Detection, distribution and probable fate of Escherichia coli O157 from asymptomatic cattle on a dairy farm

Abstract
The use of commercial anti‐Escherichia coli O157‐labelled magnetic beads was investigated to improve detection of E. coli O157 by immunomagnetic separation (IMS) from a range of environments on a dairy farm. Immunomagnetic separation proved effective for separation of target cells from laboratory mixtures and during stress in sterile and non‐sterile pond water. The IMS procedure was possible with a range of samples (water, faeces, slurry, grass and soil). Non‐specific binding of non‐target bacterial cells proved problematic in a number of sample types. However, indigenous E. coli O157 cells were detected from samples with a high faecal load, and only with use of IMS. Data on the probable survival and spread of the organism around the farm environment are also discussed.

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