Risk of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection linked to the consumption of beef
Journal Title: Food Research - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 3
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a major food-borne pathogen that has resulted in numerous outbreaks around the world. Widespread distribution of the organism in various ecological niches impedes the control measures. This study aimed to detect and quantify E. coli O157:H7 in beef sold in wet markets and hypermarkets in Malaysia and to determine the risk of E. coli O157:H7 infection linked to consumption of beef. The rfbO157 and flicH7 primers targeted on somatic antigen (O157) and flagellar antigen (H7) respectively of E. coli O157:H7 was used for the MPN-PCR method. A total of 99 beef samples were collected from local wet markets and hypermarkets. The highest E. coli O157:H7 contamination rate was observed in beef samples collected from wet markets (89.50%), whereas the contamination rate in hyper market A and B were compratively low (35.35 and 20% respectively). However, the microbial load was highest in the beef samples from hypermarket A (1100 MPN/g) while E. coli O157:H7 bacterial load in beef samples from hypermarket B and wet market ranged from 3 to 93 MPN/g and 3 to 240 MPN/g, respectively. Using the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) approach the risk was estimated incorporating the findings of the prevalence study and predictions based on home storage, cooking and consumption patterns. Three different exposure pathways were investigated to estimate the risk associated with contaminated beef and Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine the level of uncertainty. The developed model predicated that consumption of contaminated beef can be accountable for 1.83E+06 E. coli O157:H7 cases per year in Malaysia. The reliability of the model, data gaps and further research needs, is discussed. Through continuous improvement Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment provides valuable insight into controlling and prevention strategies.
Authors and Affiliations
J. M. K. J. K Premarathne, C. Y. New, Ubong A. , Y. Nakaguchi, M. Nishibuchi, Son R.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP289831
- DOI 10.26656/fr.2017.3.011
- Views 235
- Downloads 0
Rapid genetically modified organism (GMO) screening of various food products and animal feeds using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
The revolution of agriculture through biotechnology have produced large-scale of genetically modified crops which brought up a controversy on the safety usage of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It has been impleme...
Microbiological food safety in Malaysia from the academician’s perspective
Food safety in Malaysia is not considered an issue yet. From the previous year (2005-2015) records, the incidence rate of food poisoning had been fluctuating and despite that, cases continue to occur especially among sch...
Meta-analytic review on the impact of temperature and water activity in deoxynivalenol synthesis by Fusarium graminearum
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, causing involuntary regurgitation in animals including humans. Some studies showed that its synthesis is influenced by environmental factors such as tempe...
A potential of Telang tree (Clitoria ternatea) in human health
Clitoria ternatea (CT) or commonly known as telang tree originates from the Fabaceae family. The flower of this tree has vivid, deep-blue and white colouration and it is usually used as a natural colourant in food prepar...
In vivo evaluation of Monascus-fermented durian seed for antidiabetic and antihypercholesterol agent
Monascus-fermented durian seed (MFDS) had been developed previously. This research was aimed to evaluate the MFDS for antidiabetic and antihypercholesterol agent with in vivo method using Wistar rat. The MFDS was produce...