Escherichia coli toxin and attachment genes in sand at Great Lakes recreational beaches

► We examine beach sand for the presence of E. coli attachment and toxin genes. ► Attachment genes eae and bfp are at high frequency. ► Toxin genes stx1 and stx2 are at low frequency. ► Beach sand may be a reservoir of these genes. ► Attachment genes may be common components of sand E. coli strains.