Comparison of culture and immunoassay for detection of Escherichia coli O157 in raw minced meat and hamburger

Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli 0157 (VTEC) is an important food-borne pathogen of humans. The serious complications of VTEC infection and the established reservoir of VTEC in cattle used for mass food productionare a public health concern. In this study 500 samples of hamburger and minced meat were examined for presence of E.coli 0157. For E. coli detection, Tryptic Soy Broth supplemented (with novobiocin and bile salts) and Sorbitol Mc Conkey agar were used; an automated rapid enzyme linked fluorescent immunoassay (VIDAS E. coli 0157) was also evaluated. E. coli 0157 was found in 5 samples of hamburger; 2 strains were found to be positive for verocytotoxin production on Vero cells.