Anticipatory surveillance for detection of Escherichia coli from fresh fruits and vegetables using DuPont BAX System

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Escherichia coli is a foodborne pathogen that causes severe illnesses in humans worldwide. Cows are a source of E. coli O157:H7, and raw products contaminated with cattle faeces are typical carriers of the pathogen. The consumption of unhygienic fresh fruits and vegetables provides a potential risk factor for microbial contamination-related infections. In this context, the present work was performed to investigate the prevalence rate of E. coli in fresh fruits and vegetables that were commonly distributed and consumed in Zakho City, Iraq. In addition, the present work also aimed to detect the incidence rate of pathogenic strain E. coli O157:H7, thereafter suggesting the best and most efficient sanitiser for the decontamination of fruits and vegetables. A total of 172 samples, comprising various types of fruits and vegetables, were randomly collected for this cross-sectional study from retail markets in Zakho City. A number of laboratory tests, including DuPont BAX System PCR, microbiological, and biochemical-based techniques were performed for the isolation and identification of E. coli microbial contamination. Out of the 172 samples collected, 32 (18.6%) tested positive for E. coli using traditional enrichment and selective media. The DuPont BAX system technique confirmed that all isolates were E. coli, and none of the isolates were identified as E. coli O157:H7 strain. Furthermore, peracetic acid was found to be a more effective sanitiser than aqueous chlorine for cleaning leafy green vegetables. Despite the absence of the pathogenic strain E. coli O157:H7, the present work highlighted the potential health risk to the community due to E. coli contamination of leafy green vegetables.