Prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in water sources: an overview on associated diseases, outbreaks and detection methods

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen with its ability to cause human illness ranging from diarrheal disease to fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome. E. coli O157:H7 had been associated with waterborne outbreaks resulting in high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is important to investigate the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in water sources especially used for drinking and to develop the diagnostic methods for its early detection. The review describes traditional cultural methods, immunological techniques, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for detection of this bacterium in water sources. The current PCR-based techniques such as real-time PCR are more specific and sensitive and require less detection time (<3 hours). These methods can be applied for regular water monitoring and proper management of water sources to prevent waterborne diseases due to E. coli O157:H7.