Preliminary Evidence that American Bullfrogs ( <i>Rana catesbeiana</i> ) Are Suitable Hosts for <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7

Abstract

We orally inoculated Rana catesbeiana tadpoles (n=23) and metamorphs (n=24) to test their suitability as hosts for Escherichia coli O157:H7. Tadpoles were housed in flowthrough aquaria and did not become infected. Metamorphs were housed in stagnant aquaria, and 54% tested positive through 14 days postinoculation, suggesting that they are suitable hosts for E. coli O157:H7.