A food chain approach to control of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in New Zealand: Serogroup O26 assessment

This doctoral thesis research focuses on improving the methods of detection for 7 of the most common Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), as well as understanding the evolution, risk factors, and overall prevalence of STEC in New Zealand. The goal is to use epidemiology, whole genome sequencing, and public health communication to identify interventions to protect both public health in New Zealand, as well as the beef export industry. This specific project includes the submission of 153 New Zealand serogroup O26 isolates from humans and cattle, that were assessed in a national cross-sectional study as well as a global comparison of STEC O26 around the world. The analyses included most recent common ancestor (MRCA) analysis, pangenome comparisons, and resistance and virulence gene profiling, in order to make conclusions on public policy, biosecurity, and epidemiology of this pathogen.