A brief overview of emergencies and dissemination of Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 in humans and food producing animals

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STDT104) are foodborne pathogens of public health significance. It is less known that Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (with cattle being the most probable natural reservoir) can be isolated from pigs, sheep and wildlife as well. The basic information about detection of Shiga-toxin-producing genes in STEC as well as the origin of Salmonella Typhimurium definite phage type 4 (STDT4) the virulence and resistance mechanisms including their distribution in the world is presented. Due to the foodborne transmission mechanisms we emphasize the role of veterinary scientist in Serbia in implementing good management practice on animal farms and in strengthening laboratory diagnostic capacities.