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Gill A, McMahon T, Ferrato C, Chui L. Survival of O157 and non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Korean style kimchi. Food Microbiol 2024; 121:104526. [PMID: 38637088 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Korean style kimchi contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 was the cause of an outbreak in Canada from December 2021 to January 2022. To determine if this STEC O157:H7 has greater potential for survival in kimchi than other STEC, the outbreak strain and six other STEC strains (O26:H11, O91:H21, O103:H2, O121:H19, and two O157:H7) were inoculated individually at 6 to 6.5 log CFU/g into commercially sourced kimchi and incubation at 4 °C. At intervals of seven days inoculated and control kimchi was plated onto MacConkey agar to enumerate lactose utilising bacteria. The colony counts were interpreted as enumerating the inoculated STEC, since no colonies were observed on MacConkey agar plated with uninoculated kimchi. Over eight weeks of incubation the pH was stable at 4.10 to 4.05 and the STEC strains declined by 0.7-1.0 log, with a median reduction of 0.9 log. The linear rate of reduction of kimchi outbreak STEC O157:H7 was -0.4 log per 30 days (Slope Uncertainty 0.05), which was not significantly different from the other O157 and nonO157 STEC strains (P = 0.091). These results indicate that the outbreak was not due to the presence of strain better adapted to survival in kimchi than other STEC, and that STEC can persist in refrigerated Korean style kimchi with a minimal decline over the shelf-life of the product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gill
- Health Canada/Santé Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Tanis McMahon
- Health Canada/Santé Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Ferrato
- Alberta Precision Laboratories: Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Linda Chui
- Alberta Precision Laboratories: Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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2
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Doddabematti Prakash S, Rivera J, Sabillón L, Siliveru K. From wheat grain to flour: a review of potential sources of enteric pathogen contamination in wheat milled products. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38766719 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2353892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The number of food safety issues linked to wheat milled products have increased in the past decade. These incidents were mainly caused by the contamination of wheat-based products by enteric pathogens. This manuscript is the first of a two-part review on the status of the food safety of wheat-based products. This manuscript focused on reviewing the available information on the potential pre-harvest and post-harvest sources of microbial contamination, and potential foodborne pathogens present in wheat-based products. Potential pre-harvest sources of microbial contamination in wheat included animal activity, water, soil, and manure. Improper grain storage practices, pest activity, and improperly cleaned and sanitized equipment are potential sources of post-harvest microbial contamination for wheat-based foods. Raw wheat flour products and flour-based products are potentially contaminated with enteric pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STECs), and Salmonella at low concentrations. Wheat grains and their derived products (i.e., flours) are potential vehicles for foodborne illness in humans due to the presence of enteric pathogens. A more holistic approach is needed for assuring the food safety of wheat-based products in the farm-to-table continuum. Future developments in the wheat supply chain should also be aimed at addressing this emerging food safety threat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jared Rivera
- Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Luis Sabillón
- Department of Family Consumer Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
- Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Kaliramesh Siliveru
- Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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3
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Jung J, Harris LJ. Survival of Salmonella and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli during tempering of wheat berries. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2021 in 27 MSs, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and nine non-MSs. Key statistics on zoonoses and zoonotic agents in humans, food, animals and feed are provided and interpreted historically. In 2021, the first and second most reported zoonoses in humans were campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, respectively. Cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis increased in comparison with 2020, but decreased compared with previous years. In 2021, data collection and analysis at the EU level were still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the control measures adopted in the MSs, including partial or total lockdowns. Sixteen MSs and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) achieved all the established targets in poultry populations for reduction in Salmonella prevalence for the relevant serovars. Salmonella samples from carcases of various animal species and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcases were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when own-checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, followed by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalisations and highest case fatality rates. Overall, MSs reported more foodborne outbreaks and cases in 2021 than in 2020. S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Salmonella in 'eggs and egg products' and in 'mixed foods' were the agent/food pairs of most concern. Outbreaks linked to 'vegetables and juices and products thereof' rose considerably compared with previous years. This report also provides updates on brucellosis, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), echinococcosis, rabies, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis or M. caprae, and tularaemia.
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Koreneková J, Krahulcová M, Cverenkárová K, Červenčík K, Bírošová L. Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Flours and Different Plant Powders Used in Cuisine. Foods 2022; 11:foods11223582. [PMID: 36429175 PMCID: PMC9689793 DOI: 10.3390/foods11223582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several alimentary diseases have been connected with the consumption or tasting of raw flour and dough. Microbiological quality concern is also raising due to increased consumer demand for plant powders, while some of them can be consumed without prior thermal processing. In this study, we have focused on the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant coliform bacteria and enterococci in flour, plant powder and dough from Slovak retail. Our results indicated the presence of both total and antibiotic-resistant coliform bacteria and enterococci in the flour and powder samples. Lower numbers of the total, as well as resistant bacteria, were detected in flours compared to plant powders. Coliform bacteria isolates were predominantly identified as Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. Ampicillin resistance appeared in 97% of isolates followed by chloramphenicol resistance (22%) and tetracycline resistance (17%). The presence of the blaSHV gene was confirmed in 13% of isolates. The tetA and tetE genes were present in 25% of isolates of coliform bacteria. The presence of enterococci was detected only in plant powders. Antibiotic-resistant strains were identified as the following: Enterococcus casseliflavus, E. gallinarium and E. faecium. Despite the isolates showing resistance to vancomycin, the presence of the vanA gene was not detected. The majority of antibiotic-resistant isolates belonged to the group of medium biofilm producers. None of these isolates showed efflux pump overproduction. Antibiotic-resistant coliform bacteria and enterococci were not detected in the processed doughs.
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Park SK, Lee DJ, Baik OD. Factors Influencing Bactericidal Efficacy using Atmospheric Cold Plasma (ACP) against Escherichia coli in Wheat Flour. Food Res Int 2022; 162:111985. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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7
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Frentzel H, Kelner-Burgos Y, Fischer J, Heise J, Göhler A, Wichmann-Schauer H. Occurrence of selected bacterial pathogens in insect-based food products and in-depth characterisation of detected Bacillus cereus group isolates. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 379:109860. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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8
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Lee J, Park SK, Korber D, Baik OD. Optimization of Atmospheric Cold Plasma Treatment with Different Gases for Reduction of Escherichia coli in Wheat Flour. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:768-775. [PMID: 35484965 PMCID: PMC9628904 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2203.03056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study we aimed to derive the response surface models for Escherichia coli reduction in wheat flour using atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) with three types of gas. The jet-type atmospheric cold plasma wand system was used with a 30 W power supply, and three gases (argon, air, and nitrogen) were applied as the treatment gas. The operating parameters for process optimization considered were wheat flour mass (g), treatment time (min), and gas flow rate (L/min). The wheat flour samples were artificially contaminated with E. coli at a concentration of 9.25 ± 0.74 log CFU/g. ACP treatments with argon, air, and nitrogen resulted in 2.66, 4.21, and 5.55 log CFU/g reduction of E. coli, respectively, in wheat flour under optimized conditions. The optimized conditions to reduce E. coli were 0.5 g of the flour mass, 15 min of treatment time, and 0.20 L/min of nitrogen gas flow rate, and the predicted highest reduction level from modeling was 5.63 log CFU/g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Seul-Ki Park
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Darren Korber
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Oon-Doo Baik
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada,Corresponding author Phone: +1-306-966-5320 E-mail:
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Characterisation of atypical Shiga toxin gene sequences and description of Stx2j, a new subtype. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0222921. [PMID: 35225693 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02229-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) is the definitive virulence factor of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Stx variants are currently organised into a taxonomic system of three Stx1 (a,c,d) and seven Stx2 (a,b,c,d,e,f,g) subtypes. In this study, seven STEC isolates from food and clinical samples possessing stx2 sequences that do not fit current Shiga toxin taxonomy were identified. Genome assemblies of the STEC strains was created from Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequence data. The presence of atypical stx2 sequences were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, as were Stx2 expression and cytotoxicity. A strain of O157:H7 was found to possess stx1a and a truncated stx2a, which were originally misidentified as an atypical stx2. Two strains possessed unreported variants of Stx2a (O8:H28) and Stx2b (O146:H21). In four of the strains we found three Stx-subtypes that are not included in the current taxonomy. Stx2h (O170:H18) was identified in a Canadian sprout isolate; this subtype has only previously been reported in STEC from Tibetan Marmots. Stx2o (O85:H1) was identified in a clinical isolate. Finally, Stx2j (O158:H23 and O33:H14) was found in lettuce and clinical isolates. The results of this study expands the number of known Stx subtypes, the range of STEC serotypes, and isolation sources in which they may be found. The presence of the Stx2j and Stx2o in clinical isolates of STEC indicates that strains carrying these variants are potential human pathogens. Highlights Atypical Shiga toxin (stx) genes in Escherichia coli were sequenced. Two new variants of stx2a and stx2b are described. Two strains carried subtypes Stx2h and Stx2o, which have only one previous report. Two strains carried a previously undescribed subtype, Stx2j.
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10
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Molecular Detection of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Directly from Stool Using Multiplex qPCR Assays. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020329. [PMID: 35208783 PMCID: PMC8878958 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can cause outbreaks that have great economic and health impact. Since the implementation of STEC screening in Alberta in 2018, it is also essential to have a molecular serotyping method with faster turnaround time for cluster identification and surveillance purposes. This study sought to perform molecular serotyping of the top six non-O157 (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145) STEC serotypes directly from stools and enrichment broths compared to conventional methods on isolates. Multiplex, serotyping qPCR assays were used to determine sensitivity and specificity of the top six non-O157 STEC serotypes. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed for both singleplex and multiplex qPCR assays for comparison of the top six serotypes. Blinded stool specimens (n = 116) or broth samples (n = 482) submitted from frontline microbiology laboratories for STEC investigation were analyzed by qPCR. Both singleplex and multiplex assays were comparable, and we observed 100% specificity with a limit of detection of 100 colony-forming units per mL. Direct molecular serotyping from stool specimens mostly correlated (88%) with conventional serotyping of the cultured isolate. In cases of discordant serotypes, the top six non-O157 STEC mixed infections were identified and confirmed by culture and conventional serotyping. Detection of non-O157 STEC can be done directly from stool specimens using multiplex PCR assays with the ability to identify mixed infections, which would otherwise remain undetected by conventional serotyping of a single colony. This method can be easily implemented into a frontline diagnostic laboratory to enhance surveillance of non-O157 STEC, as more frontline microbiology laboratories move to culture independent assays.
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11
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Lauer JR, Simsek S, Bergholz TM. Fate of Salmonella and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli on Wheat Grain. J Food Prot 2021; 84:2109-2115. [PMID: 34347868 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Wheat flour has been connected to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses with increased frequency in recent years, specifically, outbreaks involving Salmonella enterica and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). However, there is little information regarding the survival of these pathogens on wheat grain during long-term storage in a low-moisture environment. This study aims to evaluate the long-term survival of these enteric pathogens on wheat grain over the course of a year. Hard red spring wheat was inoculated with strains of four serovars of Salmonella (Enteritidis, Agona, Tennessee, and Montevideo) and six serotypes of EHEC (O157:H7, O26:H11, O121:H19, O45:NM, O111:H8, and O103:H2) in triplicate, sealed in Mylar bags to maintain the water activity, and stored at room temperature (22 ± 1°C). The survival of each pathogen was evaluated by plating onto differential media. Viable counts of strains from all four serovars of Salmonella (Enteritidis, Agona, Tennessee, and Montevideo) were detected on wheat grain stored at room temperature (22 ± 1°C) for the duration of the study (52 weeks). Viable counts of strains from EHEC serotypes O45:NM, O111:H8, and O26:H11 were only detected for 44 weeks, and strains from serotypes O157:H7, O121:H19, and O103:H2 were only detected for 40 weeks until they passed below the limit of detection (2.0 log CFU/g). The D-values were found to be significantly different between Salmonella and EHEC (adjusted P ≤ 0.05) with Salmonella D-values ranging from 22.9 ± 2.2 weeks to 25.2 ± 1.0 weeks and EHEC D-values ranging from 11.4 ± 0.6 weeks to 13.1 ± 1.8 weeks. There were no significant differences among the four Salmonella strains or among the six EHEC strains (adjusted P > 0.05). These observations highlight the wide range of survival capabilities of enteric pathogens in a low-moisture environment and confirm these pathogens are a food safety concern when considering the long shelf life of wheat grain and its products. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Lauer
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108
| | - Senay Simsek
- Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58108
| | - Teresa M Bergholz
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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12
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Gill A, McMahon T, Dussault F, Jinneman K, Lindsey R, Martin H, Stoneburg D, Strockbine N, Wetherington J, Feng P. Delayed lactose utilization among Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli of serogroup O121. Food Microbiol 2021; 102:103903. [PMID: 34809935 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Two outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121:H19 associated with wheat flour, in the United States of America and Canada, involved strains with an unusual phenotype, delayed lactose utilization (DLU). These strains do not ferment lactose when initially cultured on MacConkey agar (MAC), but lactose fermentation occurs following subculture to a second plate of MAC. The prevalence of DLU was determined by examining the β-galactosidase activity of 49 strains of E. coli O121, and of 37 other strains of E. coli. Twenty four of forty three O121:H19 and one O121:NM displayed DLU. Two strains (O121:NM and O145:H34) did not have detectable β-galactosidase activity. β-glucuronidase activity of O121 strains was also determined. All but six DLU strains had normal β-glucuronidase activity. β-glucuronidase activity was suppressed on MAC for 17 of 23 O121 non-DLU strains. Genomic analysis found that DLU strains possessed an insertion sequence, IS600 (1267 bp), between lacZ (β-galactosidase) and lacY (β-galactoside permease), that was not present in strains exhibiting normal lactose utilization. The insert might reduce the expression of β-galactoside permease, delaying import of lactose, resulting in the DLU phenotype. The high probability of DLU should be considered when using lactose-containing media for the isolation of STEC O121.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gill
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Tanis McMahon
- Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Forest Dussault
- Health Canada, Bureau of Food Surveillance and Science Integration, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Karen Jinneman
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Office of Regulatory Science, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, 22201 23rd Dr SE, Bothell, WA, 98021, USA
| | - Rebecca Lindsey
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Haley Martin
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Devon Stoneburg
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nancy Strockbine
- Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - June Wetherington
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Office of Regulatory Science, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, 22201 23rd Dr SE, Bothell, WA, 98021, USA
| | - Peter Feng
- U.S. FDA, Division of Microbiology, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
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Rao M, Tamber S. Microbiological analysis of frozen profiteroles and mini chocolate eclairs implicated in a national salmonellosis outbreak. Food Microbiol 2021; 100:103871. [PMID: 34416968 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Between November 2018 and May 2019, Canada experienced a nationwide salmonellosis outbreak linked to the presence of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis in frozen profiteroles. Analysis of the implicated food products revealed low levels of Salmonella ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 MPN/100g. Water activity and pH of the food samples ranged from 0.9479 to 0.9867 and 4.6-6.8 respectively indicating conditions conducive to bacterial growth. Higher levels of the hygiene indicators Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms were associated with Salmonella positive samples compared to Salmonella negative samples. Investigation of the relationship between storage conditions, temperature, and pathogen levels during thawing revealed that the profiteroles reached temperatures permissive to pathogen growth (≥5 °C) much sooner than pathogen growth was observed and that the composition of the food matrix can influence bacterial levels upon thawing. Collectively these data can be used to inform guidance to minimize the risk of infection from the consumption of contaminated cream-filled frozen desserts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Rao
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K8, Canada
| | - Sandeep Tamber
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K8, Canada.
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Hu Y, Cui G, Fan Y, Liu Y, Zhou W, Huo S, Wu X, Song S, Cui X, Zhao L, Bai L, Cui S, He Z. Isolation and Characterization of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Retail Beef Samples from Eight Provinces in China. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:616-625. [PMID: 34403269 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
While Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a major foodborne pathogen worldwide, data on the molecular and phylogenetic properties of STEC isolates from retail beef samples in China remain scant. Fresh retail beef samples (n = 1062) were collected from eight provinces, and STEC isolates were recovered and characterized. PCR data showed that more than 50% of the samples were stx positive, and 82 STEC isolates were recovered from 14.8% (79/535) stx-positive enriched broths. In contrast, all ciprofloxacin resistant isolates (n = 19) and 13 cefotaxime (CTX) resistant isolates were eae positive and belonged to three serotypes: O111:H8, O26:H11, or O157:H7. Point mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants were identified in 16 and 20 isolates, respectively. BlaCTX-M and a point mutation (C-42T) in ampC promoter were detected in 15 and 8 of the CTX resistant isolates, respectively. In addition, macrolide resistance gene mphA was identified in eight azithromycin resistant O111:H8 isolates and one O26:H11 isolate. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis demonstrated that the O26 and O157 isolates had multiple origins, but the O111 isolates were closely related. Taken together, our data demonstrated that several sequence types associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome from the retail beef samples in China had developed into dangerous multidrug resistant pathogens. The resistant phenotype can facilitate their transmission among the farm animals and human beings when there is an antimicrobial selective pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hu
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangqing Cui
- Department of Microbiology, Shanxi Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Control, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yiling Fan
- Department of Microbiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Testing Technology of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Hebei Food Inspection and Research Institute, Hebei Food Safety Key Laboratory, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengnan Huo
- Department of Microbiology, Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Jiang Xi Institute for Food Control, Nanchang, China
| | - Sheng Song
- Department of Microbiology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Safety Monitoring and Early Warning, Hunan Institute of Food Quality Supervision Inspection and Research, Changsha, China
| | - Xuewen Cui
- Department of Microbiology, Microbiological Inspection Center, Sichuan Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chengdu, China
| | - Linna Zhao
- Department of Food Science, The National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Li Bai
- Department of Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Shenghui Cui
- Department of Food Science, The National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifei He
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Microbiology, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Regional Food, Chongqing, China
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15
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Remfry SE, Amachawadi RG, Atobatele M, Shi X, Kang Q, Phebus RK, Nagaraja TG. Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Wheat Grains: Detection and Isolation by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Culture Methods. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:752-760. [PMID: 34182797 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are major foodborne pathogens and seven serogroups, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157, often called top-7 STEC, account for the majority of the STEC-associated human illnesses in the United States. Two Shiga toxins, Shiga toxins 1 and 2, encoded by stx1 and stx2 genes, are major virulence factors that are involved in STEC infections. Foodborne STEC infections have been linked to a variety of foods of both animal and plant origin, including products derived from cereal grains. In recent years, a few STEC outbreaks have been linked to contaminated wheat flour. The microbiological quality of the wheat grains is a major contributor to the safety of wheat flour. The objective of the study was to utilize polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- and culture-based methods to detect and isolate STEC in wheat grains. Wheat grain samples (n = 625), collected from different regions of the United States, were enriched in modified buffered peptone water with pyruvate (mBPWp) or E. coli (EC) broth, and they were then subjected to PCR- and culture-based methods to detect and isolate STEC. Wheat grains enriched in EC broth yielded more samples positive for stx genes (1.6% vs. 0.32%) and STEC serogroups (5.8% vs. 2.4%) than mBPWp. The four serogroups of top-7 detected and isolated were O26, O45, O103, and O157 and none of the isolates was positive for the Shiga toxin genes. A total of five isolates that carried the stx2 gene were isolated and identified as serogroups O8 (0.6%) and O130 (0.2%). The EC broth was a better medium to enrich wheat grains than mBPWp for the detection and isolation of STEC. The overall prevalence of virulence genes and STEC serogroups in wheat grains was low. The stx2-positive serogroups isolated, O8 and O130, are not major STEC pathogens and have only been implicated in sporadic infections in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Remfry
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Raghavendra G Amachawadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Mori Atobatele
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Xiaorong Shi
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Qing Kang
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Randall K Phebus
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Tiruvoor G Nagaraja
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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Vasser M, Barkley J, Miller A, Gee E, Purcell K, Schroeder MN, Basler C, Neil KP. Notes from the Field: Multistate Outbreak of Escherichia coli O26 Infections Linked to Raw Flour - United States, 2019. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2021; 70:600-601. [PMID: 33886535 PMCID: PMC8061794 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7016a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Projahn M, Lamparter MC, Ganas P, Goehler A, Lorenz-Wright SC, Maede D, Fruth A, Lang C, Schuh E. Genetic diversity and pathogenic potential of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) derived from German flour. Int J Food Microbiol 2021; 347:109197. [PMID: 33895597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause severe human illness, which are frequently linked to the consumption of contaminated beef or dairy products. However, recent outbreaks associated with contaminated flour and undercooked dough in the United States and Canada, highlight the potential of plant based food as transmission routes for STEC. In Germany STEC has been isolated from flour, but no cases of illness have been linked to flour. In this study, we characterized 123 STEC strains isolated from flour and flour products collected between 2015 and 2019 across Germany. In addition to determination of serotype and Shiga toxin subtype, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used for isolates collected in 2018 to determine phylogenetic relationships, sequence type (ST), and virulence-associated genes (VAGs). We found a high diversity of serotypes including those frequently associated with human illness and outbreaks, such as O157:H7 (stx2c/d, eae), O145:H28 (stx2a, eae), O146:H28 (stx2b), and O103:H2 (stx1a, eae). Serotypes O187:H28 (ST200, stx2g) and O154:H31 (ST1892, stx1d) were most prevalent, but are rarely linked to human cases. However, WGS analysis revealed that these strains, as well as, O156:H25 (ST300, stx1a) harbour high numbers of VAGs, including eae, nleB and est1a/sta1. Although STEC-contaminated flour products have yet not been epidemiologically linked to human clinical cases in Germany, this study revealed that flour can serve as a vector for STEC strains with a high pathogenic potential. Further investigation is needed to determine the sources of STEC contamination in flour and flour products particularly in regards to these rare serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Projahn
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including VTEC, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina C Lamparter
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including VTEC, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Ganas
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including VTEC, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Goehler
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including VTEC, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra C Lorenz-Wright
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including VTEC, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietrich Maede
- Institute for Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt, Halle, Germany
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Robert Koch Institute, Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, National Reference Centre for Salmonella and other Bacterial Enterics, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Christina Lang
- Robert Koch Institute, Division of Enteropathogenic Bacteria and Legionella, National Reference Centre for Salmonella and other Bacterial Enterics, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Schuh
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, National Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli including VTEC, Berlin, Germany.
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Zhang H, Yamamoto E, Murphy J, Carrillo C, Hardie K, Locas A. Microbiological Survey of Wheat Flour Sold at Retail in Canada, 2018 to 2019. J Food Prot 2021; 84:647-654. [PMID: 33159455 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Following two O121 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreaks linked to wheat flour, this study was conducted to gain baseline information on the occurrence of bacterial pathogens and levels of indicator organisms in wheat flour in Canada. A total of 347 prepackaged wheat flour samples were analyzed for Salmonella species, STEC, Listeria monocytogenes, aerobic colony count (ACC), total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Salmonella spp. and O157 STEC were not detected in any of the samples. L. monocytogenes was identified in two samples (0.6%) at levels below the limit of detection (<0.7 log CFU/g). Non-O157 STEC were isolated from six samples (1.7%) and were characterized for the presence of STEC virulence genes: stx1, stx2, and their subtypes, eae, hlyA, and aggR. One O103:H25 STEC isolate carried virulence genes (stx1a+eae) that are known to be capable of causing diarrhea and/or bloody diarrhea in humans. Of the five remaining non-O157 STEC isolates, four carried single stx2a or stx2c genes and were considered to have the potential of causing diarrhea. The remaining non-O157 STEC isolate (stx2), while not a priority non-O157 STEC, was not available for sequencing; thus, its potential to cause illness is unknown. ACC, total coliforms, and E. coli were detected (≥0.48 log CFU/g) in 98.8, 72.6, and 0.6% of the flour samples. The mean counts of ACC were greater in whole wheat flour compared with the other flour types tested (P < 0.001). The results of this study suggest that the occurrence of O157 STEC and Salmonella is low but that the occurrence of non-O157 STEC in wheat flour with the potential to cause human illness of diarrhea is relatively common. Therefore, the consumption of raw flour could increase the likelihood of STEC infections. Further research is merited for potential risk mitigation strategies within the food production system and with consumers. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Zhang
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9.,ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4786-3535 [H.Z.]
| | - Etsuko Yamamoto
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9.,https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5533-4540 [E.Y.]
| | - Johanna Murphy
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9
| | - Catherine Carrillo
- Research and Development, Ottawa Laboratory (Carling), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Building 22, CEF 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9 (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2334-8718 [C.C.])
| | - Kate Hardie
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9.,https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8448-1547 [K.H.]
| | - Annie Locas
- Food Safety Science Directorate, Science Branch, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1400 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0Y9
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Gill A, McMahon T, Dussault F, Petronella N. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli survives storage in wheat flour for two years. Food Microbiol 2020; 87:103380. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2019.103380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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