AP and opportunistic pathogens constrain the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soil at the continental scale in eastern China

Survival behavior of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 in soil has been extensively studied in recent years. Yet, it remains unclear whether and how E. coli O157:H7 survival mechanisms vary at larger spatial scales. In this study, we investigated the survival behavior of E. coli O157:H7 in soil at the continental scale across eastern China using an inoculation experiment. This study adds important information to our understanding of E. coli O157:H7 survival in strongly contrasting soils at the continental scale, thereby establishing a stronger fundamental foundation for the control and prevention of invasive microbial pathogens.