Review Article
The viable but non-culturable state in pathogenic Escherichia coli: A general review
Submitted: 29 September 2015 | Published: 04 May 2016
About the author(s)
Jennifer A. Pienaar, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg and Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South AfricaAtheesha Singh, Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tobias G. Barnard, Water and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract
Objectives: This review discusses various general aspects of the VBNC state, the mechanisms and possible public health impact of indicator and pathogenic E. coli entering into the VBNC state.
Method: A literature review was conducted to ascertain the possibleimpact of E. coli entering into the VBNC state.
Results: Escherichia coli enter into the VBNC state by means of several induction mechanisms. Various authors have found that E. coli can be resuscitated post-VBNC. Certain strains of pathogenic E. coli are still able to produce toxins in the VBNC state, whilst others are avirulent during the VBNC state but are able to regain virulence after resuscitation.
Conclusion: Pathogenic and indicator E. coli entering into the VBNC state could have an adverse effect on public health if conventional detection methods are used, where the number of viable cells could be underestimated and the VBNC cells still produce toxins or could, at anytime, be resuscitated and become virulent again.
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