Food Standards Agency
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Listen to this siteFriday 30 April 2004
This research project aims to develop a rapid dipstick test for the detection of verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) in food samples.
Study Duration : February 1999 to August 2002
Contractor : Institute of Food Research
In the UK and overseas, there is an increasing occurrence of foodborne illnesses associated with verotoxin-producing E.coli (VTEC) which could lead to haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Current detection methods rely on detection of the serotype O157. However, it is acknowledged that at least 100 serotypes of E. coli O157 may produce verotoxins, hence the need to establish a method that will detect all verotoxin-producing E. coli rather than just those of the O157 serotype. The importance of developing this method was recognised by the ACMSF in their 1995 report on VTEC.
The objective of the project is to develop an immunologically-based method for the detection of all VTECs, which are of importance in human illness. The method is based on dipstick technology whereby the dipstick will be coated with several key antibodies able to detect VT1, VT2, somatic antigen of serotype O157 and the attaching and effacing factor. The presence of these factors will not only permit the screening of foodstuffs for the presence of all VTECs but will also permit partial characterisation of strains which will aid the epidemiology of VTEC. The method will be semi-rapid although it is anticipated that some culture stage will be required. Importantly, it will be suitable for use by surveillance laboratories. This project aims to fulfil the recommendation of the ACMSF who, in their 1995 report on VTEC, recommended that Government fund research into the development of a rapid method for the detection of all VTEC in foods and clinical samples.
The project will be sub-divided into five objectives. These are shown below:
Two types of prototype multi-analyte dipsticks were developed – paddle style and lateral flow, which were able to detect E. coli O157 and the presence of verocytotoxins. Each was tested in a three laboratory trial and the lateral flow dipstick was found to be most promising as it was simple to use, gave good results and was suitable for development.
Further work is being carried out so that the dipstick can detect other serotypes.
The final report is available from the Agency's Information Centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk )
Contact
: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant programme contact or email:
science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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