Virulence characterization of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli isolates from wholesale produce

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2011 Jan;77(1):343-5. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01872-10. Epub 2010 Nov 5.

Abstract

The 13 Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from wholesale spinach and lettuce consisted mostly of serotypes that have not been implicated in illness. Among these strains, however, were two O113:H21 that carried virulence genes common to this pathogenic serotype (stx(2), ehxA, saa, and subAB), suggesting that their presence in ready-to-eat produce may be of health concern.

MeSH terms

  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
  • Lactuca / microbiology*
  • Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
  • Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli / pathogenicity*
  • Spinacia oleracea / microbiology*
  • Virulence Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Virulence Factors