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Genomic analysis links identical STEC strains across animals, water and soil over months and miles
Summary
Whole'genome sequencing in the five'year study identified genetically similar STEC strains across cattle, wildlife, creek and river water, sediment and soil; identical strains were sometimes found up to about 71 miles apart and persisted for as long as 25 months.
Presenters described genomic cluster analyses showing identical STEC strains recovered from different matrices and hosts. "Basically, when a particular strain is found in the cattle herd, we also find it in the wildlife feces at that location," Dr. Susan Leonard said, summarizing site'level co'occurrence of strains.
Leonard showed clusters in which an O157:H7 strain isolated from cattle at one location was later isolated from creek water and river water tens of miles away, and other examples where the same strain appeared across different matrices months to years apart. The team reported instances of identical strains sampled up to roughly 71 miles apart and recurrence over sampling intervals up to 25 months.
Researchers said these genomic links support a model in which animals and moving water contribute to STEC dissemination across the landscape; sequencing allowed the team to distinguish distinct strain introductions and local persistence.
