White Paper on Human Illness Caused by E. coli O157:H7 from Food and Non-Food Sources

This white paper compiled all outbreak data and illness cases attributed to E. coli O157:H7 from both food and non-food sources. It provided a historical timeline summarizing the major events occurring from the first recognized illness to the produce outbreak in late 2006.

Download final report

Objectives

The objective of this white paper was to compiled all outbreak data and illness cases attributed to E. coli O157:H7 from both food and non-food sources.  It will provide a historical timeline summarizing the major events occurring from the first recognized illness to the produce outbreak in late 2006.

Conclusions

Active surveillance programs, like FoodNet, have been more effective in identifying cases of illness associated with E. coli O157:H7, but greater reporting within states needs to done.  Improving training of personnel and facilities at the state level may improve the rapid identification of multistate outbreaks.  Emphasis on HACCP and pathogen control programs in food processing facilities, restaurants, and harvesting facilities have lead to the decline of outbreaks.  Gaps in current research were identified: role of probiotics and competitive exclusion, vaccines, using the ruminant diet as an intervention, use of bacteriophages, and water trough hygiene. 

Deliverable

This paper effectively summarized the outbreak data and illness cases attributed to E. coli O157:H7 from both food and non-food sources.  It also identified knowledge gaps which can be used to direct future research