This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Escherichia coli O157:H7 is responsible for causing potentially life-threatening human illness following consumption of contaminated dairy, beef or vegetables. Given E. coli O157:H7 is shed in cattle feces and cattle frequently enter streams, farm ponds and wetlands to drink, this pathogen could contaminate aquatic environments. In addition, E. coli O157:H7 in surface water could infect resident aquatic vertebrates, such as tadpoles, which could continue to shed the pathogen and facilitate persistence. Initial studies performed at the Universities of Tennessee and Georgia demonstrated that American bullfrogs may be suitable hosts for E. coli O157:H7. Thus, understanding E. coli O157:H7 persistence in aquatic environments is fundamental to understanding the likelihood of tadpoles functioning as spill-over hosts for this pathogen. E. coli O157:H7 survivability may be impacted by water temperature and chemistry, which vary by season and geographic location, respectively. Therefore, the goal of this study is to quantify the influences of these factors on the survivability of E. coli O157:H7 in pond water samples collected from 2 geographic locations (Vermont and Tennessee) maintained at 3 temperatures (5, 14, 25oC). Results from this study will improve our understanding of E. coli O157:H7 persistence in aquatic environments and facilitate development of public health recommendations.
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