Geraldine Duffy & Patricia Garvey 
Verocytotoxigenic E. Coli 

Verocytotxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC), and in particular, strains of serogroup o157, have emerged as significant pathogens causing a range of severe and potentially fatal illnesses. The European Union has recognised the threat posed by E. coli O157:H7 and the need to devise control strategies based on an understanding of VTEC pathogenicity, transmission, survival and growth. It also acknowledges the imortance of informing farmers, veterinarians, food producers and health authorities so that each of these groups can act appropriately to reduce the overall hazards posed by these organisms. To contribute to the development and dissemination of effect control strategies, the European Commission funded a Concerted Action Project ‘A European study on animal, food, and biomedical aspects of verocytotoxigenic E. coli including serotype O157:H7, an emerging pathogen’ (CT98-3935) within the Agriculture and Agro-industry Framework IV Research Programme (1998-2001). This book, compiled under the auspices of the above project, integrates contributions from project participants and invited contributor, to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on VTEC. It will be invaluable to current workers in this area, and those seeking an effective introduction to research on this important pathogen

Table of Content

1. Emergence of Verocytotoxigenic E. coli.

5. General Recovery , Characterisation and Typing Protocols for
VTEC.

9. Foods as Vehicles of VTEC Infection.

10. A Case Study of Cheese Associated E. coli O157 Outbreaks in
Scotland.

11. Pathogenic Aspects of VTEC Infections in Ruminants.

12. Pathogenic Aspects of VTEC Infection in Non-ruminant
Animals.

13. Pathogenic Aspects of STEC Infections in Humans.

14. Healthy Animals as Carriers of STEC.

15. Survival and Growth of VTEC in the Environment.

19. Farm Management Practices: A Swedish Case Study.

20. Control of VTEC in the Meat Industry.

21. Control of VTEC in Non-meat Food Products.

22. Clinical Management of E. coli O157 Infection.

24. Verocytotoxigenic E. coli – Legal Aspects.

Appendix.

Index

About the author

Edited by Geraldine Duffy, Ph.D and Patricia Garvey, Ph.D, Food Safety Dept., Teagasc, The National Food Centre, Dunsinea, Castleknock, Dublin 15, Ireland and David a. Mc Dowell, Ph.D,