H7 Strains (h7 + strain)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


ACID TOLERANCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI FOLLOWING COLD SHOCK TREATMENT

JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 2 2003
GREG BLANK
ABSTRACT The effect of an initial cold shock treatment (2 h at 10C), following an abrupt downshift in temperature from 37 to 10C, on the subsequent growth and survival of Escherichia coli strains O157:H7 and MY20 (Biotype 1) in acidified Trypticase soy broth (TSB) and fruit juices (orange, apple) was investigated. Overall, no difference in growth at 37C was observed between each cold shocked and noncold shocked E. coli strain when cultured in TSB adjusted with either acetic acid (pH 6.0)or malic, citric and tartaric acid (each adjusted to: pH 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0). However, significant (P ± 0.05) differences in survival were observed between cold shocked and noncold shocked populations in TSB acidified with acetic acid (pH 5.0) or citric, malic and tartaric acid (pH 4.0). For strain MY20, survivor levels for cold shocked cells in TSB acidified with acetic acid citric, malic and tartaric acid at 8C were significantly (P ± 0.05) higher than in noncold shocked populations. Also, at 37C survival levels for cold shocked cells were significantly (P ± 0.05) higher than noncold shocked cells in TSB acidified with either malic or tartaric acid (pH 4.0). For the O157:H7 strain, survivor levels were higher (P ± 0.05) for cold shocked cells when maintained in TSB at 37C regardless of acid type. At 8C, cold shock treatment only increased (P ± 0.05) the survival of the O157:H7 strain in TSB adjusted with acetic acid (pH 6.0). Acid cross protection induced by cold shocking, as evidenced by enhanced survival, was not apparent for either E. coil strain in apple (pH 3.5) or orange juice (pH 3.8) maintained at 8C. [source]


Soil survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 acquired by a child from garden soil recently fertilized with cattle manure

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
A. Mukherjee
Abstract Aims:, This investigation was conducted to determine the survival of a naturally occurring Escherichia coli O157:H7 in garden soil linked to a sporadic case of E. coli O157 infection in Minnesota. Methods and Results:, The presence and viability of E. coli O157:H7 was monitored in manure-contaminated garden soil for several weeks. Bacterial isolates were characterized using PCR and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Isolates obtained from the patient and the garden plots during this investigation had indistinguishable PFGE patterns and had the same virulence factors (stx1, stx2, eaeA, ehxA). The E. coli O157:H7 levels obtained from the garden plots declined gradually for a period of 2 months, and on day 69 only one garden plot of four had detectable levels of pathogen. All plots were negative on day 92. The rate of decline in the soil samples stored at 4°C was faster compared with soil samples that remained in ambient conditions, and in refrigerated storage E. coli O157:H7 could not be detected after 10 days. Conclusions:,E. coli O157:H7 strains can survive on manure-amended soil for more than 2 months, and this survival could be reduced by low temperature. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This is one of the few reports that have investigated the survival of a proven virulent strain in naturally contaminated soil samples. This case stresses the importance of avoiding the use of raw cattle manure to amend soil for cultivation of foods, including soils in residential garden plots. [source]


Assessment of resistance to colicinogenic Escherichia coli by E. coli O157:H7 strains

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
G. P. Schamberger
Abstract Aims:, To assess a collection of 96 Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains for their resistance potential against a set of colicinogenic E. coli developed as a probiotic for use in cattle. Methods and Results:,Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains were screened for colicin production, types of colicins produced, presence of colicin resistance and potential for resistance development. Thirteen of 14 previously characterized colicinogenic E. coli strains were able to inhibit 74 serotype O157:H7 strains. Thirteen E. coli O157:H7 strains were found to be colicinogenic and 11 had colicin D genes. PCR products for colicins B, E-type, Ia/Ib and M were also detected. During in vitro experiments, the ability to develop colicin resistance against single-colicin producing E. coli strains was observed, but rarely against multiple-colicinogenic strains. The ability of serotype O157:H7 strains to acquire colicin plasmids or resistance was not observed during a cattle experiment. Conclusions:,Escherichia coli O157:H7 has the potential to develop single-colicin resistance, but simultaneous resistance against multiple colicins appears to be unlikely. Colicin D is the predominant colicin produced by colicinogenic E. coli O157:H7 strains. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The potential for resistance development against colicin-based strategies for E. coli O157:H7 control may be very limited if more than one colicin type is used. [source]


Fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during the manufacture of Mozzarella cheese

LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
G. Spano
Abstract Aims: The fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was investigated during the manufacture of Mozzarella cheese. Methods and Results: The Mozzarella cheese was made from unpasteurized milk which was inoculated to contain ca 105 cfu ml,1E. coli O157:H7. Two different heating temperatures (70 and 80 °C), commonly used during curd stretching, were investigated to determine their effects on the viability of E. coli O157:H7 in Mozzarella cheese. Stretching at 80 °C for 5 min resulted in the loss of culturability of E. coli O157:H7 strains, whereas stretching at 70 °C reduced the number of culturable E. coli O157:H7 by a factor of 10. Conclusions: The results show that stretching curd at 80 °C for 5 min is effective in controlling E. coli O157:H7 during the production of Mozzarella cheese. Brining and storage at 4 °C for 12 h was less effective than the stretching. Significance and Impact of the Study: Mozzarella cheese should be free of E. coli O157:H7 only if temperatures higher than or equal to 80 °C are used during milk processing. [source]