1
|
Nada HG, El-Tahan AS, El-Didamony G, Askora A. Detection of multidrug-resistant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in some food products and cattle faeces in Al-Sharkia, Egypt: one health menace. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:127. [PMID: 37173663 PMCID: PMC10176883 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a zoonotic pathogen, that is transmitted from a variety of animals, especially cattle to humans via contaminated food, water, feaces or contact with infected environment or animals. The ability of STEC strains to cause gastrointestinal complications in human is due to the production of Shiga toxins (sxt). However, the transmission of multidrug-resistance STEC strains are linked with a severity of disease outcomes and horizontal spread of resistance genes in other pathogens. The result of this has emerged as a significant threat to public health, animal health, food safety, and the environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the antibiogram profile of enteric E. coli O157 isolated from food products and cattle faeces samples in Zagazig City, Al-Sharkia, Egypt, and to reveal the presence of Shiga toxin genes stx1 and stx2 as virulence factors in multidrug-resistant isolates. In addition to this, the partial 16S rRNA sequencing was used for the identification and genetic recoding of the obtained STEC isolates. RESULTS There was a total of sixty-five samples collected from different geographical regions at Zagazig City, Al-Sharkia-Egypt, which were divided into: 15 chicken meat (C), 10 luncheon (L), 10 hamburgers (H), and 30 cattle faeces (CF). From the sixty-five samples, only 10 samples (one from H, and 9 from CF) were identified as suspicious E. coli O157 with colourless colonies on sorbitol MacConkey agar media with Cefixime- Telurite supplement at the last step of most probable number (MPN) technique. Eight isolates (all from CF) were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) as they showed resistance to three antibiotics with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ≥ 0.23, which were assessed by standard Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. These eight isolates demonstrated complete resistance (100%) against amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and high frequencies of resistance (90%, 70%, 60%,60%, and 40%) against cefoxitin, polymixin, erythromycin, ceftazidime, and piperacillin, respectively. Those eight MDR E. coli O157 underwent serological assay to confirm their serotype. Only two isolates (CF8, and CF13), both from CF, were showed strong agglutination with antisera O157 and H7, as well as resistance against 8 out of 13 of the used antibiotics with the highest MAR index (0.62). The presence of virulence genes Shiga toxins (stx1 and stx2) was assessed by PCR technique. CF8 was confirmed for carrying stx2, while CF13 was carrying both genes stx1, and stx2. Both isolates were identified by partial molecular 16S rRNA sequencing and have an accession number (Acc. No.) of LC666912, and LC666913 on gene bank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CF8, and CF13 were highly homologous (98%) to E. coli H7 strain, and (100%) to E. coli DH7, respectively. CONCLUSION The results of this study provides evidence for the occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 that carries Shiga toxins stx1 and/or stx2, with a high frequency of resistance to antibiotics commonly used in human and veterinary medicine, in Zagazig City, Al-Sharkia, Egypt. This has a high extent of public health risk posed by animal reservoirs and food products with respect to easy transmission causing outbreaks and transfer resistance genes to other pathogens in animal, human, and plants. Therefore, environmental, animal husbandry, and food product surveillance, as well as, clinical infection control, must be strengthened to avoid the extra spread of MDR pathogens, especially MDR STEC strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanady G Nada
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, 11787, Egypt.
| | - Amera Saeed El-Tahan
- Microbiology and Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Gamal El-Didamony
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Askora
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Songsri J, Mala W, Wisessombat S, Siritham K, Cheha S, Noisa N, Wongtawan T, Klangbud WK. First isolation of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 from sports animals in Southern Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:2275-2284. [PMID: 36341074 PMCID: PMC9631374 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2275-2284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Escherichia coli O157:H7 is enterohemorrhagic E. coli, which produces verocytotoxin or Shiga toxin. It is a well-known cause of severe diseases in humans worldwide. Cattle and other ruminants are the main reservoirs of this organism. Sports animals, such as fighting bulls, riding horses, and fighting cocks, are economic animals in Southern Thailand. This study aimed to identify E. coli O157:H7 from the rectal swabs of these sports animals and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria. Materials and Methods: The rectal swabs were collected from 34 fighting bulls, 32 riding horses, and 31 fighting cocks. The swabs were cultured on MacConkey (MAC) Agar; the suspected colonies were then identified by VITEK® 2 GN card, and the antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by VITEK® 2 AST N194 in VITEK® 2 Compact automation. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was confirmed by culturing on sorbitol MAC agar, the ability to grow at 44°C, and the presence of H7 antigen. In addition, the eaeA (E. coli attaching and effacing), along with stx1 and stx2 (Shiga cytotoxins) genes, were determined using polymerase chain reaction. Finally, the cytotoxicity of Shiga toxin was confirmed using the Vero cytotoxicity test. Results: Fifty-five suspected isolates (56.70%), which were collected from 19 fighting bulls (55.88%), 13 riding horses (40.63%), and 23 fighting cocks (71.13%), were identified as E. coli. However, one sample (Bull H9/1) from fighting bulls had an equal confidence level (50%) for E. coli and E. coli O157. The confirmation of this isolate demonstrated that it was sorbitol non-fermenter, could assimilate L-lactate, was unable to grow well at 44°C, and reacted with anti-serum to H7 antigen. In addition, it was positive with stx2 and eaeA genes, and the toxin affected Vero cells by a dose-dependent response. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that five out of 55 (9.09%) E. coli isolates were resistant to antimicrobial agents. All five isolates (21.74%) were collected from fighting cocks. Escherichia coli Cock H4/3 was only one of the five isolates resistant to three antimicrobial agents (ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Fortunately, it was not multidrug-resistant bacteria. Conclusion: This is the first report on detection of E. coli O157:H7 in fighting bulls and antibiotic-resistant characteristic of E. coli in fighting cocks in Southern Thailand. This research is beneficial in preventing the dissemination of E. coli O157:H7 or antimicrobial agent-resistant E. coli in sports animals and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jirarat Songsri
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand; Center of Excellence Research for Melioidosis and Microorganisms, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| | - Wanida Mala
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand; Center of Excellence Research for Melioidosis and Microorganisms, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| | - Sueptrakool Wisessombat
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand; Center of Excellence Research for Melioidosis and Microorganisms, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| | - Kesinee Siritham
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| | - Sahida Cheha
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| | - Nattita Noisa
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| | - Tuempong Wongtawan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine , Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| | - Wiyada Kwanhian Klangbud
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand; Center of Excellence Research for Melioidosis and Microorganisms, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160 Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stirling JM, Eze JI, Foster G, Reeves A, Gunn GJ, Tongue SC. The Use of Sheep Movement Data to Inform Design and Interpretation of Slaughterhouse-Based Surveillance Activities. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:205. [PMID: 32391387 PMCID: PMC7193055 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The design of surveillance strategies is often a compromise between science, feasibility, and available resources, especially when sampling is based at fixed locations, such as slaughter-houses. Advances in animal identification, movement recording and traceability should provide data that can facilitate the development, design and interpretation of surveillance activities. Here, for the first time since the introduction of electronic identification of sheep, the utility of a statutory sheep movement database to inform the design and interpretation of slaughter-house based surveillance activities has been investigated. Scottish sheep movement records for 2015–2018 were analyzed in combination with several other data sources. Patterns of off-farm movements of Scottish sheep to slaughter were described and the spatial distribution of several distinct slaughter populations, throughputs and catchment areas for Scottish slaughterhouses were determined. These were used to evaluate the coverage of a convenience-sample slaughter-house based survey for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In addition, non-slaughter sheep movements within and between Scottish regions were described and inter-and intra-regional movement matrices were produced. There is potential at a number of levels for bias in spatially-associated factors for ovine surveillance activities based at Scottish slaughterhouses. The first is intrinsic because the slaughtered in Scotland population differs from the overall Scottish sheep slaughter population. Other levels will be survey-dependent and occur when the catchment area differs from the slaughtered in Scotland population and when the sampled sheep differ from the catchment area. These are both observed in the AMR survey. Furthermore, the Scottish non-slaughter sheep population is dynamic. Inter-regional movements vary seasonally, driven by the sheep calendar year, structure of the Scottish sheep industry and management practices. These sheep movement data provide a valuable resource for surveillance purposes, despite a number of challenges and limitations that were encountered. They can be used to identify and characterize the spatial origin of relevant populations and so inform the interpretation of existing slaughterhouse-based surveillance activities. They can be used to improve future design by exploring the feasibility and cost:benefit of alternative sampling strategies. Further development could also contribute to other surveillance activities, such as situational awareness and resource allocation, for the benefit of stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Stirling
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jude I Eze
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Scotland, United Kingdom.,Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, JCMB, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Foster
- SRUC Veterinary Services (Inverness), Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Reeves
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - George J Gunn
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sue C Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit (Inverness), Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Scotland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abreham S, Teklu A, Cox E, Sisay Tessema T. Escherichia coli O157:H7: distribution, molecular characterization, antimicrobial resistance patterns and source of contamination of sheep and goat carcasses at an export abattoir, Mojdo, Ethiopia. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:215. [PMID: 31510932 PMCID: PMC6740007 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1590-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cattle have been identified as a major reservoir of E. coli O157:H7 for human infection; the ecology of the organism in sheep and goats is less understood. This study was carried out to determine prevalence, source of infection, antibiotic resistance and molecular characterization of Escherichia coli O157: H7 isolated from sheep and goat. METHODS Systematic random sampling was carried out at Modjo export abattoir, Ethiopia, from November 2012 to April 2013 to collect 408 samples from 72 sheep and 32 goats. Samples collected were skin swabs, fecal samples, intestinal mucosal swabs and the inside and outside part of carcasses as well as carcass in contacts such as workers hands, knife, hook and carcass washing water. Then, samples were processed following standard bacteriological procedures. Non-Sorbitol fermenting colonies were tested on latex agglutination test and the positives are subjected to PCR for detection of attaching and effacing genes (eaeA) and shiga toxin producing genes (stx1 and stx2). All E. coli O157:H7 isolates were checked for their susceptibility pattern towards 15 selected antibiotics. RESULTS E. coli O157:H7 were detected in only 20/408 samples (4.9%). Among these 20 positive samples, 70% (14/20), 25% (5/20) and 5% (1/20) were from sheep, goats and knife samples, respectively. No significant associations were found between carcasses and the assumed sources of contaminations. Of all the 20 isolates virulence genes were found in 10 (50%) of them; 3 (15%) with only the eaeA gene and 7(35%) expressing eaeA and stx2 genes. All the isolates were susceptible to Norfloxacin (NOR) (100%). CONCLUSIONS The presence of virulence genes shows E. coli O157:H7 is a potential source of human infection in Ethiopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Abreham
- Veterinary Drug and Feed Administration and Control Authority of Ethiopia (VDFACA), Veterinary drug registration, certification and administration directorate director, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Akafete Teklu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Debre Zeit/ Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Eric Cox
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Atnafie B, Paulos D, Abera M, Tefera G, Hailu D, Kasaye S, Amenu K. Occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cattle feces and contamination of carcass and various contact surfaces in abattoir and butcher shops of Hawassa, Ethiopia. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:24. [PMID: 28122502 PMCID: PMC5264334 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-0938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite of the sanitation measures in municipal abattoirs to reduce contamination, Escherichia coli continues to be a health hazard. The present study was conducted on 150 apparently healthy slaughtered cattle at municipal abattoir and in 50 different butcher shops in Hawassa town, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were investigating the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from fecal samples, carcasses swab, contacts surfaces (swabs of meat handlers hands, knife and clothes of meat transporters) as well as from butcher shops (meat samples, swabs from cutting board swab, butcher men hand and knife surface). E. coli O157:H7 was isolated and identified using bacteriological culture, biochemical tests and Biolog identification system. All E. coli O157:H7 isolates were then checked for their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern using eleven selected antimicrobial discs. Results Of the entire set of 630 samples, 2.4% (15/630) (95% CI = 1.3–3.9%) were positive for E. coli O157:H7. When disaggregated by the sources of the samples, E. coli O157:H7 were prevalent in 2.8% (11 of 390) of the abattoir samples, of which 4.7% of the fecal sample and 2.7% of the carcass swabs. And E. coli O157:H7 were positive in 1.7% (4 of 240) of butcher shop specimens of which 2% of meat sample and 3.3% of Cutting board swabs. No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of E. coli 0157: H7 between sex, origin, and breed of cattle. The isolated E. coli O157:H7 were found to be100% susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, gentamycin, kanamycin and nalidixic acid. Conclusion This study concludes the occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 and the presence of multiple antibiotic resistance profiles in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa municipal abattoir and retail meat sold at butcher shops. This indicates high risk to public health especially in Ethiopia where many people consume raw or under cooked meat. Regulatory control of antibiotics usage in livestock production and pharmaco-epidemiological surveillance in food animals and animal products is hereby recommended to ensure consumer safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biruhtesfa Atnafie
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Degmawi Paulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Mesele Abera
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Genene Tefera
- Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Hailu
- Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Surafel Kasaye
- Present Address: Department of Animal Science, Salale University, P.O. Box 254, Fiche, Ethiopia.
| | - Kebede Amenu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia.,Present Address: College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sheng H, Shringi S, Baker KNK, Minnich SA, Hovde CJ, Besser TE. Standardized Escherichia coli O157:H7 Exposure Studies in Cattle Provide Evidence that Bovine Factors Do Not Drive Increased Summertime Colonization. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:964-71. [PMID: 26607594 PMCID: PMC4725274 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02839-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased summertime prevalence of cattle carriage of enterohemorrhagic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157) is associated with the increased summertime incidence of human infection. The mechanism driving the seasonality of STEC O157 carriage among cattle is unknown. We conducted experimental challenge trials to distinguish whether factors extrinsic or intrinsic to cattle underlie the seasonality of STEC O157 colonization. Holstein steers (n = 20) exposed to ambient environmental conditions were challenged with a standardized pool of STEC O157 strains four times at 6-month intervals. The densities and durations of rectoanal junction mucosa (RAJ) colonization with STEC O157 were compared by season (winter versus summer), dose (10(9) CFU versus 10(7) CFU), and route of challenge (oral versus rectal). Following summer challenges, the RAJ STEC O157 colonization density was significantly lower (P = 0.016) and the duration was shorter (P = 0.052) than for winter challenges, a seasonal pattern opposite to that observed naturally. Colonization was unaffected by the challenge route, indicating that passage through the gastrointestinal microbiome did not significantly affect the infectious dose to the RAJ. A 2-log reduction of the challenge doses in the second-year trials was accompanied by similarly reduced RAJ colonization in both seasons (P < 0.001). These results refute the hypothesis that cattle are predisposed to STEC O157 colonization during the summer months, either due to intrinsic factors or indirectly due to gastrointestinal tract microbiome effects. Instead, the data support the hypothesis that the increased summertime STEC O157 colonization results from increased seasonal oral exposure to this pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Sheng
- Bi-state School of Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Smriti Shringi
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Katherine N K Baker
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Scott A Minnich
- Bi-state School of Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Carolyn J Hovde
- Bi-state School of Food Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Thomas E Besser
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nationwide prevalence and risk factors for faecal carriage of Escherichia coli O157 and O26 in very young calves and adult cattle at slaughter in New Zealand. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:1736-47. [PMID: 26733155 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268815003209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nationwide prevalence and risk factors for faecal carriage of Escherichia coli O157 and O26 in cattle were assessed in a 2-year cross-sectional study at four large slaughter plants in New Zealand. Recto-anal mucosal swab samples from a total of 695 young (aged 4-7 days) calves and 895 adult cattle were collected post-slaughter and screened with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of E. coli O157 and O26 [Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and non-STEC]. Co-infection with either serogroup of E. coli (O157 or O26) was identified as a risk factor in both calves and adult cattle for being tested real-time PCR-positive for E. coli O157 or O26. As confirmed by culture isolation and molecular analysis, the overall prevalence of STEC (STEC O157 and STEC O26 combined) was significantly higher in calves [6·0% (42/695), 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·4-8·1] than in adult cattle [1·8% (16/895), 95% CI 1·1-3·0] (P < 0·001). This study is the first of its kind in New Zealand to assess the relative importance of cattle as a reservoir of STEC O157 and O26 at a national level. Epidemiological data collected will be used in the development of a risk management strategy for STEC in New Zealand.
Collapse
|
10
|
CHENEY TEA, SMITH RP, HUTCHINSON JP, BRUNTON LA, PRITCHARD G, TEALE CJ. Cross-sectional survey of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from diseased farm livestock in England and Wales. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:2653-9. [PMID: 25613078 PMCID: PMC9151016 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 2005 and 2007, E. coli obtained from clinical diagnostic submissions from cattle, goats, pigs and sheep to government laboratories in England and Wales were tested for sensitivity to 16 antimicrobials. Resistance was most commonly observed against ampicillin, streptomycin, sulphonamides and tetracyclines. Resistance levels varied significantly between species, with isolates from cattle frequently showing the highest levels. Verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) expressed less resistance than non-VTEC. Only 19·3% of non-VTEC and 43·5% of VTEC were susceptible to all antimicrobials, while 47·1% and 30·4%, respectively, were resistant to ⩾5 antimicrobials. The resistance phenotype SSuT was commonly observed, and isolates resistant to third-generation cephalosporins were also identified. We recommend judicious antimicrobial usage in the livestock industry in order to preserve efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. E. A. CHENEY
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) – Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - R. P. SMITH
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) – Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | | | - L. A. BRUNTON
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) – Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - G. PRITCHARD
- APHA – Bury St Edmunds, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK
| | - C. J. TEALE
- APHA – Shrewsbury, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kamel M, El-Hassan DGA, El-Sayed A. Epidemiological studies on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Egyptian sheep. Trop Anim Health Prod 2015; 47:1161-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-015-0843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
12
|
Jaros P, Cookson AL, Campbell DM, Duncan GE, Prattley D, Carter P, Besser TE, Shringi S, Hathaway S, Marshall JC, French NP. Geographic divergence of bovine and human Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 genotypes, New Zealand. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:1980-9. [PMID: 25568924 PMCID: PMC4257794 DOI: 10.3201/eid2012.140281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen of public health concern worldwide. To compare the local and large-scale geographic distributions of genotypes of STEC O157:H7 isolates obtained from various bovine and human sources during 2008–2011, we used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and Shiga toxin–encoding bacteriophage insertion (SBI) typing. Using multivariate methods, we compared isolates from the North and South Islands of New Zealand with isolates from Australia and the United States. The STEC O157:H7 population structure differed substantially between the 2 islands and showed evidence of finer scale spatial structuring, which is consistent with highly localized transmission rather than disseminated foodborne outbreaks. The distribution of SBI types differed markedly among isolates from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. Our findings also provide evidence for the historic introduction into New Zealand of a subset of globally circulating STEC O157:H7 strains that have continued to evolve and be transmitted locally between cattle and humans.
Collapse
|
13
|
Islam MZ, Musekiwa A, Islam K, Ahmed S, Chowdhury S, Ahad A, Biswas PK. Regional variation in the prevalence of E. coli O157 in cattle: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93299. [PMID: 24691253 PMCID: PMC3972218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Escherichia coli O157 (EcO157) infection has been recognized as an important global public health concern. But information on the prevalence of EcO157 in cattle at the global and at the wider geographical levels is limited, if not absent. This is the first meta-analysis to investigate the point prevalence of EcO157 in cattle at the global level and to explore the factors contributing to variation in prevalence estimates. METHODS Seven electronic databases- CAB Abstracts, PubMed, Biosis Citation Index, Medline, Web of Knowledge, Scirus and Scopus were searched for relevant publications from 1980 to 2012. A random effect meta-analysis model was used to produce the pooled estimates. The potential sources of between study heterogeneity were identified using meta-regression. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 140 studies consisting 220,427 cattle were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence estimate of EcO157 in cattle at the global level was 5.68% (95% CI, 5.16-6.20). The random effects pooled prevalence estimates in Africa, Northern America, Oceania, Europe, Asia and Latin America-Caribbean were 31.20% (95% CI, 12.35-50.04), 7.35% (95% CI, 6.44-8.26), 6.85% (95% CI, 2.41-11.29), 5.15% (95% CI, 4.21-6.09), 4.69% (95% CI, 3.05-6.33) and 1.65% (95% CI, 0.77-2.53), respectively. Between studies heterogeneity was evidenced in most regions. World region (p<0.001), type of cattle (p<0.001) and to some extent, specimens (p = 0.074) as well as method of pre-enrichment (p = 0.110), were identified as factors for variation in the prevalence estimates of EcO157 in cattle. CONCLUSION The prevalence of the organism seems to be higher in the African and Northern American regions. The important factors that might have influence in the estimates of EcO157 are type of cattle and kind of screening specimen. Their roles need to be determined and they should be properly handled in any survey to estimate the true prevalence of EcO157.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Zohorul Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Alfred Musekiwa
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Kamrul Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Shahana Ahmed
- Chittagong Veterinary Laboratory, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Chowdhury
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Ahad
- Department of Microbiology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Paritosh Kumar Biswas
- Department of Microbiology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
A review of factors that affect transmission and survival of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli in the European farm to fork beef chain. Meat Sci 2014; 97:375-83. [PMID: 24548772 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) are a significant foodborne public health hazard in Europe, where most human infections are associated with six serogroups (O157, O26, O103, O145, O111 and O104). With the exception of O104, these serogroups are associated with bovine animals and beef products. This paper reviews our current knowledge of VTEC in the beef chain focusing on transmission and the factors which impact on survival from the farm through transport, lairage, slaughter, dressing, processing and distribution, in the context of the European beef industry. It provides new information on beef farm and animal hide prevalence, distribution and virulence factors as well as pre-chilled carcass and ground beef prevalence, generated by the recently completed EU Framework research project, ProSafeBeef. In the concluding section, emerging issues and data gaps are addressed with a view to increasing our understanding of this pathogen and developing new thinking on detection and control.
Collapse
|
15
|
Alhelfi NA, Adam H, Jones DL, Williams AP. Absence of E coli O157:H7 in sheep and cattle faeces in North Wales. Vet Rec 2013; 173:143. [PMID: 23934296 DOI: 10.1136/vr.101660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N A Alhelfi
- Department of Food Science, Agriculture College, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fraser EM, MacRae M, Ogden ID, Forbes KJ, Strachan NJ. Effects of Seasonality and a Diet of Brassicas on the Shedding ofEscherichia coliO157 in Sheep. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2013; 10:649-54. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2012.1364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eilidh M. Fraser
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Marion MacRae
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Iain D. Ogden
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Ken J. Forbes
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Norval J.C. Strachan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Technical specifications on harmonised epidemiological indicators for biological hazards to be covered by meat inspection of domestic sheep and goats. EFSA J 2013. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
18
|
Goss MJ, Tubeileh A, Goorahoo D. A Review of the Use of Organic Amendments and the Risk to Human Health. ADVANCES IN AGRONOMY 2013; 120. [PMCID: PMC7173535 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407686-0.00005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Historically, organic amendments—organic wastes—have been the main source of plant nutrients, especially N. Their use allows better management of often-finite resources to counter changes in soils that result from essential practices for crop production. Organic amendments provide macro- and micronutrients, including carbon for the restoration of soil physical and chemical properties. Challenges from the use of organic amendments arise from the presence of heavy metals and the inability to control the transformations required to convert the organic forms of N and P into the minerals available to crops, and particularly to minimize the losses of these nutrients in forms that may present a threat to human health. Animal manure and sewage biosolids, the organic amendments in greatest abundance, contain components that can be hazardous to human health, other animals and plants. Pathogens pose an immediate threat. Antibiotics, other pharmaceuticals and naturally produced hormones may pose a threat if they increase the number of zoonotic disease organisms that are resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs or interfere with reproductive processes. Some approaches aimed at limiting N losses (e.g. covered liquid or slurry storage, rapid incorporation into the soil, timing applications to minimize delay before plant uptake) also tend to favor survival of pathogens. Risks to human health, through the food chain and drinking water, from the pathogens, antibiotics and hormonal substances that may be present in organic amendments can be reduced by treatment before land application, such as in the case of sewage biosolids. Other sources, such as livestock and poultry manures, are largely managed by ensuring that they are applied at the rate, time and place most appropriate to the crops and soils. A more holistic approach to management is required as intensification of agriculture increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Goss
- University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, Kemptville, ON, Canada
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
| | - Ashraf Tubeileh
- University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, Kemptville, ON, Canada
| | - Dave Goorahoo
- Plant Science Department, California State University, Fresno, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brandt SM, Paulin SM. Quantifying colonization potential of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 using bovine in vitro organ culture and immunofluorescent staining. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2012; 9:1064-70. [PMID: 23237407 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2012.1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A robust semiquantitative method for measuring the colonization potential of O157 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) strains was developed combining an established ex vivo model infection system, bovine in vitro organ culture, with detection of bacteria attached to tissue sections by immunofluorescent assay (bIVOC-IFA) using Quantum dot(®) nanocrystal technology. The method was tested on ten O157 strains chosen to reflect a diversity of genotypes found in New Zealand based on the novel polymerase chain reaction-binary typing (P-BIT) system. High- and low-colonizing EHEC O157 strains were identified using bIVOC-IFA, with the highest colonizing strain belonging to the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type most commonly identified from New Zealand beef meat. Furthermore, all of the toxigenic O157 strains exhibiting a low-colonizing phenotype were closely related, belonging to the same P-BIT genotype cluster. Future use of this method to characterize EHEC strains could provide valuable information for risk assessment and risk management interventions aimed at improving food safety along the beef farm to fork continuum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Brandt
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Ltd., Christchurch Science Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hutchinson JP, Cheney TEA, Smith RP, Lynch K, Pritchard GC. Verocytotoxin-producing and attaching and effacing activity of Escherichia coli isolated from diseased farm livestock. Vet Rec 2011; 168:536. [PMID: 21546408 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Between May 2005 and June 2008, strategically selected isolates of Escherichia coli obtained from clinical submissions to Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) regional laboratories in England and Wales were serogrouped and examined by PCR for verocytotoxin (VT) production and attaching and effacing (eae) genes, both of which are zoonotic determinants. VT-encoding genes were detected in 54 (5.3 per cent) of the 1022 isolates examined. Only one isolate (0.1 per cent) was identified as verocytotoxigenic E coli (VTEC) O157. Non-O157 VTECs were present in 4.7 per cent of isolates from cattle, compared with 7.9 per cent in pigs, 2.3 per cent in sheep and 6.7 per cent in goats. The predominant serogroup identified in cattle was O26 and the predominant serogroup in pigs was O2. Attaching and effacing activity was attributed to 69 (6.8 per cent) of all isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Hutchinson
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency - Newcastle, Whitley Road, Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9SE.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Evans J, Knight H, McKendrick IJ, Stevenson H, Varo Barbudo A, Gunn GJ, Low JC. Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 and serogroups O26, O103, O111 and O145 in sheep presented for slaughter in Scotland. J Med Microbiol 2011; 60:653-660. [PMID: 21233295 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.028415-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Evans
- Animal Health Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Hazel Knight
- SAC Consulting, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Iain J McKendrick
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, UK
| | - Heather Stevenson
- SAC Consulting, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Antonio Varo Barbudo
- Animal Health Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - George J Gunn
- Animal Health Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - J Christopher Low
- Animal Health Group, Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Featherstone CA, Foster AP, Chappell SA, Carson T, Pritchard GC. Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli
O157 in camelids. Vet Rec 2011; 168:194-5. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.d902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - A. P. Foster
- VLA - Shrewsbury; Kendal Road, Harlescott Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 4HD
| | | | - T. Carson
- VLA - Bury St Edmunds; Rougham Hill Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 2RX
| | - G. C. Pritchard
- VLA - Bury St Edmunds; Rougham Hill Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 2RX
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Money P, Kelly AF, Gould SWJ, Denholm-Price J, Threlfall EJ, Fielder MD. Cattle, weather and water: mapping Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections in humans in England and Scotland. Environ Microbiol 2011; 12:2633-44. [PMID: 20642796 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2010.02293.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Entero-haemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen, responsible for a relatively small number of food poisoning and illness outbreaks each year, when compared with other food-borne bacteria capable of causing infections in the population. Nevertheless, E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterial pathogen associated with severe human illnesses including bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uremic syndrome occurring in both outbreak and sporadic settings. In England and Wales approximately 1% of all laboratory-confirmed cases of food poisoning are the result of E. coli O157:H7; however, in Scotland this figure increases to 3%. When the size of the population is taken into account and the rate of E. coli O157:H7 confirmed cases per 100,000 population is examined, the rate of E. coli 0157:H7 infections in Scotland is much greater than England and Wales. The routes of transmission have changed over time, with new routes of transmission such as farm visits emerging. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 has a seasonal dependency, with greater faecal shedding of the organism in the warmer months; this is directly mirrored in the increased reporting of E. coli O157:H7 infection among hospitalized patients. This review attempts to suggest why this phenomenon occurs, paying particular attention to weather, animal movement and private water supplies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Money
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, London KT1 2EE, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 in beef and sheep abattoirs in Ireland and characterisation of isolates by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Multi-Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis. Int J Food Microbiol 2011; 144:519-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
25
|
Ferens WA, Hovde CJ. Escherichia coli O157:H7: animal reservoir and sources of human infection. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2010; 8:465-87. [PMID: 21117940 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 357] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This review surveys the literature on carriage and transmission of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 in the context of virulence factors and sampling/culture technique. EHEC of the O157:H7 serotype are worldwide zoonotic pathogens responsible for the majority of severe cases of human EHEC disease. EHEC O157:H7 strains are carried primarily by healthy cattle and other ruminants, but most of the bovine strains are not transmitted to people, and do not exhibit virulence factors associated with human disease. Prevalence of EHEC O157:H7 is probably underestimated. Carriage of EHEC O157:H7 by individual animals is typically short-lived, but pen and farm prevalence of specific isolates may extend for months or years and some carriers, designated as supershedders, may harbor high intestinal numbers of the pathogen for extended periods. The prevalence of EHEC O157:H7 in cattle peaks in the summer and is higher in postweaned calves and heifers than in younger and older animals. Virulent strains of EHEC O157:H7 are rarely harbored by pigs or chickens, but are found in turkeys. The bacteria rarely occur in wildlife with the exception of deer and are only sporadically carried by domestic animals and synanthropic rodents and birds. EHEC O157:H7 occur in amphibian, fish, and invertebrate carriers, and can colonize plant surfaces and tissues via attachment mechanisms different from those mediating intestinal attachment. Strains of EHEC O157:H7 exhibit high genetic variability but typically a small number of genetic types predominate in groups of cattle and a farm environment. Transmission to people occurs primarily via ingestion of inadequately processed contaminated food or water and less frequently through contact with manure, animals, or infected people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Witold A Ferens
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho 83844-3052, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Etcheverría A, Padola N, Sanz M, Polifroni R, Krüger A, Passucci J, Rodríguez E, Taraborelli A, Ballerio M, Parma A. Occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) on carcasses and retail beef cuts in the marketing chain of beef in Argentina. Meat Sci 2010; 86:418-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2010.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2009] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
27
|
Goncuoglu M, Bilir Ormanci FS, Ayaz ND, Erol I. Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated from cattle and sheep. ANN MICROBIOL 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-010-0074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
28
|
Smith R, Paiba G, Ellis-Iversen J. Longitudinal study to investigate VTEC O157 shedding patterns in young cattle. Res Vet Sci 2010; 88:411-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
29
|
Mersha G, Asrat D, Zewde BM, Kyule M. Occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in faeces, skin and carcasses from sheep and goats in Ethiopia. Lett Appl Microbiol 2010; 50:71-6. [PMID: 19895421 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2009.02757.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the occurrence and proportion of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in faeces, skin swabs and carcasses before and after washing, from sheep and goats in Ethiopia. METHOD AND RESULTS Individual samples were enriched in modified tryptic soy broth with novobiocin, concentrated using immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and plated onto cefixime-tellurite containing sorbitol MacConkey agar. Presumptive colonies were confirmed by biochemical tests and subjected to latex agglutination tests. A PCR was performed on isolates for the detection of stx(1), stx(2) and eae genes. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated from faeces (4.7%), skin swabs (8.7%) and carcasses before washing (8.1%) and after washing (8.7%) and on water samples (4.2%). The proportion of carcasses contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 was strongly associated with those recovered from faecal and skin samples. Both stx(1) and stx(2) genes were identified from one E. coli O157:H7 isolate from a goat carcass. CONCLUSIONS Even though the numbers of samples examined in this study were limited to one abattoir, sheep and goats can be potential sources of E. coli O157:H7 for human infection in the country. Control measures to reduce the public health risks arising from E. coli O157:H7 in reservoir animals need to be addressed at abattoir levels by reducing skin and faecal sources and carcass contaminations at different stages of slaughter operations. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Escherichia coli O157:H7 was detected from carcasses before and after washing during slaughtering operations, and one O157 isolate was positive for verotoxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Mersha
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
MASANA MO, LEOTTA GA, DEL CASTILLO LL, D'ASTEK BA, PALLADINO PM, GALLI L, VILACOBA E, CARBONARI C, RODRÍGUEZ HR, RIVAS M. Prevalence, Characterization, and Genotypic Analysis of Escherichia coli O157:H7/NM fromSelected Beef Exporting Abattoirs of Argentina. J Food Prot 2010; 73:649-56. [DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-73.4.649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In Argentina, Escherichia coli O157:H7/NM (STEC O157) is the prevalent serotype associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is endemic in the country with more than 400 cases per year. In order to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of STEC O157 in beef cattle at slaughter, a survey of 1,622 fecal and carcass samples was conducted in nine beef exporting abattoirs from November 2006 to April 2008. A total of 54 samples were found positive for STEC O157, with an average prevalence of 4.1% in fecal content and 2.6% in carcasses. Calves and heifers presented higher percentages of prevalence in feces, 10.5 and 8.5%, respectively. All STEC O157 isolates harbored stx2 (Shiga toxin 2), eae (intimin), ehxA (enterohemolysin), and fliCH7 (H7 flagellin) genes, while stx1 (Shiga toxin 1) was present in 16.7% of the strains. The prevalent (56%) stx genotype identified was stx2 combined with variant stx2c (vh-a), the combination of which is also prevalent (>90%) in STEC O157 post–enteric HUS cases in Argentina. The clonal relatedness of STEC O157 strains was established by phage typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The 54 STEC isolates were categorized into 12 different phage types and in 29 XbaI-PFGE patterns distributed in 27 different lots. STEC O157 strains isolated from 5 of 21 carcasses were identical by PFGE (100% similarity) to strains of the fecal content of the same or a contiguous bovine in the lot. Five phage type–PFGE–stx profiles of 10 strains isolated in this study matched with the profiles of the strains recovered from 18 of 122 HUS cases that occurred in the same period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. O. MASANA
- 1Instituto Tecnología de Alimentos, Centro de Investigación de Agroindustria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA, CC. 77, B1708WAB Morón, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G. A. LEOTTA
- 2Servicio Fisiopatogenia, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos. G. Malbrán”, Argentina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563 (1281) Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 3Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - L. L. DEL CASTILLO
- 1Instituto Tecnología de Alimentos, Centro de Investigación de Agroindustria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA, CC. 77, B1708WAB Morón, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - B. A. D'ASTEK
- 2Servicio Fisiopatogenia, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos. G. Malbrán”, Argentina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563 (1281) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P. M. PALLADINO
- 1Instituto Tecnología de Alimentos, Centro de Investigación de Agroindustria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA, CC. 77, B1708WAB Morón, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L. GALLI
- 2Servicio Fisiopatogenia, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos. G. Malbrán”, Argentina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563 (1281) Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 3Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - E. VILACOBA
- 2Servicio Fisiopatogenia, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos. G. Malbrán”, Argentina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563 (1281) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C. CARBONARI
- 2Servicio Fisiopatogenia, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos. G. Malbrán”, Argentina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563 (1281) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H. R. RODRÍGUEZ
- 4Instituto de Economía y Sociologia, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, INTA, Cerviño 2101 2P, C1425AGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. RIVAS
- 2Servicio Fisiopatogenia, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas–ANLIS “Dr. Carlos. G. Malbrán”, Argentina, Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563 (1281) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 from Swedish cattle; isolates from prevalence studies versus strains linked to human infections--a retrospective study. BMC Vet Res 2010; 6:7. [PMID: 20113494 PMCID: PMC2831014 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-6-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several cases of human infection caused by verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157:H7 in Sweden have been connected with cattle farm visits. Between 1996 and 2002, 18 farms were classified as the source of human cases with isolation of EHEC (Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli) after VTEC O157:H7 had been isolated from cattle on those farms. Results Characterization by phage typing and molecular methods of the strains isolated from these 18 farms, including PCR for virulence genes (vtx1, vtx2 and variants thereof, eaeA and EHEC-hlyA) and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), demonstrated a cluster of very similar strains from 16 farms. All were of phage type 4, carried the genes encoding the verotoxins VT2 and VT2c, intimin, EHEC-haemolysin and flagellin H7 as shown by PCR, and had identical or very similar PFGE patterns. When analysing strains in a prevalence study of VTEC O157:H7 from cattle at slaughter as well as from an on-farm prevalence study of dairy cattle, using the same typing methods, a rather wide variation was observed among the isolated VTEC O157:H7 strains. Conclusions In Sweden, a limited group of genetically similar and highly pathogenic VTEC O157:H7 strains seem to predominate in direct or indirect transmission from cattle to man.
Collapse
|
32
|
Jonsson ME, Eriksson E, Boqvist S, Urdahl AM, Aspán A. Experimental infection in calves with a specific subtype of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 of bovine origin. Acta Vet Scand 2009; 51:43. [PMID: 19878595 PMCID: PMC2776595 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-51-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 10/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Sweden, a particular subtype of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157:H7, originally defined as being of phage type 4, and carrying two vtx2 genes, has been found to cause the majority of reported human infections during the past 15 years, including both sporadic cases and outbreaks. One plausible explanation for this could be that this particular subtype is better adapted to colonise cattle, and thereby may be excreted in greater concentrations and for longer periods than other VTEC O157:H7 subtypes. METHODS In an experimental study, 4 calves were inoculated with 109 colony forming units (cfu) of strain CCUG 53931, representative of the subtype VTEC O157:H7 (PT4;vtx2;vtx2c). Two un-inoculated calves were co-housed with the inoculated calves. Initially, the VTEC O157:H7 strain had been isolated from a dairy herd with naturally occurring infection and the farm had previously also been linked to human infection with the same strain. Faecal samples were collected over up to a 2-month period and analysed for VTEC O157 by immuno-magnetic separation (IMS), and IMS positive samples were further analysed by direct plating to elucidate the shedding pattern. Samples were also collected from the pharynx. RESULTS All inoculated calves proved culture-positive in faeces within 24 hours after inoculation and the un-inoculated calves similarly on days 1 and 3 post-inoculation. One calf was persistently culture-positive for 43 days; in the remainder, the VTEC O157:H7 count in faeces decreased over the first 2 weeks. All pharyngeal samples were culture-negative for VTEC O157:H7. CONCLUSION This study contributes with information concerning the dynamics of a specific subtype of VTEC O157:H7 colonisation in dairy calves. This subtype, VTEC O157:H7 (PT4;vtx2;vtx2c), is frequently isolated from Swedish cattle and has also been found to cause the majority of reported human infections in Sweden during the past 15 years. In most calves, inoculated with a representative strain of this specific subtype, the numbers of shed bacteria declined over the first two weeks. One calf could possibly be classified as a high-shedder, excreting high levels of the bacterium for a prolonged period.
Collapse
|
33
|
Franco A, Lovari S, Cordaro G, Di Matteo P, Sorbara L, Iurescia M, Donati V, Buccella C, Battisti A. Prevalence and concentration of Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in adult sheep at slaughter from Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2009; 56:215-20. [PMID: 18990195 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2008.01188.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A 1-year study on the animal-level prevalence and concentration of Escherichia coli O157 in adult sheep at slaughter was performed, to collect qualitative and quantitative information on the diffusion of the pathogen in adult sheep from Italy. A total 533 samples were collected, with a similar distribution in the four seasons. For prevalence estimates, a simple random sampling technique was used. An immuno-magnetic separation technique was used for sample screening, with enumeration of the pathogen in positive samples, along with molecular and serological identification of isolates. An overall prevalence of 7.1% (38/ 533, 95% CI 4.9-9.3%) was observed for fully virulent E. coli O157. A wide interval of VTEC O157 per gram was observed (< 100 to 6 x 10(5) CFU g(-1)), with 28.9% (11/38) of positive samples > or = 1 x 10(3) CFU g(-1), set as the threshold for those animals defined 'active shedders' for the purpose of the study. Eight per cent (3/38) of animals shed > 1 x 10(4) g(-1) VTEC O157, which represents > 96% of the total VTEC O157 bacteria cultured from all animals tested. The prevalence estimate of active shedders was therefore 2.1% (95% CI 0.9-3.3%). Most (34/38, 89.5%) of the positive animals were found in summer (July-September). Prevalence and concentrations of virulent VTEC O157 obtained in this study contribute to the demonstration that adult sheep represent a relevant source of environmental contamination from virulent VTEC O157, as well as a source of VTEC O157 contamination for food of ovine origin (meat and dairy products), especially during warm months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Franco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Solecki O, MacRae M, Strachan N, Lindstedt BA, Ogden I. E. coliO157 from Sheep in Northeast Scotland: Prevalence, Concentration Shed, and Molecular Characterization by Multilocus Variable Tandem Repeat Analysis. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2009; 6:849-54. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2008.0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Solecki
- Applied Food Microbiology Group, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Marion MacRae
- Applied Food Microbiology Group, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Norval Strachan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Bjørn-Arne Lindstedt
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infectious Bacteria Diseases Control, Oslo, Norway
| | - Iain Ogden
- Applied Food Microbiology Group, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tarawneh KA, Al-Tawarah NM, Abdel-Ghani AH, Al-Majali AM, Khleifat KM. Characterization of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) isolates from faeces of small ruminants and environmental samples in southern Jordan. J Basic Microbiol 2009; 49:310-7. [PMID: 19025877 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.200800060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of VTEC in slaughtered sheep and goats and to evaluate the contamination rate of VTEC in slaughterhouses and butchers' shops in southern Jordan. 201 E. coli isolates from animals' faecal samples and 33 E. coli isolates from slaughterhouse/butcher shop samples were characterized by multiplex PCR (mPCR) reaction for detection of stx1, stx2, eae A and E-hly A virulent genes. Twenty-six virulent E. coli isolates were characterized by mPCR to seven different virulent patterns: stx1, stx1+stx2, stx1+eae A, stx1+E-hly A, stx1+eae A+E-hly A, eae A and E-hly A. It was found that VTEC comprised 6.4% and 21% of the total E. coli isolates from slaughtered small ruminants and slaughterhouses/ butchers' shops, respectively. The VTEC comprised 76.2% of the virulent isolates. The proportion of stx1:stx1+stx2 patterns was 19:1. It was found that the characterized complex VTEC (containing eae A and/or E-hly A) possessed three virulence patterns, including (VTEC) stx1 +eae A, (VTEC/EHEC) stx1 +E-hly A and (VTEC/EHEC) stx1 +eae A +E-hly A in percentages of 30%, 25% and 10%, respectively, in relation to the total VTEC isolates. Only two VTEC isolates were characterized as E. coli O157 and O26 serotypes, as highly pathogenic strains. Each of the O157 and O26 VTEC isolates was in a percentage of 0.4% in relation to the total E. coli isolates with virulent patterns stx1, eae A and E-hly A. The rest of the VTEC isolates were non-O157 VTEC. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that the isolated VTEC was highly sensitive to gentamicin and co-trimoxazole and highly resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin.
Collapse
|
36
|
Clough HE, Clancy D, French NP. Quantifying exposure to Vero-cytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 in milk sold as pasteurized: A model-based approach. Int J Food Microbiol 2009; 131:95-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2008.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Revised: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
37
|
Ellis-Iversen J, Cook AJC, Smith RP, Pritchard GC, Nielen M. Temporal patterns and risk factors for Escherichia coli O157 and Campylobacter spp, in young cattle. J Food Prot 2009; 72:490-6. [PMID: 19343935 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-72.3.490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157 and Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are zoonotic pathogens originating from farm animals. Cattle are the main reservoir for E. coli O157 and also contribute to human cases of campylobacteriosis through contaminated milk, direct contact, and environmental contamination. Thirty groups of young cattle on 30 farms were observed for 7 months and sampled on 4 to 6 separate occasions for E. coli O157 and C. jejuni/coli to characterize shedding patterns and identify risk factors. The within herd prevalence of E. coli O157 per sampling occasion ranged from 0 to 60% (mean = 24%) and average Campylobacter spp. within herd prevalence was 47% ranging from 0 to 100%. The prevalence of E. coli O157-positive herds declined with a linear trend throughout the study from 100 to 38% (OR: 0.5, P < 0.01), whereas time in the study was not significantly associated with Campylobacter prevalence (P = 0.13). Larger herds were more likely to be positive with either or both agents, whereas the number of suckler calves on the farm reduced the risk of both organisms (OR: 0.4/0.6, P < 0.01). Poultry on the premises reduced the risk of E. coli O157, but was not associated with Campylobacter. Emptying and cleaning the water troughs more often than once monthly reduced the risk of detecting Campylobacter and cattle sourced by private water supplies were more likely to be Campylobacter positive. No drinking water management practices were associated with E. coli O157. The risk of detecting both organisms were almost five times higher when the cattle were housed indoors (OR: 4.9, P = 0.03).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Ellis-Iversen
- Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Analyses, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Factors related to the carriage of Verocytotoxigenic E. coli, Salmonella, thermophilic Campylobacter and Yersinia enterocolitica in cattle, sheep and pigs at slaughter. Epidemiol Infect 2009; 137:1135-48. [PMID: 19203406 DOI: 10.1017/s095026880900199x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 12-month abattoir study was undertaken from January 2003. We collected 7492 intestinal samples from cattle, sheep and pigs at slaughter. Rectal samples were taken from cattle and sheep and caecal samples from pigs. They were examined for verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) O157, Salmonella, thermophilic Campylobacter and Yersinia enterocolitica. Data were collected on the animal from which the sample came and this information was analysed to look at potential risk factors for carriage of these organisms. Logistic regression models were run where an adequate number of positive results were available. This revealed that VTEC O157 carriage in cattle was associated with the summer period and that age was a protective factor. Salmonella carriage in pigs was associated with lairage times >12 h, the North East and not feeding when there was no bedding available. In cattle, carriage was associated with the summer period, the Eastern region of GB and dairy animals. In sheep a spring seasonal effect was seen, which coincided with the lambing period. The carriage of thermophilic Campylobacter in cattle was associated with single-species abattoirs, with age a protective factor. In sheep, winter was a risk period with lairage management influential. For pigs, lairage times of <12 h were found to be associated with carriage. A seasonal trend for carriage of Y. enterocolitica in all species was demonstrated with the period December-May a risk. For cattle, age was also a risk factor; for sheep feeding in the lairage and for pigs being held overnight were risk factors.
Collapse
|
39
|
La Ragione RM, Best A, Woodward MJ, Wales AD. Escherichia coli O157:H7 colonization in small domestic ruminants. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2008; 33:394-410. [PMID: 19207740 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2008.00138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 was first implicated in human disease in the early 1980s, with ruminants cited as the primary reservoirs. Preliminary studies indicated cattle to be the sole source of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks in humans; however, further epidemiological studies soon demonstrated that E. coli O157:H7 was widespread in other food sources and that a number of transmission routes existed. More recently, small domestic ruminants (sheep and goats) have emerged as important sources of E. coli O157:H7 human infection, particularly with the widespread popularity of petting farms and the increased use of sheep and goat food products, including unpasteurized cheeses. Although the colonization and persistence characteristics of E. coli O157:H7 in the bovine host have been studied intensively, this is not the case for small ruminants. Despite many similarities to the bovine host, the pathobiology of E. coli O157:H7 in small domestic ruminants does appear to differ significantly from that described in cattle. This review aims to critically review the current knowledge regarding colonization and persistence of E. coli O157:H7 in small domestic ruminants, including comparisons with the bovine host where appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto M La Ragione
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mahajan A, Currie CG, Mackie S, Tree J, McAteer S, McKendrick I, McNeilly TN, Roe A, La Ragione RM, Woodward MJ, Gally DL, Smith DGE. An investigation of the expression and adhesin function of H7 flagella in the interaction of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 with bovine intestinal epithelium. Cell Microbiol 2008; 11:121-37. [PMID: 19016776 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 : H7 is a bacterial pathogen that can cause haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome. In the primary reservoir host, cattle, the terminal rectum is the principal site of E. coli O157 colonization. In this study, bovine terminal rectal primary epithelial cells were used to examine the role of H7 flagella in epithelial adherence. Binding of a fliC(H7) mutant O157 strain to rectal epithelium was significantly reduced as was binding of the flagellated wild-type strain following incubation with H7-specific antibodies. Complementation of fliC(H7) mutant O157 strain with fliC(H7) restored the adherence to wild-type levels; however, complementation with fliC(H6) did not restore it. High-resolution ultrastructural and imunofluorescence studies demonstrated the presence of abundant flagella forming physical contact points with the rectal epithelium. Binding to terminal rectal epithelium was specific to H7 by comparison with other flagellin types tested. In-cell Western assays confirmed temporal expression of flagella during O157 interaction with epithelium, early expression was suppressed during the later stages of microcolony and attaching and effacing lesion formation. H7 flagella are expressed in vivo by individual bacteria in contact with rectal mucosa. Our data demonstrate that the H7 flagellum acts as an adhesin to bovine intestinal epithelium and its involvement in this crucial initiating step for colonization indicates that H7 flagella could be an important target in intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Mahajan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Penicuik EH25 9EZ, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Milnes AS, Stewart I, Clifton-Hadley FA, Davies RH, Newell DG, Sayers AR, Cheasty T, Cassar C, Ridley A, Cook AJC, Evans SJ, Teale CJ, Smith RP, McNally A, Toszeghy M, Futter R, Kay A, Paiba GA. Intestinal carriage of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, thermophilic Campylobacter and Yersinia enterocolitica, in cattle, sheep and pigs at slaughter in Great Britain during 2003. Epidemiol Infect 2008; 136:739-51. [PMID: 17655782 PMCID: PMC2870870 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268807009223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
An abattoir survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of foodborne zoonotic organisms colonizing cattle, sheep and pigs at slaughter in Great Britain. The study ran for 12 months from January 2003, involved 93 abattoirs and collected 7703 intestinal samples. The design was similar to two previous abattoir surveys undertaken in 1999-2000 allowing comparisons. Samples were examined for VTEC O157, Salmonella, thermophilic Campylobacter and Yersinia enterocolitica. The prevalence of VTEC O157 faecal carriage was 4.7% in cattle, 0.7% in sheep and 0.3% in pigs. A significant decrease in sheep was detected from the previous survey (1.7%). Salmonella carriage was 1.4% in cattle, a significant increase from the previous survey of 0.2%. In sheep, faecal carriage was 1.1% a significant increase from the previous survey (0.1%). In pigs, carriage was 23.4%, consistent with the previous study. Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 54.6% of cattle, 43.8% of sheep and 69.3% of pigs. Y. enterocolitica was isolated from 4.5% of cattle, 8.0% of sheep and 10.2% of pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Milnes
- VLA Langford, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lenahan M, O'Brien S, Kinsella K, Sweeney T, Sheridan JJ. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Irish lamb carcasses, fleece and in faeces samples. J Appl Microbiol 2008; 103:2401-9. [PMID: 18045425 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03476.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the prevalence, seasonal variation and virulence characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in lambs presented for slaughter in Ireland. METHODS AND RESULTS Over a 13-month period, pre- and postchill carcass swabs, faeces and fleece samples from 1600 lambs were examined for the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated from 5.75% (23/400) of fleece samples, 1.5% (6/400) of pre- and 1% (4/400) of postchill carcass swabs but was not isolated in faeces (0/400). The present study detected no evidence of seasonal variation. Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that both the vt1 and vt2 genes associated with clinical illness were carried by five of the E. coli O157:H7 isolates, while 24 of the remaining isolates carried the vt2 gene only. Phage typing detected four different subtypes: PT 32 (48.48%), PT 8 (12.12%), PT 31 (12.12%) and PT 21/28 (12.12%). CONCLUSIONS Escherichia coli O157:H7 is present in lambs at slaughter in Irish abattoirs and the virulence profiles of these isolates reveals that they are potentially harmful to humans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The present study provides crucial information indicating that sheep may be a significant contributing source to human E. coli O157:H7 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Lenahan
- Teagasc, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Aktan I, Carter B, Wilking H, La Ragione RM, Wieler L, Woodward MJ, Anjum MF. Influence of geographical origin, host animal and stx gene on the virulence characteristics of Escherichia coli O26 strains. J Med Microbiol 2008; 56:1431-1439. [PMID: 17965341 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.47311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of geographical origin, host animal and presence of the stx gene on the virulence of Escherichia coli O26 strains from ruminants was determined in this study. A clear association was found between the virulence profile and geographical origin of Shiga-toxigenic E. coli (STEC) O26 strains, with UK STEC O26 strains harbouring virtually identical profiles, whilst central European strains showed considerable heterogeneity in plasmid-encoded genes. The former group were also more likely to be non-motile and katP gene positive. Comparison of UK STEC and atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) O26 strains showed that the presence of the stx1 gene was positively correlated with the presence of espP and katP genes and negatively associated with the presence of the yagP-yagT region and with rhamnose fermentation. In contrast to the uniform profiles of STEC O26 strains from ruminants in the UK, aEPEC O26 strains of bovine and ovine origin showed diverse profiles both within and between groups, and could not be separated into discrete groups. These results indicate that the characteristics of UK O26 strains from ruminants are distinct from those of O26 strains from ruminants and humans in other regions in central Europe. Such differences are expected to influence the zoonotic potential of this pathogen and the subsequent incidence of O26-associated human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Aktan
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Hendrik Wilking
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Free University Berlin, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roberto M La Ragione
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lothar Wieler
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Free University Berlin, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin J Woodward
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Muna F Anjum
- Department of Food and Environmental Safety, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cooley M, Carychao D, Crawford-Miksza L, Jay MT, Myers C, Rose C, Keys C, Farrar J, Mandrell RE. Incidence and tracking of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a major produce production region in California. PLoS One 2007; 2:e1159. [PMID: 18174909 PMCID: PMC2174234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 10/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fresh vegetables have become associated with outbreaks caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157). Between 1995-2006, 22 produce outbreaks were documented in the United States, with nearly half traced to lettuce or spinach grown in California. Outbreaks between 2002 and 2006 induced investigations of possible sources of pre-harvest contamination on implicated farms in the Salinas and San Juan valleys of California, and a survey of the Salinas watershed. EcO157 was isolated at least once from 15 of 22 different watershed sites over a 19 month period. The incidence of EcO157 increased significantly when heavy rain caused an increased flow rate in the rivers. Approximately 1000 EcO157 isolates obtained from cultures of>100 individual samples were typed using Multi-Locus Variable-number-tandem-repeat Analysis (MLVA) to assist in identifying potential fate and transport of EcO157 in this region. A subset of these environmental isolates were typed by Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) in order to make comparisons with human clinical isolates associated with outbreak and sporadic illness. Recurrence of identical and closely related EcO157 strains from specific locations in the Salinas and San Juan valleys suggests that transport of the pathogen is usually restricted. In a preliminary study, EcO157 was detected in water at multiple locations in a low-flow creek only within 135 meters of a point source. However, possible transport up to 32 km was detected during periods of higher water flow associated with flooding. During the 2006 baby spinach outbreak investigation, transport was also detected where water was unlikely to be involved. These results indicate that contamination of the environment is a dynamic process involving multiple sources and methods of transport. Intensive studies of the sources, incidence, fate and transport of EcO157 near produce production are required to determine the mechanisms of pre-harvest contamination and potential risks for human illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cooley
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California, United States of America
| | - Diana Carychao
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California, United States of America
| | - Leta Crawford-Miksza
- California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Laboratory Branch, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Michele T. Jay
- California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Laboratory Branch, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Carol Myers
- California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Branch, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher Rose
- Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency, San Louis Obispo, California, United States of America
| | - Christine Keys
- Food and Drug Administration/Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)/Office of Plant and Dairy Foods (OPDF)/DMS, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeff Farrar
- California Department of Health Services, Food and Drug Branch, California, United States of America
| | - Robert E. Mandrell
- Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Solecki O, MacRae M, Ogden I, Strachan N. Can the high levels of human verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 infection in rural areas of NE Scotland be explained by consumption of contaminated meat? J Appl Microbiol 2007; 103:2616-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2007.03518.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
46
|
Kalchayanand N, Arthur TM, Bosilevac JM, Brichta-Harhay DM, Guerini MN, Shackelford SD, Wheeler TL, Koohmaraie M. Microbiological characterization of lamb carcasses at commercial processing plants in the United States. J Food Prot 2007; 70:1811-9. [PMID: 17803136 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-70.8.1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although the United States produces 203 million lb (ca. 92.1 kg) of domestic lamb and mutton each year, thorough studies of the microbiological safety during lamb processing are lacking. To address this missing information, a total of 2,548 sponge samples from pelts, preevisceration carcasses, and postintervention carcasses were collected from multiple large commercial lamb processing plants to determine aerobic plate counts, the prevalences of Escherichia coli O157:H7, non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), and Salmonella. The averages of the aerobic plate counts from pelts, the preevisceration carcasses, and the postintervention carcasses were 6.3, 4.4, and 2.4 log CFU/100 cm2, respectively. The prevalences of E. coli O157:H7 from the pelts, the preevisceration carcasses, and the postintervention carcasses were 12.8, 1.6, and 2.9%, respectively. The average Salmonella prevalences were 14.4, 4.3, and 1.8% for pelts, preevisceration carcasses, and postintervention carcasses, respectively. The most frequently identified Salmonella serotype was Heidelberg. The prevalences of non-O157 STEC from pelts, preevisceration carcasses, and postintervention carcasses averaged 86.2, 78.6, and 81.6%, respectively. A total of 488 non-O157 S0TEC strains were isolated from postintervention carcasses. Sixty-nine different serotypes of non-O157 STEC were identified. The most frequently detected serotypes were O91:H14 (40.8%), followed by O5:H19 (18.4%). A small number of STEC serotypes associated with severe human illness were isolated from postintervention carcasses. These were serotypes O76:H19, O128:H2 (0.8%), O146:H8 (2.1%), ) O146:H21, O163:H19, and O174:H8 (1.3%). The results of this study establish a baseline for microbiological quality and prevalences of Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and STEC in U.S. lamb processing plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norasak Kalchayanand
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska 68933-0166, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hussein HS. Prevalence and pathogenicity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in beef cattle and their products1,2. J Anim Sci 2007; 85:E63-72. [PMID: 17060419 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2006-421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past 23 yr, a large number of human illness outbreaks have been traced worldwide to consumption of undercooked ground beef and other beef products contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Although several routes exist for human infection with STEC, beef remains a main source. Thus, beef cattle are considered reservoirs of O157 and nonO157 STEC. Because of the global nature of the food supply, safety concerns with beef will continue, and the challenges facing the beef industry will increase at the production and processing levels. To be prepared to address these concerns and challenges, it is critical to assess the beef cattle role in human infection with STEC. Because most STEC outbreaks in the United States were traced to beef containing E. coli O157:H7, the epidemiological studies have focused on the prevalence of this serotype in beef and beef cattle. Worldwide, however, additional STEC serotypes (e.g., members of the O26, O91, O103, O111, O118, O145, and O166 serogroups) have been isolated from beef and caused human illnesses ranging from bloody diarrhea and hemorrhagic colitis to the life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To provide a global assessment of the STEC problem, published reports on beef and beef cattle in the past 3 decades were evaluated. The prevalence rates of E. coli O157 ranged from 0.1 to 54.2% in ground beef, from 0.1 to 4.4% in sausage, from 1.1 to 36.0% in various retail cuts, and from 0.01 to 43.4% in whole carcasses. The corresponding prevalence rates of nonO157 STEC were 2.4 to 30.0%, 17.0 to 49.2%, 11.4 to 49.6%, and 1.7 to 58.0%, respectively. Of the 162 STEC serotypes isolated from beef products, 43 were detected in HUS patients and 36 are known to cause other human illnesses. With regard to beef cattle, the prevalence rates of E. coli O157 ranged from 0.3 to 19.7% in feedlots and from 0.7 to 27.3% on pasture. The corresponding prevalence rates of nonO157 STEC were 4.6 to 55.9% and 4.7 to 44.8%, respectively. Of the 373 STEC serotypes isolated from cattle feces or hides, 65 were detected in HUS patients and 62 are known to cause other human illnesses. The results indicated the prevalence of a large number of pathogenic STEC in beef and beef cattle at high rates and emphasized the critical need for control measures to assure beef safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H S Hussein
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, University of Nevada, Reno 89557, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Clough HE, Clancy D, French NP. Vero-cytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 in pasteurized milk containers at the point of retail: a qualitative approach to exposure assessment. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2006; 26:1291-309. [PMID: 17054532 DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2006.00825.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Dairies within the United Kingdom are classified into two groups, namely, off-farm and on-farm dairies (the latter often being small scale). We propose a model for the probability of milk sold as pasteurized reaching the point of retail contaminated with Vero-cytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 from each of these two pathways. We evaluate qualitatively the exposures inherent in each, and compare and contrast the two situations. The model framework is generic, in that it can in principle be used, with the relevant data modifications, to provide a qualitative assessment of the likely exposure from milk sold as pasteurized to any potentially milk-borne pathogenic organism. Furthermore, the methodological approaches presented are widely applicable in the microbial risk assessment field. The specific example presented will be of particular interest to the UK dairy and public health communities: we conclude that the exposure potential per liter consumed from milk processed in off-farm dairies is negligible, whereas the exposure potential per liter consumed from milk processed on-farm is low, but not sufficiently small to be regarded as negligible. We also identify areas of data sparsity, which need to be addressed for quantitative risk assessment to proceed, and highlight the critical points in the pasteurized milk production chain, which, in the event of a breakdown, have the potential to increase the risk to the consumer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Clough
- National Centre for Zoonosis Research, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, S Wirral, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ejidokun OO, Walsh A, Barnett J, Hope Y, Ellis S, Sharp MW, Paiba GA, Logan M, Willshaw GA, Cheasty T. Human Vero cytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) O157 infection linked to birds. Epidemiol Infect 2006; 134:421-3. [PMID: 16490148 PMCID: PMC2870384 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268805004917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157) infections are a threat to public health. VTEC O157 has been isolated from gulls but evidence of transmission to humans from birds has not been reported. We recount an incident of VTEC O157 infection affecting two sibling children who had no direct contact with farm animals. An outbreak control team was convened to investigate the source of infection, its likely mode of transmission, and to advise on control measures. Human and veterinary samples were examined and the human isolates were found to be identical to an isolate from a sample of bird (rook) faeces. Cattle, rabbit and environmental samples were negative. This report provides evidence that birds may act as intermediaries for human infection with VTEC O157.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O O Ejidokun
- Gloucestershire Health Protection Team, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Primary Care Trust, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cookson AL, Taylor SCS, Bennett J, Thomson-Carter F, Attwood GT. Serotypes and analysis of distribution of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia colifrom cattle and sheep in the lower North Island, New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2006; 54:78-84. [PMID: 16596159 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2006.36616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To serotype a subset of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates from cattle and sheep to determine whether any corresponding serotypes have been implicated in human diarrhoeal disease, both in New Zealand and worldwide, and to examine the distribution of STEC and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) amongst cattle (calves, heifers and dairy) and sheep (lambs, rams and ewes), to assess whether carriage of identified bacterial genotypes may be associated with a particular age of animal. METHODS Recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMS) were taken from 91 calves, 24 heifers and 72 dairy cattle, and 46 lambs, 50 ewes and 36 rams, from four sites in the Manawatu and Rangitikei regions of New Zealand. Strains of E. coli selected from primary isolation plates were subjected to a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to determine the presence of Shiga toxin genes (stx1 and stx2) and the E. coli attaching and effacing gene (eae). RESULTS Overall, 186/319 (58.3%) animals sampled were positive for stx1, stx2, or eae isolates. More sheep (43.9%) were stx1-positive than cattle (2.7%; p = 0.036), and amongst sheep more lambs and ewes were stx1-positive than rams (p = 0.036). Amongst cattle, more calves and heifers were eae-positive than dairy cows (p = 0.030). Two or more different STEC were isolated from at least 28 (9%) animals (three cattle and 25 sheep), based on their stx/eae genotype. Enterohaemolysin genes were found in 39/51 (76%) isolates serotyped. Twenty-one different serotypes were detected, including O5:H-, O9:H51, O26:H11, O84:H-/H2 and O149:H8 from cattle, and O26:H11, O65:H-, O75:H8, O84:H-, O91:H-, O128:H2 and O174:H8 from sheep; O84:H-, O26:H11, O5:H-, O91:H- and O128:H2 serotypes have been associated with human disease. CONCLUSIONS If nationally representative, this study confirms that cattle and sheep in New Zealand may be a major reservoir of STEC serotypes that have been recognised as causative agents of diarrhoeal disease in humans. Distribution of STEC and EPEC in cattle and sheep indicates that direct contact with, in particular, calves or their faeces, or exposure to environments cross contaminated with ruminant faeces, may represent an increased risk factor for human disease in New Zealand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Cookson
- Rumen Microbial Functional Genomics Group, Metabolism and Microbial Genomics, AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|