Potential for the Spread of Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, and Campylobacter in the Lairage Environment at Abattoirs

2002 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 931-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. SMALL ◽  
C.-A. REID ◽  
S. M. AVERY ◽  
N. KARABASIL ◽  
C. CROWLEY ◽  
...  

Prevalences of Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. were examined in 270 swabs taken from selected sites along the unloading-to-slaughter routes of animal movement in lairages of six commercial abattoirs, three for cattle and three for sheep. The overall prevalences of the pathogens in the respective lairage environments were compared with those for 270 swabs from the pelts of 90 lambs examined in the present study and 270 swabs from the hides of 90 cattle examined in a previous study that were slaughtered at the same abattoirs on the same days. Also, the results obtained were analyzed with the aim of identifying critical points at which animal-environment-animal transfer of the pathogens in lairages occurs. The results showed that (i) the overall prevalences of E. coli O157, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. were 27.2, 6.1, and 1.1%, respectively, in cattle lairages and 2.2, 1.1, and 5.6%, respectively, in sheep lairages; (ii) the overall prevalences of the three pathogens on cow hides (28.8, 17.7, and 0%, respectively) and sheep pelts (5.5, 7.8, and 0%, respectively) were higher than the overall prevalences in the respective lairage environments; (iii) the most frequently contaminated sites in cattle lairages were holding pen floors (50% of swabs positive for one or more pathogens), entrance gates of stun boxes (27.8% of swabs positive for one or more pathogens), and stun box floors (22.2% of swabs positive for one or more pathogens); (iv) the most frequently contaminated sites in sheep lairages were unloading ramp floors, holding pen floors, and water troughs (33.3, 22.2, and 22.2%, respectively); and (v) overall, cattle lairages and cow hides were more frequently contaminated with the pathogens than were lamb lairages and lamb pelts. Further research is needed to develop strategies for the incorporation of pathogen control in lairages into integrated microbial meat safety systems.

1999 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. LITTLE ◽  
D. ROBERTS ◽  
E. YOUNGS ◽  
J. de LOUVOIS

A study of imported unprepared whole lettuces sampled from supermarkets, greengrocers, shops, and market stalls found that all were of acceptable microbiological quality. Twenty-seven out of 151 (18%) imported lettuce samples had Enterobacteriaceae levels of 104 CFU/g or more. However, these bacteria that constitute part of the natural microflora of unprepared vegetables may also be derived from the soil and/or by poor handling. The pathogens, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, Vibrio cholerae, Listeria monocytogenes, and also Escherichia coli, an indicator of fecal contamination, were not detected in any imported lettuces, indicating that hygiene, harvesting, and production practices were good. Imported lettuces with Enterobacteriaceae levels of 104 CFU/g or more varied with type of retail premises and the temperature at which the lettuces were displayed. Samples from greengrocers, shops, and market stalls were more likely to contain Enterobacteriaceae at levels in excess of 104 CFU/g than those from supermarkets.


2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. 2063-2074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitendra R. Patel ◽  
Irene Yossa ◽  
Dumitru Macarisin ◽  
Patricia Millner

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effect of a 30-cm covering of finished compost (FC) on survival ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 andSalmonellaspp. in active static and windrow composting systems. Feedstocks inoculated withE. coliO157:H7 (7.41 log CFU/g) andSalmonella(6.46 log CFU/g) were placed in biosentry tubes (7.5-cm diameter, 30-cm height) at three locations: (i and ii) two opposing sides at the interface between the FC cover layer (where present) and the feedstock material (each positioned approximately 10 cm below the pile's surface) and (iii) an internal location (top) (approximately 30 cm below the surface). On specific sampling days, surviving populations of inoculatedE. coliO157:H7 andSalmonella, genericE. coli, and coliforms in compost samples were determined.Salmonellaspp. were reduced significantly within 24 h in windrow piles and were below the detection limit after 3 and 7 days at internal locations of windrow and static piles containing FC covering, respectively. Likewise,E. coliO157:H7 was undetectable after 1 day in windrow piles covered with finished compost. Use of FC as a covering layer significantly increased the number of days that temperatures in the windrows remained ≥55°C at all locations and in static piles at internal locations. These time-temperature exposures resulted in rapid reduction of inoculated pathogens, and the rate of bacterial reduction was rapid in windrow piles. The sample location significantly influenced the survival of these pathogens at internal locations compared to that at interface locations of piles. Finished compost covering of compost piles aids in the reduction of pathogens during the composting process.


2013 ◽  
Vol 76 (8) ◽  
pp. 1308-1321 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELAINE D. BERRY ◽  
PATRICIA D. MILLNER ◽  
JAMES E. WELLS ◽  
NORASAK KALCHAYANAND ◽  
MICHAEL N. GUERINI

Reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in livestock manures before application to cropland is critical for reducing the risk of foodborne illness associated with produce. Our objective was to determine the fate of naturally occurring E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogens during minimally managed on-farm bovine manure composting processes. Feedlot pen samples were screened to identify E. coli O157:H7–positive manure. Using this manure, four piles of each of three different composting formats were constructed in each of two replicate trials. Composting formats were (i) turned piles of manure plus hay and straw, (ii) static stockpiles of manure, and (iii) static piles of covered manure plus hay and straw. Temperatures in the tops, toes, and centers of the conical piles (ca. 6.0 m3 each) were monitored. Compost piles that were turned every 2 weeks achieved higher temperatures for longer periods in the tops and centers than did piles that were left static. E. coli O157:H7 was not recovered from top samples of turned piles of manure plus hay and straw at day 28 and beyond, but top samples from static piles were positive for the pathogen up to day 42 (static manure stockpiles) and day 56 (static covered piles of manure plus hay and straw). Salmonella, Campylobacter spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were not found in top or toe samples at the end of the composting period, but E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria spp. were recovered from toe samples at day 84. Our findings indicate that some minimally managed composting processes can reduce E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogens in bovine manure but may be affected by season and/or initial levels of indigenous thermophilic bacteria. Our results also highlight the importance of adequate C:N formulation of initial mixtures for the production of high temperatures and rapid composting, and the need for periodic turning of the piles to increase the likelihood that all parts of the mass are subjected to high temperatures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 023
Author(s):  
Ayelén Moreno ◽  
Claudia Castellari ◽  
Alejandra Yommi ◽  
Sandra Médici ◽  
María Alejandra Pereyra

La superficie de los frutos de kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa var. Hayward) presenta una microbiota natural, que es alterada por las prácticas agrícolas utilizadas por cada productor al momento de la cosecha, el transporte, el almacenamiento y el empaque. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron determinar la carga microbiana total y la presencia de patógenos (Escherichia coli O157:H7 y Salmonella spp) en kiwis luego de la cosecha y curado, en tres sitios diferentes del Partido de General Pueyrredón, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina; y optimizar la desinfección de la fruta entera con NaClO luego del almacenamiento en frío. Se cuantificaron bacterias aerobias mesófilas totales (BAMT), hongos filamentosos (HF) y levaduras (L) y se determinó presencia/ausencia de coliformes totales (CT), Escherichia coli O157:H7 y Salmonella spp. Se detectaron diferencias significativas (p≤0,01) entre las plantaciones, en los recuentos de la microbiota que afecta la calidad y vida útil de la fruta (BAMT y HF), siendo en Batán donde se halló el mayor contenido. Todos los cultivos dieron negativo para E. coli O157:H7 y Salmonella spp. Se seleccionó un método de desinfección con NaClO de concentración 300 ppm que permitió reducir la carga microbiana inicial de BAMT, HF, L y CT de la superficie de la fruta. Los resultados presentan el grado de contaminación ambiental y humana generada al finalizar la cosecha y el curado del kiwi en el Partido de General Pueyrredón, y un método sencillo para reducirla. Se destaca la ausencia de bacterias patógenas perjudiciales para la salud del consumidor.


2001 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
pp. 1679-1689 ◽  
Author(s):  
PEGGY P. MAK ◽  
BARBARA H. INGHAM ◽  
STEVEN C. INGHAM

Time and temperature pasteurization conditions common in the Wisconsin cider industry were validated using a six-strain cocktail of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and acid-adapted E. coli O157:H7 in pH- and ∘Brix-adjusted apple cider. Strains employed were linked to outbreaks (ATCC 43894 and 43895, C7927, and USDA-FSIS-380–94) or strains engineered to contain the gene for green fluorescent protein (pGFP ATCC 43894 and pGFP ATCC 43889) for differential enumeration. Survival of Salmonella spp. (CDC 0778, CDC F2833, and CDC HO662) and Listeria monocytogenes (H0222, F8027, and F8369) was also evaluated. Inoculated cider of pH 3.3 or 4.1 and 11 or 14°Brix was heated under conditions ranging from 60°C for 14 s to 71.1°C for 14 s. A 5-log reduction of nonadapted and acid-adapted E. coli O157:H7 was obtained at 68.1°C for 14 s. Lower temperatures, or less time at 68.1°C, did not ensure a 5-log reduction in E. coli O157:H7. A 5-log reduction was obtained at 65.6°C for 14 s for Salmonella spp. L. monocytogenes survived 68.1°C for 14 s, but survivors died in cider within 24 h at 4°C. Laboratory results were validated with a surrogate E. coli using a bench-top plate heat-exchange pasteurizer. Results were further validated using fresh unpasteurized commercial ciders. Consumer acceptance of cider pasteurized at 68.1°C for 14 s (Wisconsin recommendations) and at 71.1°C for 6 s (New York recommendations) was not significantly different. Hence, we conclude that 68.1°C for 14 s is a validated treatment for ensuring adequate destruction of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and L. monocytogenes in apple cider.


2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (10) ◽  
pp. 1812-1818 ◽  
Author(s):  
HUSSNI O. MOHAMMED ◽  
KORANA STIPETIC ◽  
AHMED SALEM ◽  
PATRICK McDONOUGH ◽  
YUNG FU CHANG ◽  
...  

Escherichia coli O157:H7, non-O157 E. coli, and Campylobacter spp. are among the top-ranked pathogens that threaten the safety of food supply systems around the world. The associated risks and predisposing factors were investigated in a dynamic animal population using a repeat-cross-sectional study design. Animal and environmental samples were collected from dairy and camel farms, chicken processing plants, and abattoirs and analyzed for the presence of these pathogens using a combination of bacterial enrichment and real-time PCR tests without culture confirmation. Data on putative risk factors were also collected and analyzed. E. coli O157:H7 was detected by PCR at higher levels in sheep and camel feces than in cattle feces (odds ratios [OR], 6.8 and 21.1, respectively). Although the genes indicating E. coli O157:H7 were detected at a relatively higher rate (4.3%) in fecal samples from dairy cattle, they were less common in milk and udder swabs from the same animals (1 and 2%, respectively). Among the food adulterants, E. coli O103 was more common in cattle fecal samples, whereas O26 was more common in sheep feces and O45 in camel feces compared with cattle (OR, 2.6 and 3.1, respectively). The occurrence of E. coli in the targeted populations differed by the type of sample and season of the year. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were more common in sheep and camel feces than in cattle feces. Most of the survey and surveillance of E. coli focused on serogroup O157 as a potential foodborne hazard; however, based on the PCR results, non-O157 Shiga toxin–producing E. coli serotypes appeared to be more common, and efforts should be made to include them in food safety programs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 277-294
Author(s):  
Rocio Esperanza Patiño-Burbano ◽  
Ana Karina Carrascal ◽  
Jorge Luis Parra-Arango ◽  
José Luis Rodríguez-Bautista

Raw cow milk is considered one of the most important vehicles for pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes. These three bacteria are responsible for foodborne diseases. Routine microbiological methods to detect these microorganisms in cow milk can be complicated and time consuming. The aim of this work was to evaluate a method to simultaneously detect Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in experimentally contaminated cow milk. The assessed method combined a standard microbiological culture step, using a pre-enrichment medium that favors the growth of the three focal microorganisms: SEL broth, followed by a single PCR assay. A total of 43 interference bacterial strains were used to evaluate the method’s specificity. The detection rate for the microbiological method with standard culture media was 10 UFC/mL, and that of the PCR detection, following pre-enrichment in SEL broth, was 10 UFC/mL for S. enterica and L. monocytogenes and between 1 and 5 UFC/mL for E. coli O157:H7. The PCR method showed specificity for the reference strains. Simultaneous detection by multiple PCR using SEL broth was successful for the detection of S. enterica, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes in samples of experimentally contaminated cow milk, featuring both a high detection rate and a high specificity. This approach promises to be a feasible routine procedure when testing milk samples in industry and public health control setups.


2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 490-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHANNE ELLIS-IVERSEN ◽  
ALASDAIR J. C. COOK ◽  
RICHARD P. SMITH ◽  
GEOFF C. PRITCHARD ◽  
MIRJAM NIELEN

Escherichia coli O157 and Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are zoonotic pathogens originating from farm animals. Cattle are the main reservoir for E. coli O157 and also contribute to human cases of campylobacteriosis through contaminated milk, direct contact, and environmental contamination. Thirty groups of young cattle on 30 farms were observed for 7 months and sampled on 4 to 6 separate occasions for E. coli O157 and C. jejuni/coli to characterize shedding patterns and identify risk factors. The within herd prevalence of E. coli O157 per sampling occasion ranged from 0 to 60% (mean = 24%) and average Campylobacter spp. within herd prevalence was 47% ranging from 0 to 100%. The prevalence of E. coli O157–positive herds declined with a linear trend throughout the study from 100 to 38% (OR: 0.5, P < 0.01), whereas time in the study was not significantly associated with Campylobacter prevalence (P = 0.13). Larger herds were more likely to be positive with either or both agents, whereas the number of suckler calves on the farm reduced the risk of both organisms (OR: 0.4/0.6, P < 0.01). Poultry on the premises reduced the risk of E. coli O157, but was not associated with Campylobacter. Emptying and cleaning the water troughs more often than once monthly reduced the risk of detecting Campylobacter and cattle sourced by private water supplies were more likely to be Campylobacter positive. No drinking water management practices were associated with E. coli O157. The risk of detecting both organisms were almost five times higher when the cattle were housed indoors (OR: 4.9, P = 0.03).


2005 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
SUSUMU KAWASAKI ◽  
NAOKO HORIKOSHI ◽  
YUKIO OKADA ◽  
KAZUKO TAKESHITA ◽  
TAKASHI SAMESHIMA ◽  
...  

A multiplex PCR method was developed for simultaneous detection of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat samples. DNA detection sensitivity for this method was 103 CFU/ml for each pathogen. When this protocol was used for the detection of each of the above pathogenic bacteria in spiked pork samples, 1 cell per 25 g of inoculated sample could be detected within 30 h. In the samples of naturally contaminated meat, Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, and E. coli O157:H7 were detected over the same time period. Excellent agreement was obtained for the results of multiplex PCR and the conventional culture method, which suggests that the multiplex PCR is a reliable and useful method for rapid screening of meat products for Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, and E. coli O157:H7 contamination.


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