Aijuka, MatthewBuys, E.M. (Elna Maria)2019-08-152019-09Aijuka, M. & Buys, E.M. 2019, 'Persistence of foodborne diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in the agricultural and food production environment : implications for food safety and public health', Food Microbiology, vol. 82, pp. 363-370.0740-0020 (print)1095-9998 (online)10.1016/j.fm.2019.03.018http://hdl.handle.net/2263/71100Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is a leading cause of foodborne illness associated with intestinal disease. While known over the years that contamination of food sources occurs via the oral faecal-route, the mechanisms underlying its persistence within the open environments including the food chain remains virtually unknown. Therefore, in this mini-review we will shed light on bacterial processes such as initial attachment, biofilm formation, horizontal gene transfer and response to environmental stresses. These factors may enable persistence of DEC as well as the emergence of potentially more virulent strains within the agricultural and food production environment. Mechanistic studies in clinical microbiology and immunology have elucidated infection pathways in the human and other animal bodies leading to diagnostic and treatment solutions. Therefore, understanding DEC behaviour in the agricultural and food production environment is crucial for ensuring food safety and public health by reducing the burden of foodborne illnesses.en© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Food Microbiology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Food Microbiology, vol. 82, pp. 363-370, 2019. doi : 10.1016/j.fm.2019.03.018.Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC)Lateral gene transferEnvironmental responseBiofilm formationFoodborne illnessPostprint Article