Authors: Williams, A.P.¹; Avery, L.M.²; Killham, K.³; Jones, D.L.¹

Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology, Volume 102, Number 2, February 2007 , pp. 319-326(8)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Aims: 

To assess whether the persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soil amended with cattle slurry and ovine stomach content waste is affected by the presence of a maize rhizosphere. Methods and Results: 

Cattle slurry and ovine stomach content waste were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7. Wastes were then applied to soil cores with and without established maize plants. The pathogen survived in soil for over 5 weeks, although at significantly greater numbers in soil receiving stomach content waste in comparison to cattle slurry. Persistence of the pathogen in soil was unaffected by the presence of a rhizosphere. Conclusions: 

Other factors may be more influential in regulating E. coli O157:H7 persistence in waste-amended soil than the presence or absence of a rhizosphere; however, waste type did have significant affect on the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in such soil. Significance and Impact of the Study: 

Escherichia coli O157:H7 can be present within animal-derived organic wastes that are routinely spread on land. Introduced measures with regards to such waste disposal may decrease exposure to the organism; however, the persistence of E. coli O157:H7 for considerable periods in waste-amended soil may still pose some risk for both human and animal infection. This study has shown that whilst survival of E. coli O157:H7 in waste-amended soil is not significantly affected by the presence or absence of a maize rhizosphere; it may vary significantly with waste type. This may have implications for land and waste management.

Keywords: cattle; Escherichia coli O157:H7; maize; manure; ovine; rhizosphere; stomach contents; survival

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03104.x

Affiliations: 1:  School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK 2:  School of Water Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford, UK 3:  Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK

Publication date: 2007-02-01

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