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Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the rhizosphere of maize grown in waste-amended soil
Article first published online: 15 AUG 2006
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03104.x
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How to Cite
Williams, A., Avery, L., Killham, K. and Jones, D. (2007), Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the rhizosphere of maize grown in waste-amended soil. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 102: 319–326. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03104.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 15 AUG 2006
- Article first published online: 15 AUG 2006
- 2006/0074: received 20 January 2006, revised 1 May 2006 and accepted 2 June 2006
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Keywords:
- cattle;
- Escherichia coli O157:H7;
- maize;
- manure;
- ovine;
- rhizosphere;
- stomach contents;
- survival
Abstract
Aims: To assess whether the persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soil amended with cattle slurry and ovine stomach content waste is affected by the presence of a maize rhizosphere.
Methods and Results: Cattle slurry and ovine stomach content waste were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7. Wastes were then applied to soil cores with and without established maize plants. The pathogen survived in soil for over 5 weeks, although at significantly greater numbers in soil receiving stomach content waste in comparison to cattle slurry. Persistence of the pathogen in soil was unaffected by the presence of a rhizosphere.
Conclusions: Other factors may be more influential in regulating E. coli O157:H7 persistence in waste-amended soil than the presence or absence of a rhizosphere; however, waste type did have significant affect on the survival of E. coli O157:H7 in such soil.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Escherichia coli O157:H7 can be present within animal-derived organic wastes that are routinely spread on land. Introduced measures with regards to such waste disposal may decrease exposure to the organism; however, the persistence of E. coli O157:H7 for considerable periods in waste-amended soil may still pose some risk for both human and animal infection. This study has shown that whilst survival of E. coli O157:H7 in waste-amended soil is not significantly affected by the presence or absence of a maize rhizosphere; it may vary significantly with waste type. This may have implications for land and waste management.