Abstract

Objective: To assess the potential routes of transmission of clinical enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) from a patient in Southern Thailand. Methods: The fate of ETEC PSU192 was monitored in four potential ETEC vehicles (ice, acidic food, pasteurization temperature and natural water) in different time intervals. Bacterial survival was determined by surface plate count on MacConkey agar. Results: We clearly showed that ice, acidic food and natural water were able to behave as the potential vehicles transmitting the clinical ETEC PSU192 to humans. While ETEC PSU192 was deactivated under pasteurization temperature, suggesting that pasteurized milk could not act as a vehicle for ETEC transmission. Conclusions: This is one of rare studies assessing the route of transmission of clinical ETEC through food and natural water in Thailand. Data clearly emphasized the potential routes of transmission of ETEC in this area. These findings will be of benefit for more appropriate prevention of massive losses by ETEC infection in Southern Thailand.

Authors and Affiliations