The Prevalance of Verocytotoxigenic E-Coli O157:h7 in Minced and Ground Beef Sold in Afyon Province, Turkey

Abstract

During the past decade, an important zoonosis causing serious public health concern has emerged in the form of Escherichia coli O157 infections. E coli O157:H7 has the potential to produce life-threatening illness in humans. In this study, the prevalence of E coli O157:H7 was investigated in 135 raw minced beef and 125 chopped beef samples obtained from retail markets and butcheries in Afyon, Turkey by means of immunomagnetic separation (IMS). In addition, verotoxin 1 (VT1) and 2 (VT2) production of the isolated E. coli O157:H7 strains was investigated using Glisa Duopath Verotoxin test kits. E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from four (2.9 %) minced beef and from 2 (1.6 %) chopped beef samples examined. Three strains isolated from minced beef and 2 strains isolated from chopped beef produced both VT1 and VT2. One isolate obtained from minced beef produced only VT1. The presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef samples and verocytotoxin production of the isolated strains suggest that beef samples marketed in this region may pose a risk for public health. Appropriate control and prevention measures should be taken in order to protect consumers.