TEST DETECTS HARMFUL E. COLI BACTERIA

Release No. 0274.97


Johna Pierce (202) 720-4623
johna.pierce@usda.gov
Maria Bynum (202) 720-5192
maria.bynum@usda.gov

NEW TEST DETECTS HARMFUL E. COLI BACTERIA

     WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the development of a new rapid test for the potentially deadly
foodborne pathogen E. coli 0157:H7 and other disease-causing strains of the
bacterium in meat and other food products.  

     The new test is unique because it detects the E. coli of greatest
concern -- the pathogenic 0157 serotype that can be fatal.  The test has the
potential to be more effective than other rapid tests currently on the
market.

     "This new test may be used by meat processors to detect E. coli in
food before it gets to the grocery store and the kitchen table," Glickman
said.  "The test is another way we are trying to improve the safety of the
food we feed our families."

     USDA's Agricultural Research Service found the test gives a state-of-the-art reading on
whether E. coli 0157:H7 and related strains are present
in food samples. Based on laboratory and preliminary testing of inoculated
meat samples, this new test could be an improvement over tests now used in
the food industry.  

     After overnight incubation, this test can detect a single bacterium in
a small -- one gram -- sample of meat.  The test is simple to perform and
may be more accurate in detecting specific harmful bacteria than existing
tests.  This new test could help the food industry reduce testing costs and
could ultimately benefit consumers by increasing food safety.

     In 1992, E. coli 0157:H7 was responsible for the deaths of several
children in the Pacific Northwest.  In this outbreak, the E. coli was
ultimately traced to undercooked, contaminated hamburger.  In addition to
ground beef, this highly infectious strain of E. coli has been isolated in
fruits and vegetables, fruit juice, sausage, dairy products, and even water. 
The 0157:H7 strain produces toxins that cause bloody diarrhea and even
kidney failure.

     USDA scientists at Clay Center, Nebraska, developed the material used
in the test that will now be marketed by private industry.  This rapid test
may potentially be used to test food animals and for diagnosis of E. coli
0157:H7 and related infections in humans.  Availability of simple, rapid
tests with improved specificity will facilitate additional testing and
further reduction of pathogens in the food supply.

                                
                                
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