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Verotoxigenic E. coli.

Author(s) : PETITT S., DAVIES A.

Type of article: Article

Summary

The recent cases of "verotoxigenic" E. coli food poisoning in Scotland constituted the third major outbreak caused by this organism in 1996, following outbreaks in Australia and Japan. Verotoxigenic variants of E. coli are simply ordinary E. Coli strains that have inherited potent virulence genes. For example, one of the toxins formed by E. coli O157 is identical to the Shiga toxin produced by Shigella dysenteriae. The main reservoir for these organisms is cattle, but enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) strains have also been isolated from many animals, and any raw meat may be considered a potential hazard. However, their pattern of inhibition, growth requirements, and thermal and non-thermal destruction are generally similar to those of other members of the Enterobacteriaceae, such as Salmonella. Various new test methods are available for the detection of the organism since, in general, the "normal" methods for E. coli will not detect EHEC.

Details

  • Original title: Verotoxigenic E. coli.
  • Record ID : 1997-3409
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Leatherhead Food News - 1; 1 fig.; 1 phot.
  • Publication date: 1997/01
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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