Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in bovine meat and meat products over the last 15 years in Brazil: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the rate of contamination in bovine meat and meat products with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Brazil over the last fifteen years. Data were obtained from online databases in February 2020, and 25 papers were selected from 1036 articles identified in the literature search and 13 articles from gray literature, totaling 4286 samples analyzed. The overall rate of STEC was estimated to be 1% in Brazil. The highest rate (9%) was observed in Mato Grosso, followed by Rio Grande do Sul (1%), Goias (1%), and Sao Paulo (1%). Regarding the sample type analyzed, hot carcasses had the highest rate (8%) of positive samples for STEC, followed by cold carcasses (2%) and beef samples (1%). As the available data were concentrated in the Sao Paulo state, the findings of this meta-analysis reveal the need for further studies in Brazil to allow better risk assessment and prevention of human STEC infections.