An evaluation of the virulence and adherence properties of avian pathogenic .

Avian pathogenic (APEC) cause disease primarly in poultry; however, the link between APEC and infections in humans is questionable. In this current study, a total of 100 APEC strains isolated from chickens in Delmarva were evaluated for the presence of virulence genes to investigate their zoonotic potential in humans. A total of 28 isolates possessed one Enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC) virulence factor each and 87 isolates possessed up to 5 extraintestinal pathogenic (ExPEC) virulence factors.

Transfer of Pathogens from Cantaloupe Rind to Preparation Surfaces and Edible Tissue as a Function of Cutting Method.

Whole and cut cantaloupes have been implicated as vehicles in foodborne illness outbreaks of norovirus, salmonellosis, and listeriosis. Preparation methods that minimize pathogen transfer from external surfaces to the edible tissue are needed. Two preparation methods were compared for the transfer of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2, murine norovirus, and Tulane virus from inoculated cantaloupe rinds to edible tissue and preparation surfaces.