Detection and prevalence of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) inraw sausages

We investigated 158 samples of shortly ripened raw sausages bought in super markets of Dessau within 4 month. In 14 (8,8 %) samples Verotoxin-producing E. coli were detected. 13 VT-positive samples were found in the group of e asily spread raw sausages. The 14 isolates belonged to 6 different O-seroty pes. 4 VT1-, 8 VT2- and 2 VT1/VT2-producers were found. 4 isolates belonged to serogroups which were already described in WHO tables and associated wi th EHEC infections in human beings. One strain of serogroup O22 : H8, isola ted from a "Teewurst", possessed the complete virulence gene combination of EHEC (eae, hlyA, stx). The detection procedure, already succesfully used f or detection and isolation of VTEC from raw milk, soft cheese and raw mince d beef showed a sensitivity of approximately 10 CfU/25g of raw sausages. It has to be considered that VTEC are frequently (8,8 %) present in shortly r ipened raw sausages. The group of easily spread raw sausages has a higher V TEC-contamination rate than firm raw sausages. Raw sausages, especially eas y to spread types, belong to the risk foods for EHEC-infections in human be ings.