To determine fecal shedding dynamics of E. coli O157:H7 isolates that differ in their ability to cause disease in humans.
Approach: Two groups of E. coli O157:H7 have been identified by single nucleotide polymorphisms that associate with the ability of this organism to cause disease in humans and their ability to adhere to epithelial cells in culture. This experiment addresses the legitimacy of the cell culture adherence results in the lab (in vitro) compared to real life (in vivo) conditions. To accomplish this, the recto-anal junction area in cattle will be inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 isolates from the two groups. Fecal samples will be cultured to determine the number of E. coli O157:H7 shed and length of shedding time.