People who are at risk for infection with E. coli O157, salmonella species, or campylobacter species include anyone drinking inadequately treated water or eating undercooked or mishandled food products, and those who are in contact with farm animals or domestic pets. The most common food vehicles for salmonella include eggs, poultry, meat, and meat products. Salmonella also has been found […]
Primarily, we study the foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157), Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium definitive type 104 (DT104), and Campylobacter jejuni. These bacteria inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of a large variety of species. Water trough sediments, soil, and animal bedding can also harbor O157 and DT104. This wide range of habitats and reservoirs, ranging from stagnant ponds to insect guts […]
A current study funded by an FDA grant traces the path of E. coli O157 and Salmonella on farms. Fecal, feed and water samples will be taken from 24 dairies over a 2-year period. These samples will be cultured for both E. coli O157 and Salmonella species. The prevalence of pathogens in the feed and water will be compared to […]
Generic E. coli is a normal flora resident of the bovine gastrointestinal tract. It poses little danger as a foodborne disease. However, the O157 serotype of E. coli can be extremely dangerous to young, old, and immunocompromised individuals. E. coli O157 is a transient resident of cattle. It can be found on most cattle farms […]
