Resistance of E. coli O157:H7 Strains to Dryness
Author Information
Author(s): Yoshio Iijima, Mayumi Matsumoto, Kumiko Higuchi, Taro Furuta, Takeshi Honda
Primary Institution: Saraya Biochemical Laboratory, Kashiwara, Japan; Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
Hypothesis
The survival of E. coli O157:H7 strains on surfaces under dry conditions may be related to their transmissibility.
Conclusion
E. coli O157:H7 strains from the Sakai City outbreak showed significant resistance to dryness compared to strains from other cases.
Supporting Evidence
- E. coli O157:H7 strains from the Sakai City outbreak survived for at least 35 days under dry conditions.
- Strains from other cases had no viable cells after 7 days.
- The log reductions of the Sakai City strains were significantly lower than those from other cases.
Takeaway
Some bacteria can survive on dry surfaces for a long time, which might help them spread and make people sick.
Methodology
Bacterial strains were dried on petri plates and their viability was assessed after storage.
Limitations
The study only included a small number of strains from the Sakai City outbreak.
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