Verocytotoxigenic E. coli

Description

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 pathogenContent: Chapter 1 Emergence of Verocytotoxigenic E. coli (pages 1–9): Geraldine Duffv, Patricia Garvey and David A. McDowellChapter 2 Detection of Verocytotoxin?Producing Escherichia coli 0157 on the Farm and at the Abattoir (pages 11–24): P.A. ChapmanChapter 3 Clinical Detection of Verocytotoxin?Producing E. coli (VTEC) (pages 25–56): Flemming Scheutz, Lothar Beutin and Henry R. SmithChapter 4 Practical Considerations and Difficulties Associated with the Detection of Verocytotoxin?Producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in Foods (pages 57–89): Christopher Baylis, Annet Heuvelink, Enne De Boer and Harmen HofstraChapter 5 General Recovery, Characterisation and Typing Protocols for VTEC (pages 91–111): Fiona Thomson?CarterChapter 6 Epidemiology of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) in Ruminants (pages 113–148): Jorge Blanco, Miguel Blanco, Jesus E. Blanco, Azucena Mora, Maria Pilar Alonso, Enrique A. Gonzalez and Maria Isabel BernardezChapter 7 Epidemiology of VTEC in Non?Ruminant Animals (pages 149–160): Yngvild WastesonChapter 8 Epidemiology of Human Infections by Escherichia coli 0157 and other Verocytotoxin?Producing E. coli (pages 161–180): A. E. Tozzi, S. Gorietti and A. CaprioliChapter 9 Foods as Vehicles of VTEC Infection (pages 181–200): Enne De Boer and Annet E. HeuvelinkChapter 10 A Case Study of Cheese Associated E. coli 0157 Outbreaks in Scotland (pages 201–212): T.M.S. ReidChapter 11 Pathogenic Aspects of VTEC Infections in Ruminants (pages 213–226): Frederic Goffaux, Bernard China, Philippe Stordeur and Jacques MainilChapter 12 Pathogenic Aspects of VTEC Infection in Non?Ruminant Animals (pages 227–239): Carlton L. GylesChapter 13 Pathogenic Aspects of Stec Infections in Humans (pages 241–262): Herbert Schmidt, Helge Karch and Martin BitzanChapter 14 Healthy Animals as Carriers of Stec (pages 263–278): Cathy A. Brown, Barry G. Harmon, Tong Zhao and Michael P. DoyleChapter 15 Survival and Growth of VTEC in the Environment (pages 279–304): D.A. McDowell and J. J. SheridanChapter 16 Survival and Growth of Verocytotoxigenic E. coli in Foods (pages 305–322): Geraldine Duffy and Patricia GarveyChapter 17 Predicting the Fate of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli in Foods (pages 323–335): Peter J. McClureChapter 18 Risk Assessment in the Control of VTEC (pages 337–351): R.C. Whiting, M.E. Coleman, C.A. Narrod, M. Powell and T. RobertsChapter 19 Farm Management Practices: A Swedish Case Study (pages 353–365): Elisabeth Borch, Eva Nerbrink, Ivar Vagsholm and Mats TornquistChapter 20 Control of VTEC in the Meat Industry (pages 367–380): Hilde Nissen Matforsk and Truls NesbakkenChapter 21 Control of VTEC in Non?Meat Food Products (pages 381–392): C.P. O'Loughlin and M.E. UptonChapter 22 Clinical Management of E. coli 0157 Infection (pages 393–420): W.T.A. Todd, S. Dundas and J. CoiaChapter 23 Verocytotoxigenic E. coli: Safe Laboratory Practices (pages 421–434): Heather J. SheeleyChapter 24 Verocytotoxigenic E. coli — Legal Aspects (pages 435–446): Raymond Ellard