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Title: DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PATHOGENIC E. COLI IN SURFACE WATERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREHARVEST PRODUCE

Author
item Shelton, Daniel
item Pachepsky, Yakov
item BELT, KENNETH - USDA FOREST SERVICE
item DEBROY, CHOBI - PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
item Karns, Jeffrey

Submitted to: United States-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2003
Publication Date: 11/8/2003
Citation: Shelton, D.R., Pachepsky, Y.A., Belt, K.T., Debroy, C., Karns, J.S. 2003. Detection and characterization of pathogenic E. coli in surface waters: Implications for preharvest produce. United States-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources. p. 12.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Little information is available regarding the potential for human infection from consumption of contaminated preharvest produce. Irrigation with contaminated ground or surface water could feasibly result in pathogenic E. coli becoming established on surfaces or inside edible vegetative or fruit tissues. This risk is currently difficult to evaluate because of limited information on the occurrence or prevalence of pathogenic E. coli in watersheds. Preliminary studies suggest that pathogenic E. coli, specifically E. coli O157, are common in different watersheds at low levels. However, characterization of isolates suggests that not all E. coli O157 are enterohemorrhagic.