An important consideration in virus contact transmission is the transfer rate between hands and surfaces, which is driven by several factors, including virus persistence on inanimate surfaces. This research characterized Φ6 persistence on surfaces commonly encountered in public settings based on various factors.
Fresh produce outbreaks due to Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) continue to occur in the United States (US). Manure-amended soils can pose a public health risk when used for growing raw agricultural commodities. Knowing the prevalence and concentration of STEC in untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) is important to help guide the most appropriate pre-harvest interval(s) following application to limit risks from these soil amendments. Bovine manure samples were collected from 12 farms in Florida, including samples from piles, lagoons, barns, and screened solids. Two methods were used to detect
stx1
/
2
and
rfbE
genes in samples. A prevalence rate of 9% for
stx1
and/or
stx2
and 19% for
rfbE
was observed from the 518 bovine manure samples evaluated. A most probable number (MPN) assay was performed on
stx
+ samples when applicable. The geometric mean for
stx+
samples (n = 20) was 3.37 MPN g
-1
(0.53 log MPN g
-1
) with a maximum value of 6,800 MPN g
-1
(3.83 log MPN g
-1
). This research was part of a larger nationwide geographical study on the prevalence and concentration of STEC in bovine manure to help guide regulations on feasible pre-harvest intervals for the application of untreated BSAAO.
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