Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and current trends in diagnostics. (1st April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conrad, Cheyenne; Stanford, Kim; McAllister, Tim; Thomas, James; Reuter, Tim
• Is Part Of: Animal frontiers. Volume 6:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 37
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2016-04-01
• Subjects: beef production -- cattle -- detection -- foodborne outbreaks -- pathogen surveillance; Agriculture -- North America -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Europe -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine; Animals -- Diseases; Agriculture; Animals -- Diseases; Veterinary medicine; Europe; North America; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.2527/af.2016-0021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-6056

Abstract

Abstract: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are bacterial pathogens responsible for deadly foodborne outbreaks and sporadic illnesses globally. Children under five are most susceptible to severe complications and death. Seven main serogroups (O157 and top six non-O157: O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145) have been identified as causing the majority of STEC infections in humans. Beef products are one frequent source of infection, necessitating robust surveillance programs. However, detection and isolation methods for clinically relevant serogroups have several inherent limitations, making routine screening for these pathogens difficult and time consuming. These pathogens are constantly evolving, further allowing them to evade current detection methods. Developments in technology and genomic sequencing may improve our knowledge of these pathogens, thereby enhancing surveillance systems. With intensive beef production systems and a growing global demand for food, such advances are essential to improve food safety.