T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in patients 1-45 years treated with the pediatric NOPHO ALL2008 protocol.

The NOPHO ALL2008 is a population-based study using an unmodified pediatric protocol in patients 1-45 years of age with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Patients with T-ALL were given a traditional pediatric scheme if fast responding (minimal residual disease (MRD) < 0.1% day 29), or intensive block-based chemotherapy if slow responding (MRD > 0.1% day 29). Both treatment arms included pediatric doses of high-dose methotrexate and asparaginase. If MRD ≥ 5% on day 29 or ≥0.1% after consolidation, patients were assigned to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The 5-year overall survival of the 278 T-ALL patients was 0.75 (95% CI 0.69-0.81), being 0.82 (0.74-0.88) for patients 1.0-9.9 years, 0.76 (0.66-0.86) for those 10.0-17.9 years, and 0.65 (0.55-0.75) for the older patients. The risk of death in first remission was significantly higher in adults (12%) compared with the 1-9 years group (4%). The MRD responses in the three age groups were similar, and only a nonsignificant increase in relapse risk was found in adults. In conclusion, an unmodified pediatric protocol in patients 1-45 years is effective in all age groups. The traditional pediatric treatment schedule was safe for all patients, but the intensive block therapy led to a high toxic death rate in adults.

Results of NOPHO ALL2008 treatment for patients aged 1-45 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) do worse than children. From 7/2008 to 12/2014, Nordic and Baltic centers treated 1509 consecutive patients aged 1-45 years with Philadelphia chromosome-negative ALL according to the NOPHO ALL2008 without cranial irradiation. Overall, 1022 patients were of age 1-9 years (A), 266 were 10-17 years (B) and 221 were 18-45 years (C). Sixteen patients (three adults) died during induction. All others achieved remission after induction or 1-3 intensive blocks. Subsequently, 45 patients (12 adults) died, 122 patients relapsed (32 adults) with a median time to relapse of 1.6 years and 13 (no adult) developed a second malignancy. Median follow-up time was 4.6 years. Among the three age groups, older patients more often had higher risk ALL due to T-ALL (32%/25%/9%, P<0.001), KMT2A rearrangements (6%/5%/3%, P<0.001) and higher day 29 residual leukemia for B-lineage (P<0.001), but not T-ALL (P=0.53). Event-free survival rates (pEFS5y) were 89±1% (A), 80±3% (B) and 74±4% (C) with significant differences only for non-high risk groups. Except for thrombosis, pancreatitis and osteonecrosis, the risk of 19 specified toxicities was not enhanced by age above 10 years. In conclusion, a pediatric-based protocol is tolerable and effective for young adults, despite their increased frequency of higher risk features.

Effects of low to moderate levels of deoxynivalenol on feed and water intake, weight gain, and slaughtering traits of broiler chickens.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of low to moderate oral exposure to the Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol (DON; derived from culture material) on performance, water intake, and carcass parameters of broilers during early and late developmental phases. A total of 160 Ross 308 broilers were randomly allocated to four different feeding groups (n = 40/group) including 0 (control), 2.5, 5, and 10 mg DON/kg wheat-soybean meal-based feed. Three consecutive replicates of the experiment were performed. Half of the broilers were slaughtered in week 3 of the trial whereas the other half were slaughtered in week 5. Dry matter intake (DMI) and water intake (WI) were recorded on a daily basis and the body weight (BW) and BW gain (BWG) were determined weekly. The following carcass traits were recorded and calculated in absolute and relative data: dressed carcass weight, breast muscle weight, leg weight, and liver weight. Data showed that BW (P < 0.001), BWG (P = 0.005), and DMI (P < 0.001) were reduced by DON-feeding during the entire feeding period. The ratio of DMI to body weight gain (DMI/BWG) was not affected by the treatment. However, the ratio of water to DMI (WI/DMI) increased in DON-treated birds (P = 0.021). Contrast analysis showed that DON tendentially reduced slaughter weight (P = 0.082) and decreased leg yield (P = 0.037) in DON-fed chickens in week 5 of the experiment. Liver organ weight decreased in the 3-week-old DON-fed broilers compared to that in the control-fed birds (P = 0.037). In conclusion, the study suggests that DMI and BW were negatively affected under the experimental conditions at DON levels lower than the current guidance value in the European Union of 5 mg/kg feed. The study also indicates that broilers fed on low to moderate level DON-contaminated diets showed increased WI/DMI ratio which might have negative influence on wet litter syndrome.

The effects of atmospheric pressure cold plasma treatment on microbiological, physical-chemical and sensory characteristics of vacuum packaged beef loin.

Effects on vacuum packaged and non-packaged beef longissimus samples exposed to atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) generated at different powers were studied over a 10day period of vacuum-, and a subsequent 3day period of aerobic storage. Exposure of non-covered beef samples under high power ACP conditions resulted in increased a*, b*, Chroma and Hue values, but ACP treatment of packaged loins did not impact colour (L*, a*, b*, Chroma, Hue), lipid peroxidation, sarcoplasmic protein denaturation, nitrate/nitrite uptake, or myoglobin isoform distribution. Colour values measured after 3days of aerobic storage following unpackaging (i.e. 20days post-mortem) were similar and all compliant with consumer acceptability standards. Exposure to ACP of the polyamide-polyethylene packaging film inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and two Escherichia coli strains resulted in >2 log reduction without affecting the integrity of the packaging matrix. Results indicate that ACP can reduce microbial numbers on surfaces of beef packages without affecting characteristics of the packaged beef.

Facial Dystonia with Facial Grimacing and Vertical Gaze Palsy with "Round the Houses" Sign in a 29-Year-Old Woman.

A 29-year-old woman developed progressive dysarthria and coordination problems from the age of 15. Examination showed dysarthria, facial dystonia, bibrachial dystonia, hyperreflexia, ataxia, and emotional incontinence. Downward supranuclear gaze palsy was prominent with a "Round the Houses" sign. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and medulla, electroneurography, and cerebrospinal fluid were normal. A computed tomography scan showed hepatosplenomegaly. This combination of progressive neurological symptoms together with hepatosplenomegaly was suggestive of inborn error of metabolism. A bone marrow biopsy showed an increased number of macrophages with foamy content, highly suggestive of lysosomal disease. Plasmatic chitotriosidase activity and CCL18 were increased. Genetic testing showed heterozygosis for the variation c.1070C→T (p.Ser357Leu) and c.1843→T (Arg615Cys), confirming the diagnosis of Niemann-Pick type C (NPC). The "Round the Houses" sign has only been described in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). This sign is described as an inability to produce pure vertical saccades along the midline and instead moving the eyes in a lateral arc to accomplish the movement. The observation of this sign in a patient with NPC indicates that this bedside finding is not specific for PSP, but a sign of medial longitudinal fasciculus dysfunction. The presence of facial dystonia with facial grimacing together with supranuclear gaze palsy is highly characteristic and useful for the diagnosis of NPC. NPC is an important underdiagnosed condition, given the availability of treatment and a mean diagnostic delay of 6 years.

High prevalence of hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in central Norway: from clinical observation to evidence.

UNLABELLED: Essentials The population prevalence of hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is unknown. We studied the prevalence of hereditary TTP and population frequencies of two ADAMTS-13 mutations. A high frequency of hereditary TTP related to ADAMTS-13 mutation c.4143_4144dupA was found. Vicinity of ABO blood group and ADAMTS-13 loci may facilitate screening of ADAMTS-13 mutations. SUMMARY: Background Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) caused by ADAMTS-13 mutations is a rare, but serious condition. The prevalence is unknown, but it seems to be high in Norway. Objectives To identify all patients with hereditary TTP in central Norway and to investigate the prevalence of hereditary TTP and the population frequencies of two common ADAMTS-13 mutations. Patients/Methods Patients were identified in a cross-sectional study within the Central Norway Health Region by means of three different search strategies. Frequencies of ADAMTS-13 mutations, c.4143_4144dupA and c.3178 C>T (p.R1060W), were investigated in a population-based cohort (500 alleles) and in healthy blood donors (2104 alleles) by taking advantage of the close neighborhood of the ADAMTS-13 and ABO blood group gene loci. The observed prevalence of hereditary TTP was compared with the rates of ADAMTS-13 mutation carriers in different geographical regions. Results We identified 11 families with hereditary TTP in central Norway during the 10-year study period. The prevalence of hereditary TTP in central Norway was 16.7 × 10(-6) persons. The most prevalent mutation was c.4143_4144dupA, accounting for two-thirds of disease causing alleles among patients and having an allelic frequency of 0.33% in the central, 0.10% in the western, and 0.04% in the southeastern Norwegian population. The allelic frequency of c.3178 C>T (p.R1060W) in the population was even higher (0.3-1%), but this mutation was infrequent among patients, with no homozygous cases. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of hereditary TTP in central Norway and an apparently different penetrance of ADAMTS-13 mutations.

Release of copper from embedded solid copper bullets into muscle and fat tissues of fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) and effect of copper content on oxidative stability of heat-processed meat.

When venison with embedded copper bullets was subjected to different culinary processing procedures, the amount of copper released from the embedded bullet was affected more by the retention period of the bullet in the meat during cool storage, than by the different heating protocols. The presence of copper fragments had no significant effect on levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Conversely, TBARS in lean meat (fallow deer, wild boar, roe deer) were significantly affected by culinary treatment (higher TBARS in boiled and boiled-stored meat than in meat barbecued or boiled in brine). In pork-beef patties doped with up to 28mg/kg Cu, TBARS increased after dry-heating and subsequently storing the meat patties. The amount of copper doping had no effect on TBARS for 0 and 7days of storage, but a significant effect at day 14 (fat oxidation retarded at higher Cu doses). Evidence is presented that wild boar meat may be more sensitive to fat oxidation than pork-beef.

Effectiveness of a polyamide film releasing lactic acid on the growth of E. coli O157:H7, Enterobacteriaceae and Total Aerobic Count on vacuum-packed beef.

The suitability of a polyamide 6 monolayer film containing lactic acid for use as an antimicrobial package for fresh beef cuts was studied. The release of lactic acid in an aqueous environment was immediate (within 1h) and was from approx. 55 µg lactic acid/cm(2) film at 0-8°C to approx. 67 µg lactic acid/cm(2) film at 12-20°C. Beef was contaminated with an Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolate with known minimum inhibitory concentration against lactic acid (0.09% v/v), then wrapped with the lactic-acid polyamide film and vacuum packaged. During storage at 12°C, the numbers of E. coli were 1 log unit lower than that of a control (untreated polyamide film) and decreased by an additional 1 log during storage for 14 days.

Alaria alata mesocercariae in wild boar (Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758) in south regions of the Czech Republic.

From March 2012 to February 2013, 221 wild boar carcasses obtained from regular hunts in the Czech Republic were tested for Alaria alata mesocercariae using the Alaria-migration-technique. Most samples originated from South Moravia (173), and all 15 positive samples were found in this region, in particular in Tvrdonice (3/10) and Lanzhot (12/28), close to the site of the first description of this parasitic stage in wild boars in the territory of former CSSR. These hunting grounds are located between the rivers March and Thaya, and rich in floodplains. Among the 38 carcasses tested in this area, higher carcass weights were associated with higher frequency of positive carcasses (P<0.05). Overall frequency of positive carcasses was 15/221 (6.8%). In positive samples (adipose and glandular tissue and muscle), the median number of mesocercariae was 14.3 per 100 g (range 3-69).

Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the hereditary TTP registry.

Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, Upshaw-Schulman syndrome, ADAMTS13 Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), also known as Upshaw-Schulman syndrome, is a rare recessively inherited disease. Underlying is a severe constitutional deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, ADAMTS13, due to compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations in the ADAMTS13 gene. The clinical picture is variable and more and more patients with an adult-onset are diagnosed. In the majority of countries the only available treatment is plasma, which when administered regularly can efficiently prevent acute disease bouts. The decision to initiate regular prophylaxis is often not easy, as evidence based guidelines and long term outcome data are lacking. Through the hereditary TTP registry (www.ttpregistry.net, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01257269), which was initiated in 2006 and is open to all patients diagnosed with Upshaw-Schulman syndrome and their family members, we aim to gain further information and insights into this rare disease, which eventually will help to improve clinical management of affected patients.

The relationship between displacement and clinical outcome after distal radius (Colles') fracture.

We reviewed 260 patients who had been treated non-operatively for a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture a mean 6.3 (range 2.5-12.7) years earlier, in an attempt to find the limits of displacement compatible with a good clinical outcome. We excluded patients with previous or later injuries to the same limb. Bivariate analysis revealed a highly statistically significant relationship between radiographic displacement at review and clinical outcome scores. Correlation coefficients varied between 0.14 and 0.30. However, multiple linear regression analysis using most factors commonly thought to be of importance in determining the clinical outcome as independent variables explained only 23% of the variability of the clinical outcome. Dorsal angulation, ulnar variance, and radial inclination together accounted for only 11% of the variability. We conclude that the final alignment of the distal radius as shown radiologically has only a minor influence on the clinical outcome of Colles' type distal radius fractures.

Quality traits of wild boar mould-ripened salami manufactured with different selections of meat and fat tissue, and with and without bacterial starter cultures.

Quality traits of wild boar mould-ripened salami were assessed in eight batches produced from two different assortments of meat (hind leg vs. shoulder), fat tissue (backfat from domestic pigs vs. fat tissue from wild boar), and with and without addition of a commercial bacterial starter culture. Chemical composition of finished products (day 35) were in compliance with national food codex. Batches produced with a bacterial starter culture were generally preferred by taste panels, had significantly lower concentrations of TBARS (<1.5 mgmalondialdehyde/kg) and peroxide values (POVs) and lower concentrations of cadaverine (<50 mg/kg), histamine (<10 mg/kg) and putrescine (<60 mg/kg). TBARS and POVs were inversely related to sensory preference scores (r(2)=0.84 and 0.88). Batches produced from shoulder muscles contained significantly higher concentrations of cadaverine, histamine and putrescine. TBARS were highest in batches manufactured with fat tissue from wild boars. These findings should be considered when guides to good practice for the manufacture of game meat products are developed.

Application of Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis on the microflora of minced meat for classification according to Reg. (EC) 2073/2005.

In a retrospective study on the microbiology of minced meat from small food businesses supplying directly to the consumer, the relative contribution of meat supplier, meat species and outlet where meat was minced was assessed by "Classification and Regression Tree" (CART) analysis. Samples (n=888) originated from 129 outlets of a single supermarket chain. Sampling units were 4-5 packs (pork, beef, and mixed pork-beef). Total aerobic counts (TACs) were 5.3±1.0 log CFU/g. In 75.6% of samples, E. coli were <1 log CFU/g. The proportion of "unsatisfactory" sample sets [as defined in Reg. (EC) 2073/2005] were 31.3 and 4.5% for TAC and E. coli, respectively. For classification according to TACs, the outlet where meat was minced and the "meat supplier" were the most important predictors. For E. coli, "outlet" was the most important predictor, but the limit of detection of 1 log CFU/g was not discriminative enough to allow further conclusions.

Carcass and meat quality traits of wild boar (Sus scrofa s. L.) with 2n=36 karyotype compared to those of phenotypically similar crossbreeds (2n=37 and 2n=38) raised under the same farming conditions 2 Fatty acid profile and cholesterol.

The aim of this study was to compare European wild boar (Sus scrofa) with chromosomal number 2n=36 to phenotypically similar animals with 2n=37 and 2n=38 chromosomes (crossbreeds) with respect to fatty acid (FA) profile and cholesterol content. According to gender and genetic group (2n=36, 2n=37, and 2n=38; seven animals each), the FA profile in longissimusdorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM) muscles, and back fat was measured. Cholesterol content of LD and SM muscles was also analysed. The animals were fed and reared under the same conditions until slaughter at the age of nine months. FA profiles of LD, SM, and back fat were measured by GC and cholesterol with HPTLC. SM muscle of wild boar group (2n=36) showed a higher proportion of PUFAs and lower C16:0 and C18:0 than that of crossbreeds. No differences in the FA profiles of LD and cholesterol content of LD and SM muscles among karyotypes were found.

Content of polyamines in by-products of slaughter pigs.

The concentrations of putrescine, spermidine and spermine were assessed in various by-products of slaughtered pigs (Pietrain × Landrace breed, with a carcass weight of 90-105kg). A total of 210 samples of muscular tissues (heart, tongue, diaphragm and esophagus) and inner organs (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, salivary gland and pancreas) were tested. Polyamine concentrations in non-skeletal muscles of pigs were similar to the polyamine concentrations reported for skeletal muscle. Inner organs, however, were characterized by approximately three times higher polyamine concentrations. These data can be useful to assess the alimentary polyamine exposure of humans or pets. The median spermidine: spermine ratio (weight base) was >0.1, and, thus, higher than that observed in skeletal muscles.

Enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae in various foods with a new automated most-probable-number method compared with petrifilm and international organization for standardization procedures.

An automated most-probable-number (MPN) system (TEMPO, bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) for enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae (EB) was compared with methods involving violet red bile glucose agar (VRBG) (International Organization for Standardization [ISO] method 21528-2) (ISO-VRBG) and Petrifilm (PF-EB). The MPN partitioning (three different volumes with 16 replicates of each) is done automatically in a disposable card. Bacterial growth is indicated by acid production from sugars, lowering the pH of the medium, and quenching the fluorescence of 4-methylumbelliferone. After incubation, the number of nonfluorescent wells is read in a separate device, and the MPN is calculated automatically. A total of 411 naturally contaminated foods were tested, and 190 were in the detection range for all methods. For these results, the mean (+/- standard deviation) counts were 2.540 +/- 1.026, 2.547 +/- 0.995, and 2.456 +/- 1.014 log CFU/g for the ISO-VRBG, PF-EB, and automated MPN methods, respectively. Mean differences were -0.084 +/- 0.460 log units for the automated MPN results compared with the ISO-VRBG and 0.007 +/- 0.450 for the PF-EB results compared with the ISO-VRBG results. The automated MPN method tends to yield lower numbers and the PF-EB method tends to yield higher numbers than does the ISO-VRBG method (difference not significant; Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.102). Thus, the average difference was highest between the automated MPN method and the PF-EB method (-0.091 +/- 0.512 log units). Differences between the automated MPN and ISO-VRBG results of > 1 log unit were detected in 3.4% of all samples. For 3.9% of the samples, one comparison yielded differences of < 1 log CFU/g and the other yielded > 1 but < 2 log CFU/g, which means that the differences are possibly > 1 log CFU/g. For the ISO-VRBG method, confirmation of isolates was necessary to avoid a bias due to the presence of oxidase-positive glucose-fermenting colonies. The automated MPN system yielded results comparable to those of the confirmed Enterobacteriaceae ISO-VRBG method but required only 24 h of analysis time.

Influence of storage conditions and shotshell wounding on the hygienic condition of hunted, uneviscerated pheasant (Phasianus colchicus).

The effects of shot wounds on the hygienic conditions of pheasants (particularly those in the body cavity) were studied. Slaughtered (n = 33) and hunted pheasants (31 specimens with, and 33 specimens without shots in the body cavity) were stored uneviscerated at 0 and 4 degrees C. Specimens were taken at d 0, 3, 7, and 14. Hunted pheasants differed from slaughtered pheasants with respect to muscular hemorrhages and blood and fecal matter in the body cavity but also with regard to the presence of Escherichia coli in breast and thigh muscles. In addition, a higher thigh muscle pH (P < 0.05) was noted in hunted pheasants, with no significant (P > 0.05) increase observed during storage. Concentrations of biogenic amines in muscle tissue remained below the determination limit of 1 mg/kg for 90% of samples analyzed, with the maximum concentration for the remaining 10% of samples reaching 5.7 mg/kg, indicating a low incidence of contaminant bacteria. The observed changes in pH values and levels of biogenic amines failed to correlate with the presence or absence of shot lesions in the body cavity or abdominal region. Total aerobic counts increased significantly during storage, but the absolute numbers were consistently below 10(6) log(10) cfu/g. Although E. coli were <1 log(10) cfu/g in muscles of hunted pheasants on d 3 at 4 degrees C, counts of up to 3.7 log(10) cfu/g on d 7 at 4 degrees C indicated a loss of hygienic quality. Therefore, it is recommended that hunted, uneviscerated pheasants be stored 3 d at 4 degrees C, but not longer than 7 d after the hunt.

Carcass and meat quality traits of wild boar (Sus scrofas. L.) with 2n=36 karyotype compared to those of phenotypically similar crossbreeds (2n=37 and 2n=38) raised under same farming conditions. 1. Carcass quantity and meat dressing.

The aim of this study was to compare wild boar (chromosomal number 2n=36) to phenotypically similar animals of 2n=37 and 2n=38 chromosomes (crossbreeds) with respect to live weight, carcass yield, meat yield, fat and weight of inner organs. All animals were born and raised on the same farm and slaughtered at 39 weeks. The final live weight of wild boar 2n=36 was significantly lower (47.2kg) as compared to crossbreeds (80.0kg). Animals 2n=36 had more carcass yields (65.5%) than 2n=37 karyotype (64.9%) and 2n=38 (64.4%). Wild boar had the highest yields for the cuts with bones and boneless cuts compared to crossbreeds. Therefore, variations in karyotype are accompanied by differences in some carcass quantitative traits, i.e., 2n=36 grow and fatten slower than crossbreeds 2n=37 and 2n=38.

Salmonella diagnosis in pig production: methodological problems in monitoring the prevalence in pigs and pork.

Salmonellosis is an important foodborne infection in industrialized and developing countries. Especially for human Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, pigs and pork are the major sources of infection. Mitigation and control strategies that result from surveillance programs attempt to reduce or even eradicate Salmonella in pork to lower consumers' risks. The methodology for Salmonella screening in pigs is generally based on antibody detection at slaughter with meat juice as the sample matrix. The instructions to most commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits for the detection of Salmonella antibodies state that their product is suitable for antibody detection in meat juice and sera. In the present study, we show that it is essential to recalculate the percent optical density (OD%) data obtained from meat juice by the ELISA (IDEXX HerdCheck swine Salmonella) by the following regression equation: OD%sera = -70.5587 + 128.1490/ {1 + exp[(-18.8969 - OD%meatjuice)/27.6032]}(1.1771), r = 0.87, to compare results with those obtained from sera. By this regression equation, we were able to compare the Salmonella antibody levels (classified as <10, 10 to <20, 20 to <40, and > or =40 OD%) for sows, growers, and slaughter pigs. We identified significantly higher numbers of growers with lower OD% levels than for sows and slaughter pigs. Without a recalculation of the meat juice results, the higher fraction of samples with low OD% values led to an underestimation of the actual seroprevalence.

Enumeration of total aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli in minced meat and on carcass surface samples with an automated most-probable-number method compared with colony count protocols.

An automated most-probable-number (MPN) system for the enumeration of total bacterial flora and Escherichia coli was compared with plate count agar and tryptone-bile-glucuronide (TBX) and ColiID (in-house method) agar methodology. The MPN partitioning of sample aliquots was done automatically on a disposable card containing 48 wells of 3 different volumes, i.e., 16 replicates per volume. Bacterial growth was detected by the formation of fluorescent 4-methylumbilliferone. After incubation, the number of fluorescent wells was read with a separate device, and the MPN was calculated automatically. A total of 180 naturally contaminated samples were tested (pig and cattle carcass surfaces, n = 63; frozen minced meat, n = 62; and refrigerated minced meat, n = 55). Plate count agar results and MPN were highly correlated (r = 0.99), with log MPN = -0.25 + 1.05 x log CFU (plate count agar) (n = 163; range, 2.2 to 7.5 log CFU/g or cm2). Only a few discrepancies were recorded. In two samples (1.1%), the differences were > or = 1.0 log; in three samples (1.7%), the differences were > or = 0.5 log. For E. coli, regression analysis was done for all three methods for 80 minced meat samples, which were above the limit of detection (1.0 log CFU/g): log MPN = 0.18 + 0.98 x log CFU (TBX), r = 0.96, and log MPN = -0.02 + 0.99 x log CFU (ColiID), r = 0.99 (range, 1.0 to 4.2 log CFU/g). Four discrepant results were recorded, with differences of > 0.5 but < 1.0 log unit. These results suggest that the automated MPN method described is a suitable and labor-saving alternative to colony count techniques for total bacterial flora and E. coli determination in minced meat or on carcass surfaces.