The ecological habitat and transmission ofEscherichia coliO157:H7

Abstract

Since its first description in 1982, the zoonotic life-threatening Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli 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 E. coli 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 E. coli 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. E. coli O157:H7 has evolved in behaviors and strategies to persist in the environment.

Retention and remobilization dynamics of fine particles and microorganisms in pastoral streams

“…Such persistent E. coli concentrations might also reflect growth within the stream. E. coli can grow under environmental nutritional conditions, and has been shown to survive in aquatic environments from 2 weeks to 10 months, as well as to colonize plant tissues (Leclerc, 2003;Chekabab et al, 2013). E. coli also has the ability to switch to a survival state that enhances its resistance to many stresses and allows it to remain viable during long periods of inactivity (Ishii and Sadowsky, 2008).…”

“…Based on the small size, similar slightly negative surface charge, and low Stokes settling velocity, the transport mechanisms of many fine particles are expected to be broadly similar. An obvious difference, however, is that microbes are inactivated under environmental stressors such as solar UV radiation and protozoan ingestion, but some microbes, such as bacteria, can also potentially grow within streams (Battin et al, 2008;Chekabab et al, 2013;Leclerc, 2003;Litton et al, 2010). Less understood microbial properties can potentially impact their environmental transmission, including surface properties, extracellular structures, and their potential ability to respond to environmental conditions (e.g.…”

“…Less understood microbial properties can potentially impact their environmental transmission, including surface properties, extracellular structures, and their potential ability to respond to environmental conditions (e.g. metabolism and motility) (Bradford et al, 2013;Chekabab et al, 2013;Ishii and Sadowsky, 2008;Jamieson et al, 2004).…”

Prevalence of Diarrheagenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> in Foods and Fecal Specimens Obtained from Cattle, Pigs, Chickens, Asymptomatic Carriers, and Patients in Osaka and Hyogo, Japan

“…Cattle have been identified as a major reservoir for STEC, and the pathogen can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of contaminated meat. However, fruits, vegetables, or contact with a contaminated environment (e.g., recreational water) have been shown to be important vehicles for infection (11).…”

Evaluation of Enzyme Immunoassays and Real-Time PCR for Detecting Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Southern Alberta, Canada

“…STEC can be transmitted via foods (3,4,(18)(19)(20), water (21), animals (22)(23)(24)(25), and from person to person (26)(27)(28). Ruminants are natural carriers of STEC and are considered the main reservoirs for these pathogens (29).…”