Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in food: Incidence, ecology, and detection strategies

Commensal Escherichia coli are commonly utilized for investigating the genetic and biochemical requirements of microorganisms, and have served in a wide variety of applications. Pathogenic E. coli known as Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) are associated with various food products including ground beef. These pathogens are present in a wide range of environments, and have caused numerous foodborne outbreaks and recalls. These outbreaks and the increased awareness of STEC have led to certain STEC serotypes to be declared adulterants in non-intact raw meat. Various STEC detection methods have been investigated, and numerous cultural and molecular-based detection methods continue to be modified to meet regulatory requirements. However, STEC serotypes may possess certain characteristics that lead to bias in the likelihood of a certain serotype being detected in an assay. Understanding the characteristics of these STEC serotypes will provide means for optimizing the detection platforms, and as a result limit foodborne illness and recalls caused by STEC due to enhanced cultural and molecular detection capabilities.