The ecological habitat and transmission of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Issue 1 (29th January 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chekabab, Samuel Mohammed; Paquin‐Veillette, Judith; Dozois, Charles M.; Harel, Josée
• Is Part Of: FEMS microbiology letters. Volume 341:Issue 1(2013:Apr.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2013-01-29
• Subjects: Microbiology -- Periodicals; 579
• DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-1097

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="fml12078-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Since its first description in 1982, the zoonotic life‐threatening Shiga toxin‐producing <italic>Escherichia coli </italic>O157:H7 has emerged as an important food‐ and water‐borne pathogen that causes diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic‐uremic syndrome in humans. In the last decade, increases in <italic>E. coli </italic>O157:H7 outbreaks were associated with environmental contamination in water and through fresh produce such as green leaves or vegetables. Both intrinsic (genetic adaptation) and extrinsic factors may contribute and help <italic>E. coli </italic>O157:H7 to survive in adverse environments. This makes it even more difficult to detect and monitor food and water safety for public health surveillance. <italic>E. coli </italic>O157:H7 has evolved in behaviors and strategies to persist in the environment.</p> </abstract>