To understand the challenges of testing for pathogenic STEC, we need to
understand E. coli diversity and the mechanics of what makes them deadly (see
Figure 1). Combined virulence factors within pathogenic STEC are the building
blocks that make this pathogenic STEC the deadly monster that it is. First is stx—the
toxin-producing component. Second is eae (sometimes referred to as intimin)—the
component that facilitates adhesion of the bacterium within the human digestive
system. When these two virulence factors are present together within one E. coli
bacterium, following ingestion, that E. coli attaches itself to the intestinal wall where
it multiplies and undertakes the process of charging stx toxin into the host. Simply
stated, a single E. coli having both stx + eae = pathogenic STEC.
Today, we are faced with knowledge
that in addition to E. coli O157:H7, other
deadly foodborne pathogenic STEC
can potentially make their way into our
food supply, including the six soon to
be regulated as adulterants: E. coli O26,
O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145.
We appreciate the value of validated
and verified interventions currently
working to reduce pathogens; however,
we also understand that testing for E. coli
