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Applied and Environmental Microbiology, May 2003, p. 2794-2799, Vol. 69, No. 5
0099-2240/03/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/AEM.69.5.2794-2799.2003
Copyright © 2003, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Origin of Contamination and Genetic Diversity of Escherichia coli in Beef Cattle

Mueen Aslam,1 Frances Nattress,1* Gordon Greer,1 Chris Yost,1 Colin Gill,1 and Lynn McMullen2

Lacombe Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada T4L 1W1,1 Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2P52

Received 29 July 2002/ Accepted 25 January 2003

The possible origin of beef contamination and genetic diversity of Escherichia coli populations in beef cattle, on carcasses and ground beef, was examined by using random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the fliC gene. E. coli was recovered from the feces of 10 beef cattle during pasture grazing and feedlot finishing and from hides, carcasses, and ground beef after slaughter. The 1,403 E. coli isolates (855 fecal, 320 hide, 153 carcass, and 75 ground beef) were grouped into 121 genetic subtypes by using the RAPD method. Some of the genetic subtypes in cattle feces were also recovered from hides, prechilled carcasses, chilled carcasses, and ground beef. E. coli genetic subtypes were shared among cattle at all sample times, but a number of transient types were unique to individual animals. The genetic diversity of the E. coli population changed over time within individual animals grazing on pasture and in the feedlot. Isolates from one animal (59 fecal, 30 hide, 19 carcass, and 12 ground beef) were characterized by the PCR-RFLP analysis of the fliC gene and were grouped into eight genotypes. There was good agreement between the results obtained with the RAPD and PCR-RFLP techniques. In conclusion, the E. coli contaminating meat can originate from cattle feces, and the E. coli population in beef cattle was highly diverse. Also, genetic subtypes can be shared among animals or can be unique to an animal, and they are constantly changing.

* Corresponding author Mailing address: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C & E Trail, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada T4L 1W1. Phone: (403) 782-8140. Fax: (403) 782-6120. E-mail: nattressf{at}agr.gc.ca.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, May 2003, p. 2794-2799, Vol. 69, No. 5
0099-2240/03/$08.00+0     DOI: 10.1128/AEM.69.5.2794-2799.2003
Copyright © 2003, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



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