Review of the Food-borne Zoonoses Research ... - ARCHIVE: Defra

Project code: OZ0705
Project title: A Proteomic Approach to Identify Virulence
Determinants of EHEC 0157.
Start date (dd/mm/yy): 01/08/1999
End date (dd/mm/yy): 12/09/2002
£237,995
Total cost:
Affiliation: University of Southampton
Sub-contractor(s): VLA
Abstract of research
Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHECO157) is a major food-borne pathogen in the UK,
potentially fatal to the young, elderly and immunocompromised, and the leading cause of
acute kidney failure in children. The cited sources are bovine-derived meat and milk,
direct contact with infected bovines and human-to-human contact while other sources,
especially ovine ones are becoming a cause for concern. Epidemiological studies
indicate a significant prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in healthy cattle, with evidence for
persistence resulting in long-term sporadic excretion and seasonal infection. The
mechanisms by which cattle are colonised and the factors affecting persistence are not
understood. Oral infection of neonate calves results in so-called attaching and effacing
gut lesions but this is strain-dependant. Moreover, older animals do not display such
lesions implying that other genetic determinants are likely to be responsible for
persistence. Given that the genome of EHEC O157 is some 20 % larger than that of the
laboratory strain K-12, there is considerable genetic capacity for novel pathogenic
determinants and some of these loci are likely to contribute to persistence. The key aim
of this proposal was to utilise a sensitive and rapid proteomic approach to identify novel
proteins and their encoding genes that are induced in the bovine gut. This information
will enable the development of preventative and control measures against this pathogen.
The key aim of this proposal was to utilise a sensitive and rapid proteomic approach to
identify novel proteins and their encoding genes that are induced in the bovine gut. This
information will enable the development of preventative and control measures against
this pathogen.
Review summary
This proposal used the proteomic approach to identify novel proteins and their encoding
genes that are induced in the bovine gut, with the aim of developing preventative and
control measures against EHEC O157.
The project developed and applied a number of methods for the investigation of the
virulence and physiology of EHEC in the gut. While the results were not applicable to
Defra policy, the research progressed the use of proteomics in this area.
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