Presence of Cryptosporidium Oocysts in Fresh Vegetables

1996 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAFAEL MONGE ◽  
MISAEL CHINCHILLA
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Linear Correlation ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Contamination Rate ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Fresh Vegetables ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts ◽  
Positive Linear Correlation

In Costa Rica, a total of 640 samples from eight different vegetables used for raw consumption were analyzed for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were found in 5.0% (4 samples) of cilantro leaves, 8.7% (7 samples) of cilantro roots and 2.5% (2 samples) of lettuce samples. A 1.2% contamination rate was detected in samples of other vegetables (radish, tomato, cucumbers and carrot). Oocysts of this parasite were absent from cabbage. A greater percentage of positive samples was found during the rainy season, and only in cilantro roots and lettuce was a positive linear correlation (P < 0.05) established between the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and fecal coliforms and E. coli.

scholarly journals Water used to moisten vegetables is a source of Escherichia coli and protozoan parasite contamination at markets in Hanoi, Vietnam

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 896-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thuy Tram ◽  
Anders Dalsgaard
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Safety Hazards ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Median Concentration ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts

The study was done to assess the level of fecal (Escherichia coli) and protozoan parasite (Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp.) contamination in water used by traders to moisten vegetables at markets in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 200 splashing water samples from markets located within eight districts were analyzed for E. coli and Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. (oo)cysts. Giardia cysts were found in 17 splashing water samples and Cryptosporidium oocysts in nine samples, with median values of 20 cysts ml−1 and 10 oocysts ml−1, respectively. E. coli was found with a median concentration of 636 cfu ml−1 and its occurrence was negatively correlated with the numbers of protozoan parasites. The splashing water was kept in buckets that were rarely cleaned and often used for handwashing. The finding of these pathogens in splashing water is likely to represent real food safety hazards.

Investigating Salmonella enterica, generic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Coliforms on Fresh Vegetables Sold in Informal Markets in Cambodia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Desiree ◽  
Carla L. Schwan ◽  
Visoth Ly ◽  
Lyda Hok ◽  
Nora M. Bello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Informal Markets ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Fresh Vegetables

Vegetables in Cambodia are commonly sold in informal markets lacking food safety standards and controls. Currently, data on microbial contamination of vegetables in Cambodian informal markets are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate Salmonella enterica and indicator organisms (generic Escherichia coli and coliforms) on the surface of fresh vegetables sold in informal markets in Cambodia. A sample of loose-leaf lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers were collected from 104 vendors at four informal markets in Battambang and Siem Reap provinces during rainy and dry seasons.  Detection methods for Salmonella enterica were adapted from the Food and Drug Administration’s Bacteriological Analytical Manual (FDA BAM). Quantification of coliforms and generic E. coli populations was conducted by plating onto E. coli/Coliform count plates. Salmonella enterica was most prevalent on lettuce during the dry season (56.5%, 95% CI [41.0, 70.8]) compared to the rainy season (15.4 95% CI [7.5, 29.1]), whereas no significant seasonal differences were apparent for tomatoes and cucumbers. Regardless of season, levels of Salmonella enterica were highest on lettuce (5.7 log CFU/g, 95% CI [5.5, 5.9]), relative to cucumbers (4.2 log CFU/g, 95% CI [3.8, 4.6]) and tomatoes (4.3 log CFU/g, 95% CI [4.1, 4.6]). For generic E. coli, prevalence was higher during the rainy season (34.0%, 95% CI [25.4, 43.8]) as compared to the dry season (9.1%, 95% CI [4.9, 16.5]), with the highest prevalence estimated on lettuce. Similarly, the level of coliforms on lettuce and tomatoes was greater during the rainy season (6.3 and 5.3 log CFU/g, 95% CI [5.7, 6.8] and [4.7, 5.8], respectively), relative to the dry season (5.2 and 3.9 log CFU/g, 95% CI [4.7, 5.7] and [3.4, 4.4], respectively). In summary, these results indicate seasonal patterns for microbial prevalence in lettuce, and an overall high level of bacterial contamination on raw vegetables sold in Cambodian informal markets.

scholarly journals Comparison of Fecal Coliform Agar and Violet Red Bile Lactose Agar for Fecal Coliform Enumeration in Foods

2002 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 1631-1638 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Leclercq ◽  
C. Wanegue ◽  
P. Baylac
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Fecal Coliform ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Direct Plating ◽  
Hafnia Alvei ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plating Method ◽  
Mashed Potatoes

ABSTRACT A 24-h direct plating method for fecal coliform enumeration with a resuscitation step (preincubation for 2 h at 37 ± 1°C and transfer to 44 ± 1°C for 22 h) using fecal coliform agar (FCA) was compared with the 24-h standardized violet red bile lactose agar (VRBL) method. FCA and VRBL have equivalent specificities and sensitivities, except for lactose-positive non-fecal coliforms such as Hafnia alvei, which could form typical colonies on FCA and VRBL. Recovery of cold-stressed Escherichia coli in mashed potatoes on FCA was about 1 log unit lower than that with VRBL. When the FCA method was compared with standard VRBL for enumeration of fecal coliforms, based on counting carried out on 170 different food samples, results were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Based on 203 typical identified colonies selected as found on VRBL and FCA, the latter medium appears to allow the enumeration of more true fecal coliforms and has higher performance in certain ways (specificity, sensitivity, and negative and positive predictive values) than VRBL. Most colonies clearly identified on both media were E. coli and H. alvei, a non-fecal coliform. Therefore, the replacement of fecal coliform enumeration by E. coli enumeration to estimate food sanitary quality should be recommended.

Distribution of Coliphages in Various Foods

1986 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 944-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. KENNEDY ◽  
C. I. WEI ◽  
J. L. OBLINGER
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Bacterial Indicators ◽  
Processed Meats ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
The Relationship

The distribution of coliphages in various foods and the relationship between the incidences of coliphages and bacterial indicators were investigated. A total of 120 food samples comprising twelve products and including fresh meats, shellfish, vegetables and processed meats, were analyzed for indigenous coliphages using Escherichia coli hosts C, C-3000 and B. Bacterial analyses included enumeration of E. coli, fecal coliforms and coliforms, as well as aerobic plate counts and Salmonella analyses. Coliphages were detected (≥10 PFU/100 g) in 56% of samples and eleven of twelve products. Coliphages, E. coli, fecal coliforms and coliforms were recovered at a level of at least 30 organisms per 100 g in 43, 43, 68 and 81% of samples, with overall mean recoveries of 13, 19, 93 and 4300 organisms/100 g, respectively. Highest and lowest recoveries of coliphages and E. coli were from fresh meats and vacuum-packaged processed meats, respectively. Significant nonparametric correlations between coliphages, E. coli, fecal coliforms and coliforms were found among all food samples.

Field Evaluation of the MUG Assay for Enumerating Escherichia coli in Seawater and Oysters from Southeastern United States

1991 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
MILES L. MOTES ◽  
JAMES T. PEELER
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
American Public Health Association ◽  
Suitable Alternative ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Association

Oysters and seawater collected from the southeastern United States were examined for fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli, using the current procedure of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the fluorogenic 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucuronide (MUG) modified APHA procedure. After the presence of E. coli in both methods was confirmed by conventional IMViC procedures, there was no significant difference between method means at the α = 0.05 level. In oysters, low confirmation rates of 67 and 77% were observed by the APHA and the MUG methods, respectively. Seawater had the greatest confirmation rates (95%) by the MUG method. The MUG method may be a suitable alternative to the current APHA method for the microbiological evaluation of oysters and seawater.

scholarly journals Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Escherichia coli Isolated from Untreated Surface Waters

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristopher J Janezic ◽  
Blake Ferry ◽  
Eric W Hendricks ◽  
Brian A Janiga ◽  
Tiffany Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Genotypic Variation ◽  
Virulence Gene ◽  
Genotypic Diversity ◽  
Housekeeping Gene ◽  
Polymyxin B ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
E Coli

A common member of the intestinal microbiota in humans and animals isEscherichia coli. Based on the presence of virulence factors,E. colican be potentially pathogenic. The focus of this study was to isolateE. colifrom untreated surface waters (37 sites) in Illinois and Missouri and determine phenotypic and genotypic diversity among isolates. Water samples positive for fecal coliforms based on the Colisure®test were streaked directly onto Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar (37°C) or transferred to EC broth (44.5°C). EC broth cultures producing gas were then streaked onto EMB agar. Forty-five isolates were identified asE. coliusing API 20E and Enterotube II identification systems, and some phenotypic variation was observed in metabolism and fermentation. Antibiotic susceptibility of each isolate was also determined using the Kirby-Bauer Method. Differential responses to 10 antimicrobial agents were seen with 7, 16, 2, and 9 of the isolates resistant to ampicillin, cephalothin, tetracycline, and triple sulfonamide, respectively. All of the isolates were susceptible or intermediate to amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, polymyxin B, gentamicin, imipenem, and nalidixic acid. Genotypic variation was assessed through multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction for four virulence genes (stx1andstx2[shiga toxin],eaeA[intimin]; andhlyA[enterohemolysin]) and one housekeeping gene (uidA[β-D-glucuronidase]). Genotypic variation was observed with two of the isolates possessing the virulence gene (eaeA) for intimin. These findings increase our understanding of the diversity ofE. coliin the environment which will ultimately help in the assessment of this organism and its role in public health.

scholarly journals Extraintestinal Escherichia coli Carrying Virulence Genes in Coastal Marine Sediments

2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (17) ◽  
pp. 5659-5668 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Luna ◽  
C. Vignaroli ◽  
C. Rinaldi ◽  
A. Pusceddu ◽  
L. Nicoletti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Marine Sediments ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Genotypic Diversity ◽  
Coastal Sediments ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
E Coli

ABSTRACT Despite the recognized potential of long-term survival or even growth of fecal indicators bacteria (FIB) in marine sediments, this compartment is largely ignored by health protection authorities. We conducted a large-scale study over approximately 50 km of the Marche coasts (Adriatic Sea) at depths ranging from 2 to 5 m. Total and fecal coliforms (FC) were counted by culture-based methods. Escherichia coli was also quantified using fluorescence in situ hybridization targeting specific 16S rRNA sequences, which yielded significantly higher abundances than culture-based methods, suggesting the potential importance of viable but nonculturable E. coli cells. Fecal coliforms displayed high abundances at most sites and showed a prevalence of E. coli. FC isolates (n = 113) were identified by API 20E, additional biochemical tests, and internal transcribed spacer-PCR. E. coli strains, representing 96% of isolates, were then characterized for genomic relatedness and phylogenetic group (A, B1, B2, and D) of origin by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA and multiplex-PCR. The results indicated that E. coli displayed a wide genotypic diversity, also among isolates from the same station, and that 44 of the 109 E. coli isolates belonged to groups B2 and D. Further characterization of B2 and D isolates for the presence of 11 virulence factor genes (pap, sfa/foc, afa, eaeA, ibeA, traT, hlyA, stx 1, stx 2, aer, and fyuA) showed that 90% of B2 and 65% of D isolates were positive for at least one of these. Most of the variance of both E. coli abundance and assemblage composition (>62%) was explained by a combination of physical-chemical and trophic variables. These findings indicate that coastal sediments could represent a potential reservoir for commensal and pathogenic E. coli and that E. coli distribution in marine coastal sediments largely depends upon the physical and trophic status of the sediment. We conclude that future sampling designs aimed at monitoring the microbiological quality of marine coastal areas should not further neglect the analysis of the sediment and that monitoring of these environments can be improved by including molecular methods as a complement of culture-based techniques.

scholarly journals Clonal Populations of ThermotolerantEnterobacteriaceae in Recreational Water and Their Potential Interference with Fecal Escherichia coli Counts

2001 ◽  
Vol 67 (10) ◽  
pp. 4934-4938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra L. McLellan ◽  
Annette D. Daniels ◽  
Alissa K. Salmore
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Glucuronidase Activity

ABSTRACT Bacterial strains were isolated from beach water samples using the original Environmental Protection Agency method for Escherichia coli enumeration and analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Identical PFGE patterns were found for numerous isolates from 4 of the 9 days sampled, suggesting environmental replication. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, API 20E biochemical testing, and the absence of β-glucuronidase activity revealed that these clonal isolates were Klebsiella, Citrobacter, and Enterobacter spp. In contrast, 82% of the nonclonal isolates from water samples were confirmed to be E. coli, and 16% were identified as other fecal coliforms. These nonclonal isolates produced a diverse range of PFGE patterns similar to those of isolates obtained directly from untreated sewage and gull droppings. β-Glucuronidase activity was critical in distinguishingE. coli from other fecal coliforms, particularly for the clonal isolates. These findings demonstrate that E. coli is a better indicator of fecal pollution than fecal coliforms, which may replicate in the environment and falsely elevate indicator organism levels.

Survival and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Minimally Processed Artichokes

2003 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 2203-2209 ◽  
Author(s):  
SUSANA SANZ ◽  
MERCEDES GIMÉNEZ ◽  
CARMEN OLARTE
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Natural Background ◽  
Minimally Processed ◽  
E Coli

The ability of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated by immersion (at 4.6 and 5.5 log CFU/g, respectively) to survive on artichokes during various stages of preparation was determined. Peeling, cutting, and disinfecting operations (immersion in 50 ppm of a free chlorine solution at 4°C for 5 min) reduced populations of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 by only 1.6 and 0.8 log units, respectively. An organic acid rinse (0.02% citric acid and 0.2% ascorbic acid) was more effective than a tap water rinse in removing these pathogens. Given the possibility of both pathogens being present on artichokes at the packaging stage, their behavior during the storage of minimally processed artichokes was investigated. For this purpose, batches of artichokes inoculated with L. monocytogenes or E. coli O157:H7 (at 5.5 and 5.2 log CFU/g, respectively) were packaged in P-Plus film bags and stored at 4°C for 16 days. During this period, the equilibrium atmosphere composition and natural background microflora (mesophiles, psychrotrophs, anaerobes, and fecal coliforms) were also analyzed. For the two studied pathogens, the inoculum did not have any effect on the final atmospheric composition (10% O2, 13% CO2) or on the survival of the natural background microflora of the artichokes. L. monocytogenes was able to survive during the entire storage period in the inoculated batches, while the E. coli O157:H7 level increased by 1.5 log units in the inoculated batch during the storage period. The modified atmosphere was unable to control the behavior of either pathogen.

Presence of Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli, Enteroinvasive E. coli, Enteropathogenic E. coli, and Enterotoxigenic E. coli on Tomatoes from Public Markets in Mexico

2013 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 1621-1625 ◽  
Author(s):  
CARLOS A. GÓMEZ-ALDAPA ◽  
M. del REFUGIO TORRES-VITELA ◽  
OTILIO A. ACEVEDO-SANDOVAL ◽  
ESMERALDA RANGEL-VARGAS ◽  
ANGÉLICA VILLARRUEL-LÓPEZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Foodborne Pathogens ◽  
Shiga Toxin ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Tomato Variety ◽  
Public Markets ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Diarrheagenic Escherichia Coli ◽  
Tomato Sample

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes (DEP) are important foodborne pathogens in various countries, including Mexico. However, no data exist on the presence of DEP on fresh tomatoes (Solanum lycopericum) from Mexico. The frequency of fecal coliforms (FC), E. coli, and DEP were determined for two tomato varieties. One hundred samples of a saladette tomato variety and 100 samples of a red round tomato variety were collected from public markets in Pachuca, Mexico. Each tomato sample consisted of four whole tomatoes. For the 100 saladette samples, coliform bacterial, FC, E. coli, and DEP were identified in 100, 70, 60, and 10% of samples, respectively. For the 100 red round samples, coliform bacterial, FC, E. coli, and DEP were identified in 100, 75, 65, and 11% of samples, respectively. Identified DEP included Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). STEC were isolated from 6% of saladette samples and 5% of red round samples. ETEC were isolated from 3% of saladette samples and 4% of red round samples. EPEC were isolated from 2% of saladette samples and 3% of red round samples, and EIEC were isolated from 1% of saladette samples. Both STEC and ETEC were identified in two saladette samples and 1 red round sample. E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in any STEC-positive samples.

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