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Auvray F, Bièche-Terrier C, Um MM, Dupouy V, Nzuzi N, David L, Allais L, Drouet M, Oswald E, Bibbal D, Brugère H. Prevalence and characterization of the seven major serotypes of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in veal calves slaughtered in France. Vet Microbiol 2023; 282:109754. [PMID: 37116423 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109754] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) belonging to the "top 7″ serotypes (i.e. O157:H7, O26:H11, O45:H2, O103:H2, O111:H8, O121:H19 and O145:H28) are considered as the main pathogenic enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). As ruminants, including calves, are a reservoir of pathogenic STEC, we investigated the prevalence, major virulence genes and genetic relatedness of top7 STEC in veal calves slaughtered in France, through the analysis of 500 fecal samples collected over one year. Thirty top7 STEC isolates were recovered from 28 calves. The two serotypes O103:H2 and O26:H11 accounted for 73% of STEC strains, followed by O145:H28 and O157:H7. STEC super-shedding levels were identified for two calves carrying STEC O103:H2 and O157:H7, respectively. Thirty-nine atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) were also recovered from calves. Overall, a prevalence of 5.6% top7 STEC-positive calves was found, thus higher than that previously determined for the French slaughtered adult cattle (1.8%), confirming the impact of animals age on STEC carriage. Most top7 STEC strains carried the stx1a subtype suggesting a low pathogenicity for humans. Seasonal variation in STEC carriage was also observed, with two peaks of higher prevalence during spring and fall. Genetic similarity of top7 STEC isolates was found for calves originating from the same fattening facilities, reflecting STEC circulation between animals kept in groups. This study indicates that veal calves grown for meat production are at higher risk of shedding top7 STEC compared to adult cattle. They thus represent ideal targets for the implementation of farm interventions aimed at reducing STEC burden in cattle and the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Auvray
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Maryse Michèle Um
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Nathalie Nzuzi
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Laure David
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurent Allais
- Institut de l'Elevage, Laboratoire Analyse et Technologie des Produits, Villers Bocage, France
| | - Marie Drouet
- Institut de l'Elevage, Service Qualité des Viandes, Villers Bocage, France
| | - Eric Oswald
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France; CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Delphine Bibbal
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France; InTheRes, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Hubert Brugère
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, UPS, Toulouse, France
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A systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature on prevalence of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) and virulence genes in feces, hides, and carcasses of pre- and peri-harvest cattle worldwide. Anim Health Res Rev 2022; 23:1-24. [PMID: 35678500 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252321000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to summarize peer-reviewed literature on the prevalence and concentration of non-O157 STEC (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) serogroups and virulence genes (stx and eae) in fecal, hide, and carcass samples in pre- and peri-harvest cattle worldwide, using a systematic review of the literature and meta-analyses. DATA SYNTHESIS Seventy articles were eligible for meta-analysis inclusion; data from 65 articles were subjected to random-effects meta-analysis models to yield fecal prevalence estimates. Meta-regression models were built to explore variables contributing to the between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS Worldwide pooled non-O157 serogroup, STEC, and EHEC fecal prevalence estimates (95% confidence interval) were 4.7% (3.4-6.3%), 0.7% (0.5-0.8%), and 1.0% (0.8-1.1%), respectively. Fecal prevalence estimates significantly differed by geographic region (P < 0.01) for each outcome classification. Meta-regression analyses identified region, cattle type, and specimen type as factors that contribute to heterogeneity for worldwide fecal prevalence estimates. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of these global foodborne pathogens in the cattle reservoir is widespread and highly variable by region. The scarcity of prevalence and concentration data for hide and carcass matrices identifies a large data gap in the literature as these are the closest proxies for potential beef contamination at harvest.
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Withenshaw SM, Smith RP, Davies R, Smith AEO, Gray E, Rodgers J. A systematized review and qualitative synthesis of potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of non‐O157 Shiga toxin‐producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) in the primary production of cattle. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2022; 21:2363-2390. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan M. Withenshaw
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge New Haw UK
| | - Richard P. Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge New Haw UK
| | - Rob Davies
- Department of Bacteriology Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge New Haw UK
| | - Alice E. O. Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge New Haw UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge New Haw UK
| | - John Rodgers
- Department of Bacteriology Animal and Plant Health Agency – Weybridge New Haw UK
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Transmission Dynamics of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in New Zealand Cattle from Farm to Slaughter. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02907-20. [PMID: 33771782 PMCID: PMC8208155 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02907-20] [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: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains that can cause serious illness or death in humans. In New Zealand, contact with cattle feces and living near cattle populations are known risk factors for human STEC infection. Contamination of fresh meat with STEC strains also leads to the potential for rejection of consignments by importing countries. We used a combination of PCR/matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to evaluate the presence and transmission of STEC on farms and in processing plants to better understand the potential pathways for human exposure and thus mitigate risk. Animal and environmental samples (n = 2,580) were collected from six farms and three meat processing plants in New Zealand during multiple sampling sessions in spring of 2015 and 2016. PCR/MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that 6.2% were positive for "Top 7" STEC. Top 7 STEC strains were identified in all sample sources (n = 17) tested. A marked increase in Top 7 STEC prevalence was observed between calf hides on farm (6.3% prevalence) and calf hides at processing plants (25.1% prevalence). Whole-genome sequencing was performed on Top 7 STEC bacterial isolates (n = 40). Analysis of STEC O26 (n = 25 isolates) revealed relatively low genetic diversity on individual farms, consistent with the presence of a resident strain disseminated within the farm environment. Public health efforts should focus on minimizing human contact with fecal material on farms and during handling, transport, and slaughter of calves. Meat processing plants should focus on minimizing cross-contamination between the hides of calves in a cohort during transport, lairage, and slaughter.IMPORTANCE Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains, which can cause serious illness or death in humans. Contact with cattle feces and living near cattle are known risk factors for human STEC infection. This study evaluated STEC carriage in young calves and the farm environment with an in-depth evaluation of six farms and three meat processing plants over 2 years. An advanced molecular detection method and whole-genome sequencing were used to provide a detailed evaluation of the transmission of STEC both within and between farms. The study revealed widespread STEC contamination within the farm environment, but no evidence of recent spread between farms. Contamination of young dairy calf hides increased following transport and holding at meat processing plants. The elimination of STEC in farm environments may be very difficult given the multiple transmission routes; interventions should be targeted at decreasing fecal contamination of calf hides during transport, lairage, and processing.
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Rapp D, Ross CM, Maclean P, Cave VM, Brightwell G. Investigation of On-Farm Transmission Routes for Contamination of Dairy Cows with Top 7 Escherichia coli O-Serogroups. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 81:67-77. [PMID: 32561945 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-020-01542-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne bacterial pathogens, with cattle a significant reservoir for human infection. This study evaluated environmental reservoirs, intermediate hosts and key pathways that could drive the presence of Top 7 STEC (O157:H7, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145) on pasture-based dairy herds, using molecular and culture-based methods. A total of 235 composite environmental samples (including soil, bedding, pasture, stock drinking water, bird droppings and flies and faecal samples of dairy animals) were collected from two dairy farms, with four sampling events on each farm. Molecular detection revealed O26, O45, O103 and O121 as the most common O-serogroups, with the greatest occurrence in dairy animal faeces (> 91%), environments freshly contaminated with faeces (> 73%) and birds and flies (> 71%). STEC (79 isolates) were a minor population within the target O-serogroups in all sample types but were widespread in the farm environment in the summer samplings. Phylogenetic analysis of whole genome sequence data targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed the presence of several clonal strains on a farm; a single STEC clonal strain could be found in several sample types concurrently, indicating the existence of more than one possible route for transmission to dairy animals and a high rate of transmission of STEC between dairy animals and wildlife. Overall, the findings improved the understanding of the ecology of the Top 7 STEC in open farm environments, which is required to develop on-farm intervention strategies controlling these zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rapp
- Food & Bio-based Products, AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - C M Ross
- Food & Bio-based Products, AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - P Maclean
- Bioinformatics & Statistics, AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
| | - V M Cave
- Bioinformatics & Statistics, AgResearch, Ruakura Agricultural Centre, Hamilton, 3214, New Zealand
| | - G Brightwell
- Food & Bio-based Products, AgResearch, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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Habets A, Engelen F, Duprez JN, Devleesschauwer B, Heyndrickx M, De Zutter L, Thiry D, Cox E, Mainil J. Identification of Shigatoxigenic and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Serotypes in Healthy Young Dairy Calves in Belgium by Recto-Anal Mucosal Swabbing. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7040167. [PMID: 33142734 PMCID: PMC7712179 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and Shigatoxigenic E. coli (STEC) are carried by healthy adult cattle and even more frequently by young calves in their intestinal tract, especially at the height of the recto-anal junction. The purpose of the present study was to assess the presence of ten EHEC, EPEC, and/or STEC O serotypes (O5, O26, O80, O103, O111, O118, O121, O145, O157, and O165) in calves sampled via recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMS) at three dairy farms in Belgium. A total of 233 RAMS were collected on three consecutive occasions from healthy <6-month-old Holstein-Friesian calves and submitted to a PCR targeting the eae, stx1, and stx2 genes after non-selective overnight enrichment growth. The 148 RAMS testing positive were streaked on four (semi-)selective agar media; of the 2146 colonies tested, 294 from 69 RAMS were PCR-confirmed as EHEC, EPEC, or STEC. The most frequent virulotype was eae+ EPEC and the second one was stx1+ stx2+ STEC, while the eae+ stx1+ and eae+ stx1+ stx2+ virulotypes were the most frequent among EHEC. The majority of EHEC (73%) tested positive for one of the five O serotypes detected (O26, O103, O111, O145, or O157) vs. 23% of EPEC and 45% of STEC. Similarly, more RAMS (73%) harbored EHEC isolates positive for those five serotypes compared to EPEC (53%) or STEC (52%). This survey confirms that (i) healthy young dairy calves are asymptomatic carriers of EHEC and EPEC in Belgium; (ii) the carrier state rates, the virulotypes, and the identified O serotypes differ between farms and in time; and (iii) a majority of EPEC belong to so far unidentified O serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Habets
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Health (FARAH) and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée II, Avenue de Cureghem 6, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.H.); (J.-N.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Frederik Engelen
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (F.E.); (E.C.)
| | - Jean-Noël Duprez
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Health (FARAH) and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée II, Avenue de Cureghem 6, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.H.); (J.-N.D.); (J.M.)
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - Marc Heyndrickx
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Unit Technology and Food, Brusselsesteenweg 370, B-9090 Melle, Belgium;
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lieven De Zutter
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - Damien Thiry
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Health (FARAH) and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée II, Avenue de Cureghem 6, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.H.); (J.-N.D.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eric Cox
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (F.E.); (E.C.)
| | - Jacques Mainil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Fundamental and Applied Research in Animals and Health (FARAH) and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée II, Avenue de Cureghem 6, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.H.); (J.-N.D.); (J.M.)
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Stenkamp-Strahm C, Lombard J, Magnuson R, Linke L, Magzamen S, Urie N, Shivley C, McConnel C. Preweaned heifer management on US dairy operations: Part IV. Factors associated with the presence of Escherichia coli O157 in preweaned dairy heifers. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:9214-9228. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Wang LYR, Jokinen CC, Laing CR, Johnson RP, Ziebell K, Gannon VPJ. Multi-Year Persistence of Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) in a Closed Canadian Beef Herd: A Cohort Study. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2040. [PMID: 30233526 PMCID: PMC6127291 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, fecal samples were collected from a closed beef herd in Alberta, Canada from 2012 to 2015. To limit serotype bias, which was observed in enrichment broth cultures, Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) were isolated directly from samples using a hydrophobic grid-membrane filter verotoxin immunoblot assay. Overall VTEC isolation rates were similar for three different cohorts of yearling heifers on both an annual (68.5 to 71.8%) and seasonal basis (67.3 to 76.0%). Across all three cohorts, O139:H19 (37.1% of VTEC-positive samples), O22:H8 (15.8%) and O?(O108):H8 (15.4%) were among the most prevalent serotypes. However, isolation rates for serotypes O139:H19, O130:H38, O6:H34, O91:H21, and O113:H21 differed significantly between cohort-years, as did isolation rates for some serotypes within a single heifer cohort. There was a high level of VTEC serotype diversity with an average of 4.3 serotypes isolated per heifer and 65.8% of the heifers classified as "persistent shedders" of VTEC based on the criteria of >50% of samples positive and ≥4 consecutive samples positive. Only 26.8% (90/336) of the VTEC isolates from yearling heifers belonged to the human disease-associated seropathotypes A (O157:H7), B (O26:H11, O111:NM), and C (O22:H8, O91:H21, O113:H21, O137:H41, O2:H6). Conversely, seropathotypes B (O26:NM, O111:NM) and C (O91:H21, O2:H29) strains were dominant (76.0%, 19/25) among VTEC isolates from month-old calves from this herd. Among VTEC from heifers, carriage rates of vt1, vt2, vt1+vt2, eae, and hlyA were 10.7, 20.8, 68.5, 3.9, and 88.7%, respectively. The adhesin gene saa was present in 82.7% of heifer strains but absent from all of 13 eae+ve strains (from serotypes/intimin types O157:H7/γ1, O26:H11/β1, O111:NM/θ, O84:H2/ζ, and O182:H25/ζ). Phylogenetic relationships inferred from wgMLST and pan genome-derived core SNP analysis showed that strains clustered by phylotype and serotype. Further, VTEC strains of the same serotype usually shared the same suite of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, suggesting the circulation of dominant clones within this distinct herd. This study provides insight into the diverse and dynamic nature of VTEC populations within groups of cattle and points to a broad spectrum of human health risks associated with these E. coli strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ya Ruth Wang
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | | | - Chad R Laing
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Roger P Johnson
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kim Ziebell
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Victor P J Gannon
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Browne AS, Midwinter AC, Withers H, Cookson AL, Biggs PJ, Marshall JC, Benschop J, Hathaway S, Haack NA, Akhter RN, French NP. Molecular Epidemiology of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) on New Zealand Dairy Farms: Application of a Culture-Independent Assay and Whole-Genome Sequencing. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:e00481-18. [PMID: 29752274 PMCID: PMC6029106 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00481-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
New Zealand has a relatively high incidence of human cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), with 8.9 STEC cases per 100,000 people reported in 2016. Previous research showed living near cattle and contact with cattle feces as significant risk factors for STEC infections in humans in New Zealand, but infection was not linked to food-associated factors. During the 2014 spring calving season, a random, stratified, cross-sectional study of dairy farms (n = 102) in six regions across New Zealand assessed the prevalence of the "Top 7" STEC bacteria (serogroups O157, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) in young calves (n = 1,508), using a culture-independent diagnostic test (PCR/MALDI-TOF). Twenty percent (306/1,508) of calves on 75% (76/102) of dairy farms were positive for at least one of the "Top 7" STEC bacteria. STEC carriage by calves was associated with environmental factors, increased calf age, region, and increased number of calves in a shared calf pen. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ) indicated strong clustering of "Top 7" STEC-positive calves for O157, O26, and O45 serogroups within the same pens and farms, indicating that if one calf was positive, others in the same environment were likely to be positive as well. This finding was further evaluated with whole-genome sequencing, which indicated that a single E. coli O26 clonal strain could be found in calves in the same pen or farm, but different strains existed on different farms. This study provides evidence that would be useful for designing on-farm interventions to reduce direct and indirect human exposure to STEC bacteria.IMPORTANCE Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and kidney failure in humans if ingested. New Zealand has relatively high numbers of STEC cases, and contact with cattle feces and living near cattle are risk factors for human infection. This study assessed the national prevalence of STEC in young dairy cattle by randomly selecting 102 farms throughout New Zealand. The study used a molecular laboratory method that has relatively high sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods. "Top 7" STEC was found in 20% of calves on 75% of the farms studied, indicating widespread prevalence across the country. By examining the risk factors associated with calf carriage, potential interventions that could decrease the prevalence of "Top 7" STEC bacteria at the farm level were identified, which could benefit both public health and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helen Withers
- Ministry of Primary Industries, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Adrian L Cookson
- EpiLab, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Patrick J Biggs
- EpiLab, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nigel P French
- EpiLab, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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The effect of transportation and lairage on faecal shedding and carcass contamination with Escherichia coli O157 and O26 in very young calves in New Zealand. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:1089-1100. [PMID: 29789035 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818000973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of transportation and lairage on the faecal shedding and post-slaughter contamination of carcasses with Escherichia coli O157 and O26 in young calves (4-7-day-old) was assessed in a cohort study at a regional calf-processing plant in the North Island of New Zealand, following 60 calves as cohorts from six dairy farms to slaughter. Multiple samples from each animal at pre-slaughter (recto-anal mucosal swab) and carcass at post-slaughter (sponge swab) were collected and screened using real-time PCR and culture isolation methods for the presence of E. coli O157 and O26 (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and non-STEC). Genotype analysis of E. coli O157 and O26 isolates provided little evidence of faecal-oral transmission of infection between calves during transportation and lairage. Increased cross-contamination of hides and carcasses with E. coli O157 and O26 between co-transported calves was confirmed at pre-hide removal and post-evisceration stages but not at pre-boning (at the end of dressing prior to chilling), indicating that good hygiene practices and application of an approved intervention effectively controlled carcass contamination. This study was the first of its kind to assess the impact of transportation and lairage on the faecal carriage and post-harvest contamination of carcasses with E. coli O157 and O26 in very young calves.
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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: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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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Palanisamy S, Chang Y, Scaria J, Penha Filho RAC, Peters KE, Doiphode SH, Sultan A, Mohammed HO. Genetic Relatedness Among Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli Isolated Along the Animal Food Supply Chain and in Gastroenteritis Cases in Qatar Using Multilocus Sequence Typing. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2017; 14:318-325. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - YuChen Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Joy Scaria
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota
| | | | - Kenlyn E. Peters
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Ali Sultan
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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13
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Wang L, Zhang S, Zheng D, Fujihara S, Wakabayashi A, Okahata K, Suzuki M, Saeki A, Nakamura H, Hara-Kudo Y, Kage-Nakadai E, Nishikawa Y. Prevalence of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in Foods and Fecal Specimens Obtained from Cattle, Pigs, Chickens, Asymptomatic Carriers, and Patients in Osaka and Hyogo, Japan. Jpn J Infect Dis 2017; 70:464-469. [PMID: 28367884 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2016.486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The source and routes of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) remain poorly understood. To investigate the involvement of domestic animals in the dissemination of DEC, the prevalence of DEC in foods and fecal specimens from cattle, pigs, chickens, healthy carriers, and patients in Osaka and Hyogo, Japan was investigated using a multiplex real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction assay. The most abundant virulence genes were astA and eae, which had a prevalence 46.8% and 27.4%, respectively. Additionally, stx1 (26.6%) and stx2 (45.9%) were prevalent in cattle feces, while est (8.5%) and elt (7.6%) were prevalent in pig feces. afaB was the second-most prevalent gene in patients and healthy carriers, and it had detection rates of 5.1% and 8.1%, respectively. In contrast, afaB was not detected in animal feces or foods, except for three porcine fecal samples. The aggR gene was more prevalent in humans than in foods or animal feces. Both Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli carried by cattle may be sources for diarrheal diseases in humans. Pigs may be a source for human enterotoxigenic E. coli infections, whereas humans are expected to be the reservoir for diffusely adhering E. coli, enteroaggregative E. coli, and enteroinvasive E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology.,Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University
| | - Shaobo Zhang
- Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University
| | - Dongming Zheng
- Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University
| | - Sami Fujihara
- National Hospital Organization Osaka Minami Medical Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Hiromi Nakamura
- Osaka City Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences
| | | | - Eriko Kage-Nakadai
- Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University.,The OCU Advanced Research Institute for Natural Science and Technology, Osaka City University
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14
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Zhang Y, Qi Z, Liu Y, He W, Yang C, Wang Q, Dong J, Deng X. Baicalin Protects Mice from Lethal Infection by Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:395. [PMID: 28337193 PMCID: PMC5343029 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 poses grave challenges to public health by its ability to cause severe colonic diseases and renal failure in both human and animals. Shiga-like toxins are the major pathogenic factor for some highly virulent E. coli expecially Shiga-like toxin 2. Conventional treatments such as antibiotics can facilitate the release of the toxin thus potentially exacerbate the diseases. Small molecule inhibitors and antibodies capable of neutralizing the toxins are the two major venues for the development of therapeutics against enterohemorrhagic serotype E. coli infection. While promising and potentially effective at clinical settings, these approaches need to overcome obstacles such as the limited routes of administration, responses from the host immune system, which are known to differ greatly among individuals. Our previous studies demonstrate that Baicalin (BAI), a flavonoid compound isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis protects against rStx2-induced cell cytotoxicity and also protects mice from lethal rStx2 challenges by inducing Stx2 to form inactive oligomers. In this manuscript, we present some exciting work showing that baicalin is an effective agent for therapeutic treatment of STEC O157:H7 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- The First Hospital and Institute of Infection and Immunity, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Zhimin Qi
- The First Hospital and Institute of Infection and Immunity, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Yan Liu
- The First Hospital and Institute of Infection and Immunity, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China
| | - Wenqi He
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University Changchun, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- High Throughput Molecular Drug Discovery Center, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine Tianjin, China
| | - Quan Wang
- High Throughput Molecular Drug Discovery Center, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biotechnology and Medicine Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences Wuhan, China
| | - Xuming Deng
- The First Hospital and Institute of Infection and Immunity, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin UniversityChangchun, China
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Epidemiology of Escherichia coli serogroups O26, O103, O111 and O145 in very young ('bobby') calves in the North Island, New Zealand. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:1606-1616. [PMID: 28264732 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817000401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and spatial distribution of Escherichia coli serogroups O26, O103, O111 and O145 in calves 70% similarity) using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Mapping of the farms showed the presence of farms positive for O26, O103 and O145 in three important dairy producing regions of the North Island. Calves positive for O103 were more likely to be positive for O26 and vice versa (P = 0·04). Similarly, calves positive for O145 were more likely to be positive for O103 and vice versa (P = 0·03). This study demonstrates that non-O157 E. coli serogroups of public health and economic importance containing clinically relevant virulence factors are present in calves in the North Island of New Zealand.
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Fink RC, Popowski JM, Anderson JE, Tran JL, Kalyanikutty S, Crawford GI, DiCostanzo A, Cox RB, Diez-Gonzalez F. Impact of distillers grain solids (DGS) and seasonality on the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 at an abattoir in the U. S. Upper Midwest. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2017.1288628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C. Fink
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jackie M. Popowski
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jon E. Anderson
- Division of Mathematics and Science, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN, USA
| | - Johanna L. Tran
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Sudha Kalyanikutty
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Grant I. Crawford
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Alfredo DiCostanzo
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Ryan B. Cox
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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