Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
E. coli O157:H7 causes human disease outbreaks after consumption of contaminated beef, fruits, or vegetables. Technologies exist for detecting E. coli O157:H7 in food and preventing the disease outbreaks, but problems sometimes exist with both false positives and false negatives.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are one of the most important pathogenic groups in cases of foodborne illness. Currently, STEC includes more than 400 strains, with O157:H7 and the non-O157 serogroups being the main representatives in cases of human disease. However, due to their diversity, it's challenging to identify contaminated food products and efficiently isolate STEC from samples as only a few STEC cells may be present.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
This research aims to increase safety of food and prevention of debilitating or life-threatening food-borne disease due to pathogenic E. coli. While livestock producers would largely benefit from this research, it would also be useful for other food processors as contamination of vegetables and fruits with pathogenic E. coli is an increasing problem. Results will also aid in maintaining export and domestic markets for Alberta beef by prevention of future recalls.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
This research has already produces on peer-reviewed publication, with the goal of publishing two more. Results will be presented at an international meeting of the world's top 400 STEC researchers and members of international regulatory agencies. Results will also be published in open-access journals.