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E. coli OK O pool for detection of Big Six non-O157 STEC/ VTEC serotypes
In addition to continued testing for E. coli 0157:H7, U.S. regulations have, since 2012, required the meat industry have to monitor for six non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC, also called Verocytotoxin-producing E.coli (VTEC)) serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145, commonly known as the “Big Six”1.
These six serotypes have been most frequent associated with E. coli outbreaks of food-borne illnesses worldwide and can cause outbreaks of hemorrhagic colitis (bloody diarrhea) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (kidney failure).
Any products testing positive for these STEC serogroups are considered adulterated and prevented from entering commerce.
In 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expanded testing requirements to cover a broader range of raw beef products2.
Product description
The OK O pool Big Six is intended for screening of the serotypes O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 using slide agglutination. The test is supplied in 3 mL bottles – enough to perform 150 tests. All six antisera can also be provided as single antisera. Shelf life is minimum one years from date of shipment. Storage conditions are 2–8 °C. All products are absorbed free of cross-reactions within the OK O pools.
How to use
Place a small drop (approximately 20 μL) of antisera on a glass slide. Transfer culture from two to three colonies to the drop of antiserum and mix well. A positive result will be visible to the unaided eye as agglutination within 10 seconds. Positive slide results need to be confirmed with O antisera for boiled culture.
Product range
| Article number | Product | Number of tests | Packing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88010 | OK O pool Big Six | 150 | 3 mL |
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