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Tong W, Yang D, Qiu S, Tian S, Ye Z, Yang S, Yan L, Li W, Li N, Pei X, Sun Z, Liu C, Peng S, Li Y, Wang Q, Peng Z. Relevance of genetic causes and environmental adaptation of Cronobacter spp. isolated from infant and follow-up formula production factories and retailed products in China: A 7-year period of continuous surveillance based on genome-wide analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174368. [PMID: 38955273 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The possible contamination routes, environmental adaptation, and genetic basis of Cronobacter spp. in infant and follow-up formula production factories and retailed products in mainland China have been determined by laboratory studies and whole-genome comparative analysis in a 7-year nationwide continuous surveillance spanning from 2012 to 2018. The 2-year continuous multicenter surveillance of the production process (conducted in 2013 and 2014) revealed that the source of Cronobacter spp. in the dry-blending process was the raw dry ingredients and manufacturing environment (particularly in the vibro sieve and vacuum cleaner), while in the combined process, the main contamination source was identified as the packing room. It is important to note that, according to the contamination control knowledge obtained from the production process surveillance, the contamination rate of retail powdered infant formula (PIF) and follow-up formula (FUF) products in China decreased significantly from 2016 onward, after improving the hygiene management practices in factories. The prevalence of Cronobacter spp. in retailed PIF and FUF in China in 2018 was dramatically reduced from 1.55 % (61/3925, in 2012) to an average as low as 0.17 % (13/7655 in 2018). Phenotype determination and genomic analysis were performed on a total of 90 Cronobacter spp. isolates obtained from the surveillance. Of the 90 isolates, only two showed resistance to either cefazolin or cefoxitin. The multilocus sequence typing results revealed that C. sakazakii sequence type 1 (ST1), ST37, and C. malonaticus ST7 were the dominant sequence types (STs) collected from the production factories, while C. sakazakii ST1, ST4, ST64, and ST8 were the main STs detected in the retailed PIF and FUF nationwide. One C. sakazakii ST4 isolate (1.1 %, 1/90) had strong biofilm-forming ability and 13 isolates (14.4 %, 13/90) had weak biofilm-forming ability. Genomic analysis revealed that Cronobacter spp. have a relatively stable core-genome and an increasing pan-genome size. Plasmid IncFIB (pCTU3) was prevalent in this genus and some contained 14 antibacterial biocide- and metal-resistance genes (BMRGs) including copper, silver, and arsenic resistant genes. Plasmid IncN_1 was predicted to contain 6 ARGs. This is the first time that a multi-drug resistance IncN_1 type plasmid has been reported in Cronobacter spp. Genomic variations with respect to BMRGs, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and genes involved in biofilm formation were observed among strains of this genus. There were apparent differences in copies of bcsG and flgJ between the biofilm-forming group and non-biofilm-forming group, indicating that these two genes play key roles in biofilm formation. The findings of this study have improved our understanding of the contamination characteristics and genetic basis of Cronobacter spp. in PIF and FUF and their production environment in China and provide important guidance to reduce contamination with this pathogen during the production of PIF and FUF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tong
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Traceability of Foodborne Diseases, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Dajin Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Shaofu Qiu
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Sai Tian
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Zehong Ye
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China; School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang City, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Shuran Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Lin Yan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Weiwei Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Pei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China
| | - Zhongqing Sun
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Chengwei Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Traceability of Foodborne Diseases, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Silu Peng
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Traceability of Foodborne Diseases, Jiangxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing City, PR China.
| | - Zixin Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing City, PR China; Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, Peking Union Medical College; Research Unit of Food Safety, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PR China.
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Yang H, Meng Y, Han X, Meng X, Yang B, Zhang C, Wang X, Yu J, Al-Asmari F, Dablool AS, Sameeh MY, Shi C. Changes in the ability of Listeria monocytogenes to resist thermal treatment and simulated gastric condition after exposure to sequential stresses in minced meat. Food Res Int 2024; 192:114765. [PMID: 39147557 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114765] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
In this study, Listeria monocytogenes from minced pork was evaluated for changes in resistance to thermal treatment and gastric fluid following environmental stresses during food processing. Bacteria were exposed to cold stress, followed by successive exposures to different stressors (lactic acid (LA), NaCl, or Nisin), followed by thermal treatments, and finally, their gastrointestinal tolerance was determined. Adaptation to NaCl stress reduced the tolerance of L. monocytogenes to subsequent LA and Nisin stress. Adaptation to LA stress increased bacterial survival in NaCl and Nisin-stressed environments. Bacteria adapted to Nisin stress showed no change in tolerance to subsequent stress conditions. In addition, treatment with NaCl and LA enhanced the thermal tolerance of L. monocytogenes, but treatment with Nisin decreased the thermal tolerance of the bacteria. Almost all of the sequential stresses reduced the effect of a single stress on bacterial thermal tolerance. The addition of LA and Nisin as a second step of stress reduced the tolerance of L. monocytogenes to gastric fluid, whereas the addition of NaCl enhanced its tolerance. The results of this study are expected to inform processing conditions and sequences for meat preservation and processing and reduce uncertainty in risk assessment of foodborne pathogens due to stress adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
| | - Yujie Meng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xintong Han
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xinru Meng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Baowei Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chunling Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiangtao Yu
- Yangling Hesheng Irradiation Technology Co. Ltd., Yangling 712100, China
| | - Fahad Al-Asmari
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas S Dablool
- Public Health Department, Health Sciences College at Al-Leith, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 25100, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Y Sameeh
- Department of Chemistry, Al-Leith University College, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah 24831, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chao Shi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Northwest A&F University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
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Zeng J, Fu R, Ji J, Xing T, Hou D, Li Z, Zhao Z, Li S, Zhang H. Stress responses and Physiological Changes of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis on Short-Term and Long-Term Benzalkonium Bromide Adaptation. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024. [PMID: 38635964 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0145] [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: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is a common foodborne pathogen that poses significant safety risks across the world. And benzalkonium bromide (BK) is widely used as a disinfectant to sterilize the food processing equipment. It has been reported that sub-lethal concentration of disinfectants induced not only the homologous resistance but also cross-resistances. This work analyzed the induced resistances of Salmonella Enteritidis by short-term adaptation (STA) and long-term adaptation (LTA) to BK. We have demonstrated that inefficient sterilization exposes Salmonella Enteritidis to sub-lethal concentrations of BK, and adapts bacteria to a higher minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. In addition, STA, but not LTA, to BK induced heterogeneous resistance to sodium hypochlorite, and cross-resistance to freezing, desiccation, and heating, which may be caused by the membrane composition change of Salmonella Enteritidis. This work could be useful to the optimization of cleaning protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zeng
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahao Ji
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tong Xing
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongping Hou
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zefeng Li
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zepeng Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaoting Li
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Xue J, Lv J, Liu L, Duan F, Shi A, Ji X, Ding L. Maltodextrin-binding protein as a key factor in Cronobacter sakazakii survival under desiccation stress. Food Res Int 2024; 177:113871. [PMID: 38225116 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113871] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) is a notorious pathogen responsible for infections in infants and newborns, often transmitted through contaminated infant formula. Despite the use of traditional pasteurization methods, which can reduce microbial contamination, there remains a significant risk of pathogenic C. sakazakii surviving due to its exceptional stress tolerance. In our study, we employed a comparative proteomic approach by comparing wild-type strains with gene knockout strains to identify the essential genes crucial for the successful survival of C. sakazakii during desiccation. Our investigation revealed the significance of envZ-ompR, recA, and flhD gene cassettes in contributing to desiccation tolerance in C. sakazakii. Furthermore, through our comparative proteomic profiling, we identified the maltodextrin-binding protein encoded by ESA_03421 as a potential factor influencing dry tolerance. This protein is regulated by EnvZ-OmpR, RecA, and FlhD. Notably, the knockout of ESA_03421 resulted in a 150% greater reduction in Log CFU compared to the wild-type C. sakazakii. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying C. sakazakii desiccation tolerance and provide potential targets for the development of new antimicrobial strategies aimed at reducing the risk of infections in infants and newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xue
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Neurology, Department of Critical Care Medicine,Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Lv
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Neurology, Department of Critical Care Medicine,Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Lanfang Liu
- Shiyan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Fangfang Duan
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Neurology, Department of Critical Care Medicine,Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Aiying Shi
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemeng Ji
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Li Ding
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Department of Neurology, Department of Critical Care Medicine,Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
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Zhou Q, Li G, Cui Y, Xiang J, Zhu S, Li S, Huang J, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhou L. Genomic characterization of Bacillus cereus isolated from food poisoning cases revealed the mechanism of toxin production. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1238799. [PMID: 38282728 PMCID: PMC10822677 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1238799] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacillus cereus is a ubiquitous opportunistic human pathogen that causes food intoxications worldwide. However, the genomic characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms of B. cereus are still unclear. Methods Here, we isolated and purified nine strains of B. cereus (LY01-LY09) that caused vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms from four foodborne outbreaks happened in Guizhou Province in southwest China from June to September 2021. After colony observation, Gram staining, microscopic examination and biochemical test, they were identified as B. cereus. The genomic characteristics, phylogenetic relationships and virulence factors of the isolated strains were analyzed at the genome level. Genome sequencing, comparative genomic analysis, secondary metabolite analysis and quantitative PCR were utilized to give a thorough exploration of the strains. Results We obtained the genome maps of LY01-LY09 and found that LY01-LY09 had a complex interspecific relationship with B. anthracis and B. thuringiensis. We also observed a contraction of gene families in LY01-LY09, and the contracted families were mainly associated with prophage, which contributed to the species diversity of B. cereus. The Hsp20 gene family underwent a rapid evolution in LY01-LY09, which facilitated the adaptation of the strains to adverse environmental conditions. Moreover, the LY01-LY09 strains exhibited a higher copy number in the non-ribosomal polypeptide synthetase (NRPS) genes and carried the complete cereulide synthetase (ces) gene cluster sequences. Considering that the NRPS system is a classical regulatory mechanism for emetic toxin synthesis, we hypothesized that LY01-LY09 could synthesize emetic toxins through the regulation of ces gene clusters by the NRPS system. Discussion These findings are important for further investigation into the evolutionary relationship between B. cereus and their related species, as well as the underlying mechanisms governing the synthesis and secretion of bacterial toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Guanqiao Li
- College of Bioinformatics, Chongqing University of Post and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinshan Cui
- Yunnan Pulis Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jingshu Xiang
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shu Zhu
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shijun Li
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingyu Huang
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yafang Wang
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Mousavi ZE, Koolman L, Macori G, Fanning S, Butler F. Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of Cronobacter sakazakii Isolates from Infant Formula Processing Facilities Using Whole-Genome Sequencing. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2749. [PMID: 38004760 PMCID: PMC10673598 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen linked to outbreaks in powdered infant formula (PIF), primarily causing meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize 18 C. sakazakii strains isolated from PIF (powdered infant formula) manufacturing plants (2011-2015). Sequence Type (ST) 1 was identified as the dominant sequence type, and all isolates carried virulence genes for chemotaxis, flagellar motion, and heat shock proteins. Multiple antibiotic resistance genes were detected, with all isolates exhibiting resistance to Cephalosporins and Tetracycline. A significant correlation existed between genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance. The plasmid Col(pHAD28) was identified in the isolates recovered from the same PIF environment. All isolates harbored at least one intact phage. All the study isolates were compared with a collection of 96 publicly available C. sakazakii genomes to place these isolates within a global context. This comprehensive study, integrating phylogenetic, genomic, and epidemiological data, contributes to a deeper understanding of Cronobacter outbreaks. It provides valuable insights to enhance surveillance, prevention, and control strategies in food processing and public health contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj 6719418314, Iran
| | - Leonard Koolman
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Guerrino Macori
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (L.K.); (G.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Francis Butler
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
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Chauhan R, Tall BD, Gopinath G, Azmi W, Goel G. Environmental risk factors associated with the survival, persistence, and thermal tolerance of Cronobacter sakazakii during the manufacture of powdered infant formula. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 63:12224-12239. [PMID: 35838158 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2099809] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen of concern for foods having low water activity such as powdered infant formula (PIF). Its survival under desiccated stress can be attributed to its ability to adapt effectively to many different environmental stresses. Due to the high risk to neonates and its sporadic outbreaks in PIF, C. sakazakii received great attention among the scientific community, food industry and health care providers. There are many extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect C. sakazakii survival in low-moisture foods. Moreover, short- or long-term pre-exposure to sub-lethal physiological stresses which are commonly encountered in food processing environments are reported to affect the thermal resistance of C. sakazakii. Additionally, acclimation to these stresses may render C. sakazakii resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. This article reviews the factors and the strategies responsible for the survival and persistence of C. sakazakii in PIF. Particularly, studies focused on the influence of various factors on thermal resistance, antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance, virulence potential and stress-associated gene expression are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajni Chauhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, India
| | | | - Gopal Gopinath
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Wamik Azmi
- Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, India
| | - Gunjan Goel
- Department of Microbiology, School of Interdisciplinary and Applied Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Mahindra, India
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Izquierdo-Fiallo K, Muñoz-Villagrán C, Orellana O, Sjoberg R, Levicán G. Comparative genomics of the proteostasis network in extreme acidophiles. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291164. [PMID: 37682893 PMCID: PMC10490939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extreme acidophiles thrive in harsh environments characterized by acidic pH, high concentrations of dissolved metals and high osmolarity. Most of these microorganisms are chemolithoautotrophs that obtain energy from low redox potential sources, such as the oxidation of ferrous ions. Under these conditions, the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis of proteins (proteostasis), as the main organic components of the cells, are of utmost importance. Thus, the analysis of protein chaperones is critical for understanding how these organisms deal with proteostasis under such environmental conditions. In this work, using a bioinformatics approach, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of the genes encoding classical, periplasmic and stress chaperones, and the protease systems. The analysis included 35 genomes from iron- or sulfur-oxidizing autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic acidophilic bacteria. The results showed that classical ATP-dependent chaperones, mostly folding chaperones, are widely distributed, although they are sub-represented in some groups. Acidophilic bacteria showed redundancy of genes coding for the ATP-independent holdase chaperones RidA and Hsp20. In addition, a systematically high redundancy of genes encoding periplasmic chaperones like HtrA and YidC was also detected. In the same way, the proteolytic ATPase complexes ClpPX and Lon presented redundancy and broad distribution. The presence of genes that encoded protein variants was noticeable. In addition, genes for chaperones and protease systems were clustered within the genomes, suggesting common regulation of these activities. Finally, some genes were differentially distributed between bacteria as a function of the autotrophic or heterotrophic character of their metabolism. These results suggest that acidophiles possess an abundant and flexible proteostasis network that protects proteins in organisms living in energy-limiting and extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, our results provide a means for understanding the diversity and significance of proteostasis mechanisms in extreme acidophilic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherin Izquierdo-Fiallo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Muñoz-Villagrán
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Omar Orellana
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rachid Sjoberg
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
| | - Gloria Levicán
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
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Holý O, Parra-Flores J, Bzdil J, Cabal-Rosel A, Daza-Prieto B, Cruz-Córdova A, Xicohtencatl-Cortes J, Rodríguez-Martínez R, Acuña S, Forsythe S, Ruppitsch W. Screening of Antibiotic and Virulence Genes from Whole Genome Sequenced Cronobacter sakazakii Isolated from Food and Milk-Producing Environments. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050851. [PMID: 37237754 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to use whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to screen for genes encoding for antibiotic resistance, fitness and virulence in Cronobacter sakazakii strains that had been isolated from food and powdered-milk-producing environments. Virulence (VGs) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) were detected with the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) platform, ResFinder and PlasmidFinder tools. Susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion. Fifteen presumptive strains of Cronobacter spp. were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and ribosomal-MLST. Nine C. sakazakii strains were found in the meningitic pathovar ST4: two were ST83 and one was ST1. The C. sakazakii ST4 strains were further distinguished using core genome MLST based on 3678 loci. Almost all (93%) strains were resistant to cephalotin and 33% were resistant to ampicillin. In addition, 20 ARGs, mainly involved in regulatory and efflux antibiotics, were detected. Ninety-nine VGs were detected that encoded for OmpA, siderophores and genes involved in metabolism and stress. The IncFIB (pCTU3) plasmid was detected, and the prevalent mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were ISEsa1, ISEc52 and ISEhe3. The C. sakazakii isolates analyzed in this study harbored ARGs and VGs, which could have contributed to their persistence in powdered-milk-producing environments, and increase the risk of infection in susceptible population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Holý
- Science and Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacký University Olomouc, 77515 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Julio Parra-Flores
- Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán 3800708, Chile
| | - Jaroslav Bzdil
- Ptacy s.r.o., Valasska Bystrice 194, 75627 Valasska Bystrice, Czech Republic
| | - Adriana Cabal-Rosel
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, 1220 Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatriz Daza-Prieto
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, 1220 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ariadnna Cruz-Córdova
- Intestinal Bacteriology Research Laboratory, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes
- Intestinal Bacteriology Research Laboratory, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Rodríguez-Martínez
- Intestinal Bacteriology Research Laboratory, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Sergio Acuña
- Department of Food Engineering, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán 3800708, Chile
| | - Stephen Forsythe
- FoodMicrobe.com Ltd., Adams Hill, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire NG12 5GY, UK
| | - Werner Ruppitsch
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, 1220 Vienna, Austria
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Comparison of Origanum Essential Oil Chemical Compounds and Their Antibacterial Activity against Cronobacter sakazakii. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196702. [PMID: 36235238 PMCID: PMC9571376 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) is an aromatic plant with wide applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Cronobacter sakazakii, which has a high detection rate in powdered infant formula, adversely impacts susceptible individuals. Oregano essential oil (OEO) is a natural antibacterial agent that can be used to fight bacterial contamination. Here, OEO chemical compounds from eight oregano varieties were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and their antibacterial properties were assessed. The eight OEOs were clustered into two groups and were more diverse in group 2 than in group 1. Six compounds, including p-cymene, 3-thujene, γ-terpinene, thymol, carvacrol, and caryophyllene, were shared by eight OEOs. Among the eight oregano varieties, OEOs from O. vulgare sc2 had the strongest antibacterial activity against C. sakazaki, with the inhibition zone of 18.22mm. OEOs from O. vulgare jx, O. ‘Nvying’, O. vulgare ‘Ehuang’, and O. vulgare ssp. virens were also potent. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of OEOs was positively correlated with the relative content of thymol. As the main OEO antibacterial compound, thymol affected the normal growth and metabolism of C. sakazakii cells by destroying the bacterial membrane and decreasing the intracellular ATP concentration. Thus, in light of the antibacterial activity detected in the OEOs from the eight oregano varieties, this study provides a theoretical foundation for oregano cultivar management and development.
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