. In total, 16,846 ± 639 (cecum) to 18,137 ± 696 (distal jejunum) were expressed throughout the intestine, with the expressed genes associated with immune functions more pronounced in the small intestine. In total, 351 differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified throughout the intestine between SS and NS, with 101 being up-regulated and 250 down-regulated in SS. Functional analysis revealed DE genes were involved in increased T-cell responses and cholesterol absorption in the distal jejunum and descending colon, and decreased B-cell maturation in the distal jejunum of SS. RNA-Seq based SNP discovery revealed that the mutations in seven DE genes involved in leukocyte activation and cholesterol transportation were associated with E. coli O157 shedding. Our findings suggest that T-cell responses and cholesterol metabolism in the intestinal tract may be associated with super-shedding phenomenon, and the SNPs in the DE genes are possibly associated with the observed gene expression difference between SS and NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ou Wang
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Graham Plastow
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V6, Canada
| | - Brent Selinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Le Luo Guan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada.
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Saleem R, Ejaz H, Zafar A, Younas S, Rathore AW. Phenotypic characterization of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase producing E. coli from healthy individuals, patients, sewage sludge, cattle, chickens and raw meat. Pak J Med Sci 2017; 33:886-890. [PMID: 29067059 PMCID: PMC5648958 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.334.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the frequency and antimicrobial profile of ESBL-producing isolates of E. coli in different environments. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at The Children’s Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore from July to December 2015. The faecal specimens from healthy individuals, patients, sewage sludge, cattle, chickens and raw meat (n = 122) were processed for microbiological analysis using MacConkey agar supplemented with cefotaxime. The identification of organisms was confirmed by API 10S and antimicrobial resistance profile was recorded by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: On the basis of screening, 77 (63.0%) specimens were found to be positive for ESBL production. The confirmation of 74 (60.0%) ESBL producing E. coli was done using double disc synergy test (DDST). The frequency of ESBL producing E. coli was found to be 17 (57.0%) in healthy individuals, 15 (53.0%) in patients, 10 (66.0%) in cattle faeces, 5 (71.0%) in sewage sludge, 14 (70.0%) in raw meat and 13 (59.0%) in chicken faeces. All of these isolates were resistant to cephalosporins and some of these were resistant to fluoroquinolones and meropenem. None of the isolates showed resistance to cefoperazone-sulbactam, imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin. Conclusion: The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli was recorded in all the environments, suggesting a global expansion of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Saleem
- Rabia Saleem, M.Phil Scholar, Department of Microbiology, The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hasan Ejaz
- Hasan Ejaz, M.Phil, PhD. Department of Microbiology, The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aizza Zafar
- Aizza Zafar, M.Phil. Department of Microbiology, The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sonia Younas
- Sonia Younas, M.Phil Scholar, Department of Microbiology, Al-Razi HealthCare, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Waheed Rathore
- Ahsan Waheed Rathore, MRCPCH, FRCP, Department of Paediatric Medicine, The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
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41
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Stein RA, Katz DE. Escherichia coli, cattle and the propagation of disease. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2017; 364:3059138. [PMID: 28333229 PMCID: PMC7108533 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnx050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several early models describing host–pathogen interaction have assumed that each individual host has approximately the same likelihood of becoming infected or of infecting others. More recently, a concept that has been increasingly emphasized in many studies is that for many infectious diseases, transmission is not homogeneous but highly skewed at the level of populations. In what became known as the ‘20/80 rule’, about 20% of the hosts in a population were found to contribute to about 80% of the transmission potential. These heterogeneities have been described for the interaction between many microorganisms and their human or animal hosts. Several epidemiological studies have reported transmission heterogeneities for Escherichia coli by cattle, a phenomenon with far-reaching agricultural, medical and public health implications. Focusing on E. coli as a case study, this paper will describe super-spreading and super-shedding by cattle, review the main factors that shape these transmission heterogeneities and examine the interface with human health. Escherichia coli super-shedding and super-spreading by cattle are shaped by microorganism-specific, cattle-specific and environmental factors. Understanding the factors that shape heterogeneities in E. coli dispersion by cattle and the implications for human health represent key components that are critical for targeted infection control initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Natural Sciences, LaGuardia Community College, City University of New York, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
| | - David E Katz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem 91031, Israel
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Shridhar PB, Noll LW, Cull CA, Shi X, Cernicchiaro N, Renter DG, Bai J, Nagaraja TG. Spiral Plating Method To Quantify the Six Major Non-O157 Escherichia coli Serogroups in Cattle Feces. J Food Prot 2017; 80:848-856. [PMID: 28414257 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cattle are a major reservoir of the six major Shiga toxin-producing non-O157 Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) responsible for foodborne illnesses in humans. Besides prevalence in feces, the concentrations of STEC in cattle feces play a major role in their transmission dynamics. A subset of cattle, referred to as super shedders, shed E. coli O157 at high concentrations (≥4 log CFU/g of feces). It is not known whether a similar pattern of fecal shedding exists for non-O157. Our objectives were to initially validate the spiral plating method to quantify the six non-O157 E. coli serogroups with pure cultures and culture-spiked fecal samples and then determine the applicability of the method and compare it with multiplex quantitative PCR (mqPCR) assays for the quantification of the six non-O157 E. coli serogroups in cattle fecal samples collected from commercial feedlots. Quantification limits of the spiral plating method were 3 log, 3 to 4 log, and 3 to 5 log CFU/mL or CFU/g for individual cultures, pooled pure cultures, and cattle fecal samples spiked with pooled pure cultures, respectively. Of the 1,152 cattle fecal samples tested from eight commercial feedlots, 122 (10.6%) and 320 (27.8%) harbored concentrations ≥4 log CFU/g of one or more of the six serogroups of non-O157 by spiral plating and mqPCR methods, respectively. A majority of quantifiable samples, detected by either spiral plating (135 of 137, 98.5%) or mqPCR (239 of 320, 74.7%), were shedding only one serogroup. Only one of the quantifiable samples was positive for a serogroup carrying Shiga toxin (stx1) and intimin (eae) genes; 38 samples were positive for serogroups carrying the intimin gene. In conclusion, the spiral plating method can be used to quantify non-O157 serogroups in cattle feces, and our study identified a subset of cattle that was super shedders of non-O157 E. coli. The method has the advantage of quantifying non-O157 STEC, unlike mqPCR that quantifies serogroups only.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lance W Noll
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology and
| | | | - Xiaorong Shi
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology and
| | | | | | - Jianfa Bai
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - T G Nagaraja
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology and
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43
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Cull CA, Renter DG, Dewsbury DM, Noll LW, Shridhar PB, Ives SE, Nagaraja TG, Cernicchiaro N. Feedlot- and Pen-Level Prevalence of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in Feces of Commercial Feedlot Cattle in Two Major U.S. Cattle Feeding Areas. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2017; 14:309-317. [PMID: 28281781 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine feedlot- and pen-level fecal prevalence of seven enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) belonging to serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157, or EHEC-7) in feces of feedlot cattle in two feeding areas in the United States. Cattle pens from four commercial feedlots in each of the two major U.S. beef cattle areas were sampled. Up to 16 pen-floor fecal samples were collected from each of 4-6 pens per feedlot, monthly, for a total of three visits per feedlot, from June to August, 2014. Culture procedures including fecal enrichment in E. coli broth, immunomagnetic separation, and plating on selective media, followed by confirmation through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, were conducted. Generalized linear mixed models were fitted to estimate feedlot-, pen-, and sample-level fecal prevalence of EHEC-7 and to evaluate associations between potential demographic and management risk factors with feedlot and within-pen prevalence of EHEC-7. All study feedlots and 31.0% of the study pens had at least one non-O157 EHEC-positive fecal sample, whereas 62.4% of pens tested positive for EHEC O157; sample-level prevalence estimates ranged from 0.0% for EHEC O121 to 18.7% for EHEC O157. Within-pen prevalence of EHEC O157 varied significantly by sampling month; similarly within-pen prevalence of non-O157 EHEC varied significantly by month and by the sex composition of the pen (heifer, steer, or mixed). Feedlot management factors, however, were not significantly associated with fecal prevalence of EHEC-7. Intraclass correlation coefficients for EHEC-7 models indicated that most of the variation occurred between pens, rather than within pens, or between feedlots. Hence, the potential combination of preharvest interventions and pen-level management strategies may have positive food safety impacts downstream along the beef chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charley A Cull
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - David G Renter
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Diana M Dewsbury
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Lance W Noll
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Pragathi B Shridhar
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Samuel E Ives
- 2 Department of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, West Texas A&M University , Canyon, Texas
| | - Tiruvoor G Nagaraja
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
| | - Natalia Cernicchiaro
- 1 Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University , Manhattan, Kansas
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Conrad CC, Stanford K, Narvaez-Bravo C, Callaway T, McAllister T. Farm Fairs and Petting Zoos: A Review of Animal Contact as a Source of Zoonotic Enteric Disease. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2017; 14:59-73. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cheyenne C. Conrad
- Lethbridge Agricultural Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Todd Callaway
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, College Station, Texas
| | - Tim McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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45
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Kudva IT, Carter MQ, Sharma VK, Stasko JA, Giron JA. Curli Temper Adherence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Squamous Epithelial Cells from the Bovine Recto-Anal Junction in a Strain-Dependent Manner. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e02594-16. [PMID: 27742683 PMCID: PMC5165118 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02594-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent studies have shown that intimin and the locus of enterocyte effacement-encoded proteins do not play a role in Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) adherence to the bovine recto-anal junction squamous epithelial (RSE) cells. To define factors that play a contributory role, we investigated the role of curli, fimbrial adhesins commonly implicated in adherence to various fomites and plant and human epithelial cells, in O157 adherence to RSE cells. Specifically, we examined (i) wild-type strains of O157; (ii) curli variants of O157 strains; (iii) isogenic curli deletion mutants of O157; and (iv) adherence inhibition of O157 using anti-curlin sera. Results of these experiments conducted under stringent conditions suggest that curli do not solely contribute to O157 adherence to RSE cells and in fact demonstrate a modulating effect on O157 adherence to RSE cells in contrast to HEp-2 cells (human epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx cells with HeLa contamination). The absence of curli and presence of blocking anti-curli antibodies enhanced O157-RSE cell interactions among some strains, thus alluding to a spatial, tempering effect of curli on O157 adherence to RSE cells when present. At the same time, the presence or absence of curli did not alter RSE cell adherence patterns of another O157 strain. These observations are at variance with the reported role of curli in O157 adherence to human cell lines such as HEp-2 and need to be factored in when developing anti-adherence modalities for preharvest control of O157 in cattle. IMPORTANCE This study demonstrated that O157 strains interact with epithelial cells in a host-specific manner. The fimbriae/adhesins that are significant for adherence to human cell lines may not have a role or may have a modulating role in O157 adherence to bovine cells. Targeting such adhesins may not prevent O157 attachment to bovine cells but instead may result in improved adherence. Hence, conducting host-specific evaluations is critical when selecting targets for O157 control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira T Kudva
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Michelle Q Carter
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California, USA
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Judith A Stasko
- Microscopy Services Laboratory, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Jorge A Giron
- Center for Biomolecular Detection, University of Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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46
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Stein R, Chirilã M. Routes of Transmission in the Food Chain. FOODBORNE DISEASES 2017. [PMCID: PMC7148622 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385007-2.00003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
More than 250 different foodborne diseases have been described to date, annually affecting about one-third of the world's population. The incidence of foodborne diseases has been underreported and underestimated, and the asymptomatic presentation of some of the illnesses, worldwide heterogeneities in reporting, and the alternative transmission routes of certain pathogens are among the factors that contribute to this. Globalization, centralization of the food supply, transportation of food products progressively farther from their places of origin, and the multitude of steps where contamination may occur have made it increasingly challenging to investigate foodborne and waterborne outbreaks. Certain foodborne pathogens may be transmitted directly from animals to humans, while others are transmitted through vectors, such as insects, or through food handlers, contaminated food products or food-processing surfaces, or transfer from sponges, cloths, or utensils. Additionally, the airborne route may contribute to the transmission of certain foodborne pathogens. Complicating epidemiological investigations, multiple transmission routes have been described for some foodborne pathogens. Two types of transmission barriers, primary and secondary, have been described for foodborne pathogens, each of them providing opportunities for preventing and controlling outbreaks. Primary barriers, the most effective sites of prophylactic intervention, prevent pathogen entry into the environment, while secondary barriers prevent the multiplication and dissemination of pathogens that have already entered the environment. Understanding pathogen dynamics, monitoring transmission, and implementing preventive measures are complicated by the phenomenon of superspreading, which refers to the concept that, at the level of populations, a minority of hosts is responsible for the majority of transmission events.
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47
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Ntuli V, Njage P, Buys E. Characterization of Escherichia coli and other Enterobacteriaceae in producer-distributor bulk milk. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9534-9549. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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48
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Mellor GE, Fegan N, Duffy LL, McMILLAN KE, Jordan D, Barlow RS. National Survey of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Serotypes O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157 in Australian Beef Cattle Feces. J Food Prot 2016; 79:1868-1874. [PMID: 28221921 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157 and six non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) serotypes (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145, colloquially referred to as the "big 6") have been classified as adulterants of raw nonintact beef products in the United States. While beef cattle are a known reservoir for the prototype STEC serotype, E. coli O157, less is known about the dissemination of non-O157 STEC serotypes in Australian cattle. In the present study, 1,500 fecal samples were collected at slaughter from adult (n =628) and young (n =286) beef cattle, adult (n =128) and young (n =143) dairy cattle, and veal calves (n = 315) across 31 Australian export-registered processing establishments. Fecal samples were enriched and tested for E. coli O157 and the big 6 STEC serotypes using BAX System PCR and immunomagnetic separation methods. Pathogenic STEC (pSTEC; isolates that possess stx, eae, and an O antigen marker for O157 or a big 6 serotype) were isolated from 115 samples (7.7%), of which 100 (6.7%) contained E. coli O157 and 19 (1.3%) contained a big 6 serotype. Four of the 115 samples contained multiple pSTEC serotypes. Among samples confirmed for big 6 pSTEC, 15 (1%) contained E. coli O26 and 4 (0.3%) contained E. coli O111. pSTEC of serotypes O45, O103, O121, and O145 were not isolated from any sample, even though genes indicative of E. coli belonging to these serotypes were detected by PCR. Analysis of animal classes revealed a higher pSTEC prevalence in younger animals, including veal (12.7%), young beef (9.8%), and young dairy (7.0%), than in adult animals, including adult beef (5.1%) and adult dairy (3.9%). This study is the largest of its kind undertaken in Australia. In contrast to E. coli O157 and consistent with previous findings, this study reports a relatively low prevalence of big 6 pSTEC serotypes in Australian cattle populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen E Mellor
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Narelle Fegan
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 671 Sneydes Road, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - Lesley L Duffy
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Kate E McMILLAN
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - David Jordan
- Department of Primary Industries, 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar, New South Wales 2477, Australia
| | - Robert S Barlow
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Queensland 4108, Australia
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Abstract
This article provides an overview of the emerging field of mathematical modeling in preharvest food safety. We describe the steps involved in developing mathematical models, different types of models, and their multiple applications. The introduction to modeling is followed by several sections that introduce the most common modeling approaches used in preharvest systems. We finish the chapter by outlining potential future directions for the field.
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50
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Climate, lactation, and treatment factors influence faecal shedding ofEscherichia coliO157 pathotypes in dairy cows. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 145:115-125. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816001928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYAmong pathogens shed by cattle,Escherichia coliO157 ranks highest in those causing human illness. To date, prevalence and risk factors for O157 shedding have been assessed in feedlot, but not dairy cattle. The study aimed to determine prevalence levels and risk factors for O157 atypical enteropathogenicE. coli(aEPEC) and enterohaemorrhagicE. coli(EHEC) shedding in dairy cattle. Dairy cattle (n= 899) within the first 21 days of lactation were sampled monthly over the course of 1 year, on three dry lot dairies surrounding Fort Collins, CO. During visits multiple factors were measured (disease history, pharmaceutical use, climate measures, etc.), and cattle faeces were collected and assessed for presence of O157 and virulence genes. Logistic regression analysis was performed using O157 outcomes and measured factors. Prevalence of O157 aEPEC was 3·7%, while EHEC was 3·0%. Many potential risk factors were highly correlated, and used to build separate multivariable models. An increase in humidity was positively associated with aEPEC, while fluid faeces and history of disease showed a negative association. Meanwhile, an increase in temperature and antibiotic treatment was positively associated with EHEC, while more days in milk, higher hygiene score and cow contact were negatively associated. These results may guide mitigation strategies that reduce O157 shedding, and contamination of the human food chain.
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