Abstract
Source tracking of clinically important E. coli strains found in surface waters of the Sunshine Coast
2007 University Research Conference Book of Abstracts, p.12
University Research Conference: Advancing Sustainable Regions, 2007 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 21-Nov-2007)
2007
Abstract
Escherichia coli strains are normal inhabitants of the gut of warm-blooded animals including humans. Whilst most strains are non-pathogenic, certain strains may carry virulence genes which enable them to cause intestinal infections such as diarrhoea or haemolytic colitis, or to cause extra-intestinal infections such as neonatal meningitis, nosocomial septicaemia, haemolytic uremic syndrome, urinary tract and surgical site infections. Whilst pathogenic strains may cause disease in both humans and animals, it is also known that some strains may be host specific. In this study we tested a collection of 366 E.coli strains from 10 host groups and surface waters in the Sunshine Coast region and tested them for the presence of 15 virulence genes associated with strains causing intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Of the 262 strains obtained from nine different hosts, 39 (15 percent) carried one or more of these virulence genes. These included strains from humans, horses, dogs, ducks, cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep and deer. Of the remaining 104 strains obtained from water samples, 10 (10 percent) also carried one or more of the tested virulence genes and identical fingerprints to strains isolated from humans, dogs, chickens and sheep. Our results indicate that a combination of finger printing and virulence genes can successfully identify sources of clinically important E.coli strains in surface waters. From the public health point of view, this information will be of great importance for evaluating the risk associated with public use of the catchment.
Details
- Title
- Source tracking of clinically important E. coli strains found in surface waters of the Sunshine Coast
- Authors
- Mohammad Katouli (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Publication details
- 2007 University Research Conference Book of Abstracts, p.12
- Conference details
- University Research Conference: Advancing Sustainable Regions, 2007 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 21-Nov-2007)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2007
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449599002621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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