Article
Food Science & Technology
Adrian Alvarez-Molina, Jose F. Cobo-Diaz, Mercedes Lopez, Miguel Prieto, Maria de Toro, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez
Summary: The study conducted sampling and analysis of the food processing environment of a newly opened meat processing facility, identifying an increase in Listeria monocytogenes isolation frequency and sequence type diversity over time. Persistent strains were observed in the environment, suggesting clonal expansion and persistence of certain strains with attenuated virulence potential and plasmid presence. The analysis also showed that ST9 strains isolated were more closely related to European isolates than North American isolates and more frequently linked to meat and pork products in Europe.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
M. Laura Rolon, Xiaoqing Tan, Taejung Chung, Narjol Gonzalez-Escalona, Yi Chen, Dumitru Macarisin, Luke F. LaBorde, Jasna Kovac
Summary: This study investigated the microbiota composition in wet processing areas of three tree fruit packing facilities over a period of two years. The results showed significant spatial and seasonal changes in the microbiota composition and identified potential indicators of L. monocytogenes contamination.
Review
Microbiology
Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke, Krzysztof Skowron, Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda, Ewa Walecka-Zacharska, Jakub Korkus, Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
Summary: Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic bacterium that poses a significant threat to human health, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, and newborns. Its ability to adapt and thrive in various environmental conditions, particularly in food processing environments, highlights the importance of understanding its mechanisms of adaptation for effective control in the food industry.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Brittany F. Magdovitz, Sanjay Gummalla, Donna Garren, Harshavardhan Thippareddi, Mark E. Berrang, Kim Love, Mark A. Harrison
Summary: Food processors face challenges in dealing with Listeria monocytogenes in production and processing facilities. This study analyzed environmental monitoring data from the frozen food manufacturing industry to evaluate current practices in mitigating risks and identify trends for improvement. The findings suggest that certain areas and storage locations have a higher probability of Listeria contamination, providing guidance for sanitation measures in processing operations.
Article
Microbiology
Aeriel D. Belk, A. Nathan Frazier, Luke K. Fuerniss, Robert Delmore, Keith Belk, Brad Borlee, Ifigenia Geornaras, Jennifer N. Martin, Jessica L. Metcalf
Summary: This study provides critical knowledge about the microbial communities in small meat processing facilities and their relationship with Listeria presence. It highlights the importance of facility design, room conditions, and sanitation plans in managing microorganisms and improving meat safety. The study also emphasizes the need to consider not only pathogens but also the general facility microbiome in facility sanitation.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Qingli Dong, Linjun Sun, Taisong Fang, Yuan Wang, Zhuosi Li, Xiang Wang, Mengjie Wu, Hongzhi Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the mono- and dual-species biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes and P. aeruginosa under different culture conditions. Results showed the inhibitory effect of chicken juice on L. monocytogenes biofilm formation, as well as the dominance of P. aeruginosa in dual-species biofilms in certain culture mediums. The correlation between motility and biofilm formation was found to be insignificant.
Article
Microbiology
Tamazight Cherifi, Julie Arsenault, Sylvain Quessy, Philippe Fravalo
Summary: This study used molecular tools to analyze the microbiota in a swine slaughterhouse to understand the presence of L. monocytogenes. It found that certain genera of background microbiota were negatively correlated with Listeria spp., potentially inhibiting its growth and contributing to preventing its persistence on food-processing surfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Justyna Cybulska, Magdalena Drobek, Jacek Panek, Jose M. M. Cruz-Rubio, Magdalena Kurzyna-Szklarek, Artur Zdunek, Magdalena Frac
Summary: This study compared pectin modifications and microbiota and mycobiota composition in strawberries from conventional and organic cultivation systems. It found that pectin molecules in organic strawberries were longer and had more branches, but also underwent more noticeable reorganization in molecular structure. The organic system also had a greater diversity and quantity of bacteria and fungi during storage compared to the conventional system.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Patryk Wisniewski, Wioleta Chajecka-Wierzchowska, Anna Zadernowska
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of high-pressure processing on the survival of L. monocytogenes and the changes in antibiotic resistance and virulence. The results showed that the 400 MPa treatment effectively reduced the pathogen, but cell recovery was observed during storage. Changes in virulence included alterations in gene expression and increased biofilm-forming ability. The study also found that the isolates became resistant to certain antibiotics with increased gene expression of antibiotic resistance. These changes were found to be permanent and may contribute to the spread of virulent isolates with increased antibiotic resistance.
Review
Microbiology
Jacek Osek, Beata Lachtara, Kinga Wieczorek
Summary: Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen, poses a severe threat to vulnerable populations. It can survive and grow in various environmental stress conditions and form biofilms, increasing the risk of contamination. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of its adaptation to adverse conditions is crucial for developing effective pathogen control methods.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arkadiusz Jozef Zakrzewski, Monika Kurpas, Anna Zadernowska, Wioleta Chajecka-Wierzchowska, Maria Joao Fraqueza
Summary: This study characterized 17 L. monocytogenes strains from fish and fish-processing environments in Poland in terms of relatedness, virulence profiles, and resistance genes. The most frequent serogroups were IIa and IIb; sequence types (ST) were ST6 and ST121; and clonal complexes (CC) were CC6 and CC121. Despite differential genotypic subtypes, most strains had similar antimicrobial resistance profiles; however, some genes were located on mobile genetic elements that could be transferred to other bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Francois Bourdichon, Roy Betts, Christophe Dufour, Seamus Fanning, Jeffrey Farber, Peter McClure, Despoina Angeliki Stavropoulou, Ellen Wemmenhove, Marcel H. Zwietering, Anett Winkler
Summary: Processing environment monitoring is crucial in food safety management plans, as shown by past outbreaks highlighting the role of the environment in product contamination. This paper reviews existing scientific information on outbreaks, relevant pathogens, and indicators to support the design of effective monitoring programs. It aims to assist industry and regulators in setting up targeted monitoring programs to improve food safety by focusing on relevant microorganisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Magagna, Maria Gori, Valeria Russini, Veronica De Angelis, Elisa Spinelli, Virginia Filipello, Vito Massimo Tranquillo, Maria Laura De Marchis, Teresa Bossu, Clara Fappani, Elisabetta Tanzi, Guido Finazzi
Summary: This study found that 27% of the 849 L. monocytogenes isolates collected in Italy had premature stop codon (PMSC) mutations in the inlA gene, predominantly in hypovirulent clones (ST9 and ST121). The presence of PMSC mutations in food and environmental isolates was higher than that in clinical isolates. The results reveal the distribution of the virulence potential of L. monocytogenes circulating in Italy and could help to improve risk assessment approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Pavel A. Andriyanov, Pavel A. Zhurilov, Elena A. Liskova, Tatyana I. Karpova, Elena V. Sokolova, Yulia K. Yushina, Elena V. Zaiko, Dagmara S. Bataeva, Olga L. Voronina, Ekaterina K. Psareva, Igor S. Tartakovsky, Denis V. Kolbasov, Svetlana A. Ermolaeva
Summary: Susceptibility testing of 117 L. monocytogenes strains to 23 antibiotics revealed a varied response, with most strains showing sensitivity to multiple antibiotics but some strains exhibiting resistance to specific drugs. There was a shift in the proportion of resistant strains over time, with different antibiotics showing unique patterns of resistance evolution.
Article
Microbiology
Tobin Simonetti, Kari Peter, Yi Chen, Qing Jin, Guodong Zhang, Luke F. LaBorde, Dumitru Macarisin
Summary: This study found that the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in tree fruit packinghouses was 17.5%, with no significant difference in overall prevalence between different years but significant variations within production seasons. L. monocytogenes was most commonly found in packing line areas with moisture and fruit debris, and less frequently in dry storage and packaging areas.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sarah M. Beno, Rachel A. Cheng, Renato H. Orsi, Diana R. Duncan, Xiaodong Guo, Jasna Kovac, Laura M. Carroll, Nicole H. Martin, Martin Wiedmann
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ariel V. Garsow, Marie R. Biondi, Barbara B. Kowalcyk, Jessie L. Vipham, Jasna Kovac, Kebede Amenu, Ashagrie Zewdu, Kathleen E. Colverson
Summary: This article discusses the importance of microbiological and gender aspects in milk handling in Ethiopia, highlighting the crucial role women play in ensuring the safety of dairy products. Combining food safety research with gender sensitive interventions is necessary to reduce foodborne diseases and improve overall family health in Ethiopia.
INTERNATIONAL DAIRY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Polonca Stefanic, Katarina Belcijan, Barbara Kraigher, Rok Kostanjsek, Joseph Nesme, Jonas Stenlokke Madsen, Jasna Kovac, Soren Johannes Sorensen, Michiel Vos, Ines Mandic-Mulec
Summary: Genetically distinct swarms of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis attack each other, forming a boundary upon encounter. These swarm antagonisms promote transformation-mediated horizontal gene transfer between strains of low relatedness, with gene transfer being largely unidirectional from killed cells of the donor strain to surviving cells of the recipient strain. Existing mechanistic barriers to horizontal gene transfer may be overridden by social interactions, as more closely related strains do not upregulate transformation upon encounter.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tobin Simonetti, Kari Peter, Yi Chen, Qing Jin, Guodong Zhang, Luke F. LaBorde, Dumitru Macarisin
Summary: This study found that the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in tree fruit packinghouses was 17.5%, with no significant difference in overall prevalence between different years but significant variations within production seasons. L. monocytogenes was most commonly found in packing line areas with moisture and fruit debris, and less frequently in dry storage and packaging areas.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Katerina Roth, Yadwinder Singh Rana, Devin Daeschel, Jasna Kovac, Randy Worobo, Abigail B. Snyder
Summary: Six thermo-acidophilic, spore-forming strains were isolated from juice products, representing three novel species of Alicyclobacillus. These strains can grow aerobically in acidic and moderate thermal conditions, with only two of them capable of producing guaiacol.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yi Chen, Tobin Simonetti, Kari Peter, Qing Jin, Eric Brown, Luke F. LaBorde, Dumitru Macarisin
Summary: Whole genome analysis of L. monocytogenes isolates from apple packinghouse facilities revealed variations in clonal diversity, with the poorest sanitary conditions associated to the least diversity. Persistent strains did not exhibit stronger resistance and lacked specific molecular determinants different from other isolates.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Emma Mills, Erin Sullivan, Jasna Kovac
Summary: In this study, the phenotypic resistance of Bacillus cereus group isolates to 18 antibiotics was tested using both broth microdilution and disk diffusion methods. The results showed that the broth microdilution method was more accurate in determining the susceptibility to clinically relevant antibiotics, while the disk diffusion method was unreliable for evaluating the resistance of B. cereus group isolates. Additionally, the study revealed poor associations between the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and resistance phenotypes in the B. cereus group.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cassidy Prince, Jasna Kovac
Summary: Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) is a bacterium that includes foodborne pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. Some of the beneficial and commercially used strains have been found to carry enterotoxin gene, which can cause toxicoinfection in humans. Better surveillance and characterization of virulence capacity are needed for B. cereus s.l. strains.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Priscilla Sinclair, M. Laura Rolon, Jingzhang Feng, Adrian F. Padin-Lopez, Luke LaBorde, Jasna Kovac
Summary: This study evaluated the antilisterial activity of two LAB strains against L. monocytogenes and found that the inhibitory effects varied depending on the assay method used. The results highlight the importance of considering the complex microbiome in food processing facilities when assessing the potential of LAB strains for biocontrol.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Laura M. Carroll, Chung K. Marston, Cari B. Kolton, Christopher A. Gulvik, Jay E. Gee, Zachary P. Weiner, Jasna Kovac
Summary: This study characterized three B. cereus s.l. isolates associated with two anthrax cases in welders in the United States in 2020. The genomes of these isolates belonged to different species, with two being closely related to B. tropicus and one being most similar to B. anthracis.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Abera Admasie, Adane Eshetu, Tesfaye Sisay Tessema, Jessie Vipham, Jasna Kovac, Ashagrie Zewdu
Summary: A cross-sectional study in Ethiopia found a prevalence of Campylobacter contamination in dairy products, with the highest occurrence in raw milk. Implementing measures such as cleaning cows with warm water and soap, using cloth filters, plastic filters, and aluminum containers for milk, and avoiding concrete floors in collection centers can reduce the likelihood of Campylobacter detection.
Article
Microbiology
Mallory L. Goggans, Emma A. Bilbrey, Cristian D. Quiroz-Moreno, David M. Francis, Sheila K. Jacobi, Jasna Kovac, Jessica L. Cooperstone
Summary: This study aims to elucidate the effects of tomato consumption on the gut microbiome. Using piglets as a model, the study found that tomato consumption can positively affect the gut microbial profile, warranting further investigation in humans.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Taejung Chung, Runan Yan, Daniel L. Weller, Jasna Kovac
Summary: The use of water contaminated with Salmonella for produce production contributes to foodborne disease burden. This research investigated the utility of water microbiome data for predicting Salmonella contamination of streams used for produce production, and found that the conditional forest model performed the best in prediction. The findings suggest that microbiome-based models may provide an alternative to or complement existing water monitoring strategies.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Runan Yan, Nkuchia M. M'ikanatha, Irving Nachamkin, Lauren K. Hudson, Thomas G. Denes, Jasna Kovac
Summary: The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter isolates from human and meat sources in Pennsylvania was investigated. Resistance to erythromycin was confirmed in 6% of human isolates and 4% of meat isolates, while ciprofloxacin resistance was more common in human isolates. There was a good concordance between phenotypic resistance and the presence of known resistance genetic determinants.