Occurrence of Vero-toxin producing strains of E.coli in raw beef produced in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2004
Smajlovic, M. | Alagic, D. | Fejzic, N. | Smajlovic, A. | Ferizbegovic, J. | Caklovica, K.
Vero-toxin producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) have been associated with both outbreaks and sporadic cases of human disease, ranging from uncomplicated diarrhoea to hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS, a life-threatening complication which can occur in 5-10% of patients, is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia, and acute renal failure. The dominant VTEC serotype is 0157:H7, which is also most commonly involved in large outbreaks all over the world. Due to the fact that the above named pathogens also frequently occur in cattle, control of food contamination ought to begin with control of pathogens in domestic animal populations. The objective of our research was to investigate occurrence of VTEC strains in cattle and beef along the feedlot - slaughterhouse chain in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We collected and investigated a total of 200 samples (cattle feaces, cattle feedlot, swabs, of working area and hands of workers in slaughterhouses and beef specimens). Out of the total samples, eight strains, which were isolated from swabs from slaughterhouse (six) and meat specimens (two), were identified as VTEC positive. Among them, five strains were identified as 0157:H7 and three as 096:H19. The importance of our research can be seen in that our investigation resulted in the first isolation and identification of VTEC strains in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly the identification of 0157:H7 strain, one of the most prevalent foodborne pathogens worldwide.
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