Journal article
Carriage of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli by native marsupials in Australia
Veterinary microbiology, Vol.155(2-4), pp.279-283
03/23/2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101472
PMID: 21917387
Abstract
Shiga-toxigenic strains of Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic pathogens with human health, meat processing and trade impacts. Cattle are the principal reservoirs of STEC, although other animals can be carriers. The STEC status of Australian native marsupials has not been formatively described to date. The aim of the current study was to investigate carriage of STEC by native Australian marsupials in Southeast Queensland. Faeces from a variety of marsupial species, stratified by gastrointestinal morphology and dietary type, were screened for stx1, stx2 and other STEC virulence genes by PCR. Positive samples were cultured to isolate STEC for characterisation. A number of macropods from both captive and wild habitats had evidence of STEC in their faeces. Rates of stx carriage by macropods (8.6%) were comparable, though generally low, compared to cattle. Eastern grey kangaroos had the highest rate of stx presence in faeces (10.3%). Hindgut-fermenting and monogastric marsupials had no evidence of STEC shedding. Based on virulence marker possession and serotype, the human pathogenic potential of isolates was low. This is the first report of Australian marsupials carrying STEC. Australian native macropods may act as reservoirs for STEC strains, but the potential significance to public health and/or livestock epidemiology remains questionable.
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Details
- Title
- Carriage of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli by native marsupials in Australia
- Creators
- Rodrick Rupan - School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, AustraliaAmy V Jennison - Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (QHFSS PHML), Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, AustraliaHelen V Smith - Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (QHFSS PHML), Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, AustraliaRowland N Cobbold - School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Publication Details
- Veterinary microbiology, Vol.155(2-4), pp.279-283
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- Identifiers
- 99900546669501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article