Enterococcus and Lactobacillus contamination of raw milk in a farm dairy environment

Identification, Safety Assessment, and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Cocci Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Traditional Egyptian Dairy Products

The main objective of this study is to isolate and identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from various Egyptian dairy products, examine their antibacterial and hemolysis potential, and ensure their safety when used as starter cultures in different dairy industries. Egyptian dairy products are often made without the use of commercial starter cultures, using raw milk and artisanal methods. The most popular traditional dairy products are Laban Rayeb and Zabady, as well as the cheese varieties of Ras, Domiati, and Karish. The microbial communities used for fermentation and the diversity of lactic acid bacteria are the most important factors that can affect the quality of these products. In order to investigate the diversity of cocci lactic acid bacteria in Egyptian dairy products, 70 samples of raw or fermented milk and cheeses were collected from traditional cheese-making factories, local markets, and farmhouses located in the Delta area of Egypt. Following this, the LAB were isolated from the samples. One hundred fifty-seven isolates of Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and cocci bacterial species were identified via rep-PCR, and some isolates were confirmed using pheS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, as follows: Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius (three isolates), Enterococcus hirae (three isolates), Enterococcus faecium (ninety-six isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (forty isolates), Enterococcus durans (six isolates), Lactococcus garvieae (one isolate), Pediococcus acidilactici (seven isolates), and Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis (one isolate). These findings validate that five strains have strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, and one hundred thirty-four strains were safe for hemolysis. The five strains were selected as protective cultures, including Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, E. faecalis, and E. faecium.

In Vitro Interaction between Mycoplasma agalactiae and Small Ruminants' Endogenous Bacterial Strains of Enterococcus spp. and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus

Recently, an antimicrobial effect on Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma), the main etiological agent of contagious agalactia (CA), was reported in vitro with strains of Enterococcus spp. from ovine and caprine milk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the interaction of Ma with the same Enterococcus spp. isolated from other anatomical locations (vagina) and other bacterial populations present in milk, such as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The vaginal Enterococcus strains and the raw milk CNS were isolated from sheep and goats. Experimental in vitro conditions were prepared to assess the growth of Ma with and without the presence of these strains. The selected vaginal strains were identified as Enterococcus (E.) hirae and E. mundtii, and the strains of CNS were identified as Staphylococcus petrasii. Different interactions of Ma with ovine and caprine wild vaginal strains of Enterococcus and dairy strains of CNS are described for the first time: Ma can grow exponentially during 15 h with the selected strains, although with certain strains, its optimal growth can be negatively affected (p < 0.05). The colonization and/or excretion of Ma could, therefore, be influenced by certain endogenous bacterial strains. Our results increase the knowledge about possible bacterial ecology dynamics surrounding CA.

Microbial screening of animal skin bags used in traditional cheesemaking

Bouhezza is a traditional Algerian cheese produced and ripened in goatskin bags called Djeld. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial ecosystem from Djeld (fresh and dried Djeld for making Bouhezza cheese) and the changes introduced by Lben microflora during its preparation and to identify its role in cheesemaking and its safety. Two replicates of fresh and dried skin bags (FS and DS) were sampled and analyzed before and after contact with Lben. The microbiological results showed no pathogens. Skins observed before the addition of Lben were less populated 2.86 and 3.20 log CFU cm-2 than skins examined after the addition of Lben (approximately 6.0 log CFU cm-2), suggesting a potential role of Lben in releasing some microorganisms into the skin during its time in the Djeld. However, an increase in mesophilic lactic acid bacteria and yeasts was observed in Lben after different periods of interaction with the skin. PCR-TTGE revealed the predominance of lactic acid bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Staphylococcus equorum subsp. linens, Lactococcus cremoris, Streptococcus thermophilus) and a few high-GC-content bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Brevibacterium casei). Transfer of several microbial species was observed between the goatskin bag biofilm and Lben during the overnight interaction. Bands corresponding to Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Brevibacterium casei, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis were detected in the fresh skin profile and in Lben after contact with the fresh skin. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei was found in dried skin and Lben after contact with dry skin. Lactobacillus helveticus and Enterococcus faecalis appeared in the Lben profile and persisted in Lben and the biofilm-covered dry skin after interaction. These results demonstrate an exchange of specific microbial populations between goatskin bag biofilm and Lben during the traditional preparation method, suggesting that the diversity of goatskin biofilm contributes to the microbial diversity of Lben used in the production of Bouhezza cheese.

Pathogen Detection via Quantitative PCR in Milk of Healthy Cows Collected Using Different Sampling Protocols

In this study we evaluated the prevalence of pathogens detected via quantitative PCR (qPCR) in milk from apparently healthy cows to identify the most common etiological agents present in Italian dairy farms. Milk samples were collected using a sterile protocol at quarter-level (3239 samples, 822 cows) and a conventional protocol at udder level as composite milk from the functional quarters of each cow (5464 samples, 5464 cows). The qPCR commercial kit detected Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma spp., Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Prototheca spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterococcus spp. and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis as well as DNA from the penicillin resistance β-lactamase gene from staphylococci. The prevalence of specific DNA was calculated based on its presence or absence in the samples, factoring in both the sampling protocols and herds. Regardless of the sampling protocol used, the most frequently detected pathogens were CNS (26.6% in sterile and 13.9% in conventional protocol) and Streptococcus uberis (9.6% and 16.5%, respectively). These results underscore the necessity for pathogen-specific interventions at the farm level to enhance the udder health of dairy cows via management recommendations.

Current Trends of Enterococci in Dairy Products: A Comprehensive Review of Their Multiple Roles

As a genus that has evolved for resistance against adverse environmental factors and that readily exchanges genetic elements, enterococci are well adapted to the cheese environment and may reach high numbers in artisanal cheeses. Their metabolites impact cheese flavor, texture, and rheological properties, thus contributing to the development of its typical sensorial properties. Due to their antimicrobial activity, enterococci modulate the cheese microbiota, stimulate autolysis of other lactic acid bacteria (LAB), control pathogens and deterioration microorganisms, and may offer beneficial effects to the health of their hosts. They could in principle be employed as adjunct/protective/probiotic cultures; however, due to their propensity to acquire genetic determinants of virulence and antibiotic resistance, together with the opportunistic character of some of its members, this genus does not possess Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status. It is, however, noteworthy that some putative virulence factors described in foodborne enterococci may simply reflect adaptation to the food environment and to the human host as commensal. Further research is needed to help distinguish friend from foe among enterococci, eventually enabling exploitation of the beneficial aspects of specific cheese-associated strains. This review aims at discussing both beneficial and deleterious roles played by enterococci in artisanal cheeses, while highlighting the need for further research on such a remarkably hardy genus.

Monitoring Commercial Starter Culture Development in Presence of Red Grape Pomace Powder to Produce Polyphenol-Enriched Fresh Ovine Cheeses at Industrial Scale Level

Red grape Nero d’Avola cultivar grape pomace powder (GPP) was applied during fresh ovine cheese production in order to increase polyphenol content. Before cheeses were produced, the bacteria of a freeze-dried commercial starter culture were isolated and tested in vitro against GPP. Two dominant strains, both resistant to GPP, were identified. Thestarter culture was inoculated in pasteurized ewe’s milk and the curd was divided into two bulks, one added with 1% (w/w) GPP and another one GPP-free. GPP did not influence the starter culture development, since lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts were 109 CFU/g in both cheeses at 30 d. To exclude the interference of indigenous LAB, the pasteurized milk was analyzed, and several colonies of presumptive LAB were isolated, purified and typed. Four strains were allotted into Enterococcus and Lacticaseibacillus genera. The direct comparison of the polymorphic profiles of cheese bacteria evidenced the dominance of the starter culture over milk LAB. The addition of GPP increased cheese total phenolic compounds by 0.42 g GAE/kg. Sensory evaluation indicated that GPP-enriched cheese was well appreciated by the judges, providing evidence that GPP is a suitable substrate to increase the availability of total phenolic content in fresh ovine cheese.

Bioactive Compounds Produced by the Accompanying Microflora in Bulgarian Yoghurt

Bulgarian yoghurt is associated with health benefits and longevity of consumers. The specific microflora producing bioactive metabolites is responsible for this effect. The present study examines the biodiversity in four homemade yoghurts from regions containing endemic microflora. Metagenome sequencing indicated Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus were predominant in all samples. In addition, yoghurts contained accompanying lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lb. helveticus, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lb. rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus acidilactici, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Leuc. pseudomesenteroides. A negligible amount of pollutant strains was found. Twenty-four LAB strains were isolated from the yoghurts and identified. Lb. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains were genotyped by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA–PCR (RAPD), multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), which demonstrated their uniqueness and non-commercial origin. To estimate the bioactive metabolites produced by the accompanying microflora, yoghurts fermented by single LAB strains were analyzed using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The fermented samples contained large amounts of free essential amino acids (arginine, citrulline, tryptophan, lysine, and histidine), the neuroprotector indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), and significant quantities of the cyclic antimicrobial peptides cyclo(phenylalanyl-prolyl) and cyclo(leucyloprolyl). The disclosure of these special qualities draws attention to the accompanying microflora as a source of potential probiotic strains that can fortify the yoghurts’ content with bioactive compounds.

Approaches for enhancing in situ detection of enterocin genes in thermized milk, and selective isolation of enterocin-producing Enterococcus faecium from Baird-Parker agar

Enterococci are naturally selected for growth in thermized ewes'/goats' milk mixtures used for traditional cooked hard cheese processing in Greece. A culture-independent PCR-based approach was applied to detect the presence of enterocin-encoding genes in naturally culture-enriched thermized milk (TM). Portions of TM (63 °C, 30 s) collected from a commercial cheese plant before addition of starters were fermented at 37 °C for 48 h to facilitate growth of indigenous enterococci. The multiple enterocin-producing (m-Ent+) Enterococcus faecium KE82 and the nisin A-producing Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris M104 served as bacteriocin-positive inocula in separate TM treatments. The PCR results revealed a constant presence of the enterocin A, B and P genes in TM fermented naturally at 37 °C. Eleven out of 42 (26.2%) lactic isolates from the enriched TM cultures without inoculation were Ent+ E. faecium assigned to three biotypes. Biotype I (4 isolates) included single entA possessors, whereas biotype II (5 isolates) and biotype III (2 isolates) were m-Ent+ variants profiling entA-entB-entP and entA-entB genes, respectively. Biotype II displayed the strongest antilisterial activity in vitro. Surprisingly, 85.7% (6/7) of the m-Ent+ E. faecium were selectively isolated from Baird-Parker agar, reflecting their natural resistance to 0.01% tellurite contained in the egg yolk supplement. No cytolysin-positive E. faecalis or other Ent+ Enterococcus spp. were isolated. In conclusion, commercially thermized Greek milk is a natural pool or 'reservoir' of antagonistic Ent+ or m-Ent+ E. faecium strains that can be easily detected and recovered by applying this PCR-based approach to naturally fermented milks or cheese products.

Fontes de contaminação de Yersinia enterocolitica durante a produção de leite

RESUMO Objetivou-se determinar as possíveis fontes de contaminação de Yersinia enterocolitica em diferentes pontos do processo de ordenha de vacas leiteiras em oito propriedades da região de Pelotas, RS, ao longo de um ano. Foram analisadas amostras de leite cru de conjunto logo após a ordenha, água de estábulo leiteiro, mão de ordenhador, balde de recolhimento do leite e insuflador de teteiras. As amostras de leite cru e água foram coletadas em frascos estéreis, e as amostras de mão, balde e teteiras com zaragatoas estéreis. As amostras de leite cru foram submetidas a um pré-enriquecimento em água peptonada, sendo posteriormente incubadas em caldo PSTA, adicionado de ampicilina. As amostras de água foram filtradas em membrana de éster de celulose e incubadas em caldo TSB. As amostras de leite após incubação em PSTA, as membranas utilizadas na filtragem da água incubadas em TSB, bem como o material de mãos, balde e teteiras coletadas nas zaragatoas, foram semeados em ágar MacConkey e incubados para a obtenção de colônias. Colônias características foram analisadas por meio de duplex PCR para confirmação da espécie. Os perfis moleculares dos isolados de Y. enterocolitica foram comparados utilizando-se a técnica de rep-PCR. Y. enterocolitica foi isolada de 9,37% das amostras de leite, 6,25% das amostras de água e 12,5% das amostras de mão. Não houve similaridade no perfil de bandas dos isolados encontrados, entretanto foi identificada a presença de cepas diferentes na mesma amostra, demonstrando uma variedade grande de cepas distribuídas no ambiente. A presença de Y. enterocolitica em leite cru no Brasil é preocupante, já que uma quantidade considerável do produto ainda é comercializada de forma clandestina, expondo o consumidor ao risco de infecção pela bactéria, ao consumi-lo sem tratamento térmico adequado.

Selected technological properties and antibiotic resistance of enterococci isolated from milk

The aim of this work was to determine counts of enterococci in raw cow milk, to isolate and identify them, to determinate their antibiotic resistance, ability of lactose fermentation, proteolytic and lipolytic activity in different conditions of cultivation. Counts of enterococci were determined after 48 ±2 h cultivation on Slanetz-Bartley agar at 37 ±1 °C. The counts of enterococci in raw cow milk fluctuated from 1.80 x 102 to 1.77 x 103 CFU.mL-1 with average value 7.25 x 102 CFU.mL-1. Species identifications of enterococci isolates were performed using commercial EN-COCCUS test and confirmed by PCR. Majority of tested isolates (85.7%) was included to species E. faecalis. Antibiotic resistance was tested on Mueller-Hinton agar using following antimicrobial discs: vancomycin (VA) 30 µg.disc-1, gentamicin (CN) 120 µg.disc-1, erythromycin (E) 15 µg.disc-1, tetracycline (TE) 30 µg.disc-1, ampicillin (AMP) 10 µg.disc-1, teicoplanin (TEC) 30 µg.disc-1. From 13 isolates of enterococci, 1 strain was resistant to vancomycin, 1 strain to tetracycline and 1 to ampicillin, but higher prevalence of intermediate resistance of isolates was determined to tetracycline (5 strains). Ability of lactose fermentation was monitored by change of titratable acidity in UHT milk after 0, 18, 24, 40 and 48 h of cultivation at temperature 25, 30 and 37 °C. The tested strains of enterococci exhibit low milk acidifying ability. Production of proteolytic enzymes was evaluated after cultivation at temperature 7, 25 and 30 °C after 10 days on nutrient agar no. 2 with sterile skim milk (10% w/v) with pH 6.0 and 6.5. Proteolytic activity of tested enterococci strains varied depending on tested temperature and pH. Lipolytic activity was determined similarly like proteolytic activity but on tributyrin agar base with tributyrin (1% w/v). Lipolytic activity of isolated enterococci was very low. The tested strains produced halos with zone in range from 7 to 15 mm regardless of pH, cultivation time and temperature. Some of isolated and tested enterococci strains have shown suitable technological properties, but they have exhibited resistance to antibiotic.

Mesophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria Diversity Encountered in Brazilian Farms Producing Milk with Particular Interest in Lactococcus lactis Strains

The milk produced in regions with different traditions in Brazil is used for artisanal product production, which is characterized by different sensorial characteristics. This study aimed to identify the bacterial ecosystem of farms located in a traditional dairy region in the state of Minas Gerais and to characterize Lactococcus lactis strains, the species of interest in this study, using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) protocol and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) technique. Samples were collected from raw milk and dairy environment from six farms. A total of 50 isolates were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and species-specific PCR. Five genera were identified: Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus, from ten different species. MLST (with six housekeeping genes) and PFGE (with SmaI endonuclease) were used for the characterization of 20 isolates of Lactococcus lactis from a dairy collection in this study. Both methods revealed a high clonal diversity of strains with a higher discriminatory level for PFGE (15 pulsotypes), compared to MLST (12 ST). This study contributes to the preservation of the Brazilian dairy heritage and provides insights into a part of the LAB population found in raw milk and dairy environment.

Prevalence, seasonality, and growth of enterococci in raw and pasteurized milk in Victoria, Australia

This study investigated the prevalence, seasonality, and species variety of enterococci present in raw milk factory silos and pasteurized milk in 3 dairying regions in Victoria, Australia, over a 1-yr period. Additionally, the growth ability of thermoduric enterococci isolated in this study (Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, and E. durans) was determined in milk at temperatures likely to occur during storage, transport, and distribution, and before domestic consumption (4 and 7°C). Enterococci were detected in 96% of 211 raw milk samples, with an average count of 2.48 log10 cfu/mL. Counts were significantly lower in winter than summer (average 1.84 log10 cfu/mL) and were different between factories but not regions. Enterococcus faecalis was the most prevalent species isolated from raw milk in every factory, comprising between 61.5 and 83.5% of enterococcal species across each season. Enterococci were detected in lower numbers in pasteurized milk than in raw milk and were below the limit of detection on spread plates (<10 cfu/mL) after factory pasteurization. Residual viable cells were only detected following enrichment using 100-mL samples of milk, with 20.8% of the samples testing positive; this equated to a decrease in the average raw milk enterococci count of >4 log10 cfu/mL following pasteurization. Although E. faecalis predominated in raw milk and E. durans was found in only 2.9% of raw milk samples, E. durans was the most prevalent species detected in pasteurized milk. The detection of enterococci in the pasteurized milk did not correlate with higher enterococci counts in the raw milk. This suggested that the main enterococci populations in raw milk were heat-sensitive and that thermoduric enterococci survived pasteurization in a small numbers of instances. All of the thermoduric enterococci that were assessed for growth at likely refrigeration temperatures were able to grow at both 4 and 7°C in sterile milk, with generation times of 35 to 41h and 16 to 22h, respectively. Thermoduric enterococci were detected in pasteurized milk stored at 4°C for 2 wk (typically 1 to 9 cells/100mL, up to 2.82 log10 cfu/mL), demonstrating the potential of enterococci to survive pasteurization and contribute to milk spoilage at refrigeration temperatures. This is particularly relevant for milk that is aseptically packaged to exclude gram-negative psychrotrophic bacteria and kept above the recommended storage temperature of ≤5°C.

Occurrence of Enterococcus spp. isolated from the milk and milk products

Enterococcus spp. is the most controversial group of lactic acid bacteria that have been for years ascribed with beneficial or detrimental role in food and feed. The aim of our study was to monitor the occurrence of Enterococcus spp. as the indicator of the contamination from collected samples of raw cow's milk, goat's colostrum and whey (n = 186). Cultures of enterococci were cultivated and purified and identified by the genus-specific and species-specific PCR method (n = 230). Among suspected isolates in total 222 isolates (96.5%) were identified as Enterococcus spp. The results were the same in all samples separately, more than 90% each of them were positive to Enterococcus spp. The results of counting the number of cultivated colonies showed that the largest number of enterococci is found in the samples of whey taken after the process of electrodialysis and the smallest in the native whey sample. From collected whey samples, 64 samples (90%) were PCR positive for enterococci species. Afterwards within the identification of several selected isolates that were identified, as Enterococcus spp. by the species-specific PCR method the most frequently presented in all of isolates was Enterococccus faecalis. Apparently the presence of enterococci was detected in all samples, but in amounts that aren't hazardous for human health. Although enterococci are oportunistic pathogens, it seems that they occur frequently in foods (especially fermented) in large numbers.

Characterization, phylogenetic affiliation and probiotic properties of high cell density Lactobacillus strains recovered from silage

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to isolate high cell density Lactobacillus (LAB) from different forages and select the best strains for production of silage with improved the lactic acid production.

RESULTS

Twenty heterofermentative LAB strains were selected and their probiotic properties were analyzed by evaluating their tolerance to low pH, bile salts, biogenic amine production, enzyme activity, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and antifungal activity. The 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic affiliation indicated that 16 strains were Lactobacillus plantarum and others were L. bobalius, L. zymae, L. crustorum and L. diolivorans. Shake-flask cultivation of these strains under aerobic conditions showed comparatively higher growth and organic acid production than that achieved using the well-studied LAB strains. In addition, all the strains were highly sensitive towards ox gall (0.3%), but grew well in the presence of sodium taurocholate (0.3%). Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is an intrinsic feature of these LAB strains; thus consumption does not represent a health risk to humans. Lactobacillus plantarum strains exhibited considerable antifungal activity against food pathogens.

CONCLUSION

The present finding raises the possibility that high cell density LAB strains with potential probiotic properties could be used to prepare quality silages for animals.

Weissella uvarum sp. nov., isolated from wine grapes

Two bacterial strains (B18BM42(T) and B18NM6) were recovered during a study of bacterial diversity on wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) from the Nemea region in Greece. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the two strains within the genus Weissella, and found them to be most closely related to Weissella minor NRIC 1625(T) followed by Weissella viridescens NRIC 1536(T) (99.1 and 98.9% sequence similarity, respectively). The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains B18NM42(T) and W. minor NRIC 1625(T) or W. viridescens NRIC 1536(T) was 31.9 and 35.0%, respectively. The two novel strains could be genetically differentiated from their closest relatives by REA-PFGE (restriction enzyme analysis-pulse field gel electrophoresis), RAPD (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA) and rep-PC R analyses (repetitive sequence-based PCR). Physiological examination showed that the novel strains can be distinguished from phylogenetically related species by their ability to grow at 42 °C and by certain carbohydrate fermentations. Based on the evidence above, the affiliation of the two strains to a novel species with the proposed name Weissella uvarum sp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is B18NM42(T) ( =DSM 28060(T) =NCCB 100484(T)).

Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus hirae Strain INF E1 Isolated from Cultured Milk

Here, we present the draft genome of Enterococcus hirae INF E1, found as a contaminant in cultured milk and studied for its ability to metabolize milk fat globule membrane glycoconjugates.

Traditional cheeses: rich and diverse microbiota with associated benefits

The risks and benefits of traditional cheeses, mainly raw milk cheeses, are rarely set out objectively, whence the recurrent confused debate over their pros and cons. This review starts by emphasizing the particularities of the microbiota in traditional cheeses. It then describes the sensory, hygiene, and possible health benefits associated with traditional cheeses. The microbial diversity underlying the benefits of raw milk cheese depends on both the milk microbiota and on traditional practices, including inoculation practices. Traditional know-how from farming to cheese processing helps to maintain both the richness of the microbiota in individual cheeses and the diversity between cheeses throughout processing. All in all more than 400 species of lactic acid bacteria, Gram and catalase-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and moulds have been detected in raw milk. This biodiversity decreases in cheese cores, where a small number of lactic acid bacteria species are numerically dominant, but persists on the cheese surfaces, which harbour numerous species of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Diversity between cheeses is due particularly to wide variations in the dynamics of the same species in different cheeses. Flavour is more intense and rich in raw milk cheeses than in processed ones. This is mainly because an abundant native microbiota can express in raw milk cheeses, which is not the case in cheeses made from pasteurized or microfiltered milk. Compared to commercial strains, indigenous lactic acid bacteria isolated from milk/cheese, and surface bacteria and yeasts isolated from traditional brines, were associated with more complex volatile profiles and higher scores for some sensorial attributes. The ability of traditional cheeses to combat pathogens is related more to native antipathogenic strains or microbial consortia than to natural non-microbial inhibitor(s) from milk. Quite different native microbiota can protect against Listeria monocytogenes in cheeses (in both core and surface) and on the wooden surfaces of traditional equipment. The inhibition seems to be associated with their qualitative and quantitative composition rather than with their degree of diversity. The inhibitory mechanisms are not well elucidated. Both cross-sectional and cohort studies have evidenced a strong association of raw-milk consumption with protection against allergic/atopic diseases; further studies are needed to determine whether such association extends to traditional raw-milk cheese consumption. In the future, the use of meta-omics methods should help to decipher how traditional cheese ecosystems form and function, opening the way to new methods of risk-benefit management from farm to ripened cheese.

Occurence of antibiotic resistant enterococci on skin of teats and teat cups of milking machine

The production of high-quality milk with low bacteriological counts begins at the farm and involves multiple factors related to cows, environment, and hygiene of equipment. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of enterococci in conditions of farmhouse production and antibiotic resistance of 49 strains isolated from skin of teats and 50 strains isolated from teat cups of milking machine. The samples for enumeration and isolation of enterococci were cultured on selective diagnostic Slanetz-Bartley agar. The isolates were phenotypically identified at the species level with EN-COCCUS test. Susceptibilities of isolated enterococci to antibiotic (vancomycin 30 μg/disc, ampicillin 10 μg/disc, erythromycin 15 μg/disc, gentamicin 120 μg/disc, teicoplanin 30 μg/disc and tetracycline 30 μg/disc) were tested using the disc diffusion method.  The counts of enterococci from teats reached the average value 2.77 log10 cfu.ml-1 and from teat cups of milking machine average value 2.85 log10 cfu.ml-1. The dominant species isolated from teats (41%) and also from teat cups (36%) were representatives of E. group III - E. durans, E. hirae, E. faecalis asaccharolytic var. The isolates of enterococci obtained from teats showed resistance to tetracycline (4%), erythromycin (4%) and intermediary resistance to tetracycline (8%), erythromycin (25%) and to vancomycin (8%). The isolates of enterococci obtained from teat cups showed resistance to tetracycline (2%) and intermediary resistance to erythromycin (20%) and to vancomycin (6%). No resistance to the antibiotic teicoplanin, ampicillin and gentamicin was found. The most of the isolates of enterococci were sensitive to the tested antibiotics.

Isolation and characterization of antifungal compound from Lactobacillus plantarum KCC-10 from forage silage with potential beneficial properties

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to isolate, identify and characterize an antifungal compound from Lactobacillus plantarum KCC-10 from forage silage with potential beneficial properties.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic affiliation was determined using bioinformatic tools and identified as Lactobacillus sp. KCC-10 with 100% sequence similarity to L. plantarum. The antifungal substances were extracted with ethyl acetate from spent medium in which Lactobacillus sp. KCC-10 was cultivated. Antifungal activity was assessed using the broth microdilution technique. The compounds were obtained by eluting the crude extract with various concentrations of solvents followed by chromatographic purification. Based on the infrared, (13) C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and (1) H NMR spectral data, the compound was identified as a phenolic-related antibiotic. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the compound against Aspergillus clavatus, A. oryzae, Botrytis elliptica and Scytalidium vaccinii was 2.5 mg ml(-1) and that against A. fumigatus, A. niger and S. fusca was 5.0 mg ml(-1) , respectively. In addition, Lactobacillus sp. KCC-10 was highly sensitive towards oxgall (0.3%) but grew well in the presence of sodium taurocholate (0.3%). An antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was an intrinsic feature of this strain; thus, consumption does not represent a health risk to humans or animals.

CONCLUSION

Novel L. plantarum KCC-10 with antifungal and potential probiotic properties was characterized for use in animal food.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study revealed that L. plantarum KCC-10 exhibited good antifungal activity similar to that of probiotic Lactobacillus strains.

Characterization of contaminants from a sanitized milk processing plant

Milk processing lines offer a wide variety of microenvironments where a diversity of microorganisms can proliferate. We sampled crevices and junctions where, due to deficient reach by typical sanitizing procedures, bacteria can survive and establish biofilms. The sampling sites were the holding cell, cold storage tank, pasteurizer and storage tank - transfer pump junction. The culturable bacteria that were isolated after the sanitation procedure were predominantly Pseudomonas spp., Serratia spp, Staphylococcus sciuri and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. We assayed several phenotypic characteristics such as the ability to secrete enzymes and siderophores, as well as the capacity of the strains to form biofilms that might contribute to their survival in a mixed species environment. The Pseudomonas spp. isolates were found to either produce proteases or lecithinases at high levels. Interestingly, protease production showed an inverse correlation with siderophore production. Furthermore, all of the Serratia spp. isolates were strong biofilm formers and spoilage enzymes producers. The organisms identified were not mere contaminants, but also producers of proteins with the potential to lower the quality and shelf-life of milk. In addition, we found that a considerable number of the Serratia and Pseudomonas spp. isolated from the pasteurizer were capable of secreting compounds with antimicrobial properties.

Selected properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw cow's milk

For the identification of lactic acid bacteria derived from raw cow's milk, 151 colonies were isolated. The grow conditions of lactic acid bacteria were at temperature 37 °C for 3 days on MRS medium. Based on microscopical preparation, negative catalase and Gram-positive test were 81 isolates confirmed as genus Lactobacillus. Out of these, 9 isolates were evaluated for acidifying activity in UHT milk at 25 °C, 30 °C and 37 °C at regular intervals during 24 hours. The average count of NSLAB lactobacilli in raw cow's milk reached the value 1.54.104 KTJ.ml-1. It was found that all tested strains of lactobacilli did not cause significant changes of titratable acidity in milk at 25 °C and 30 °C. Only one strain significantly improved the titratable acidity of milk at 37 °C after 24 hours. The acidity reached the value from 7.5 °SH to 41.9 °SH. This strain was confirmed by PCR method as Lactobacillus helveticus.

Prevalence, species distribution and antimicrobial resistance of enterococci isolated from US dairy cattle

AIMS

To estimate prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococci in faeces collected in 2007 from U.S. dairy cattle.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 718 faecal samples from 122 dairy cattle operations from 17 US States were collected and cultured for the presence of enterococci. One hundred and eighteen of the 122 operations (96·7%) had at least one dairy cow positive for enterococci and 88·7% (637 of 718) of the faecal samples were positive. At least ten different enterococcal species were found on the dairy operations and 90·7% (107 of 118) of the operations were positive for Enterococcus hirae followed by E. faecalis (40·7%; 48 of 118) and E. faecium (39%; 46 of 118). The highest percentage of resistant isolates were to lincomycin (92·3%; 587 of 636), flavomycin (71·9%; 457 of 636) and tetracycline (24·5%; 156 of 636). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) (resistance ≥ 2 antimicrobials) was observed to as many as seven antimicrobials regardless of class.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to previous studies, faecal shedding of enterococci in dairy cattle occurred in almost 90% of cows sampled and represented a variety of enterococcal species.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Although this study demonstrated a high prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci from dairy cattle faeces in the United States, the contribution of dairy cattle as a source of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci that can be transmitted to humans remains unclear.

Analysis of the lactic acid bacteria microflora in traditional Caucasus cow's milk cheeses

A total of 157 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from three hand-made cheeses taken from different households in the region of the Caucasus Mountains. The cheeses were manufactured from cow's milk without the addition of a starter culture. The isolates of LAB were characterized by subjecting them to phenotypic and genotypic tests. The results of identification of LAB indicate that the examined cheeses contained 10 species, viz., Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paraplantarum, Lactobacillus arizonensis, Lactobacillus farciminis, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus faecalis. The strains within the species L. plantarum, L. arizonensis, L. paraplantarum, L. farciminis, and L. pseudomesenteroides showed good proteolytic activity.

Identification and characterization of Enterococcus spp. in Greek spontaneous sausage fermentation

A total of 108 enterococcal strains previously isolated from spontaneously fermented sausages were identified using phenotypic traits, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The proteolytic and lipolytic activities of these isolates and their ability to decarboxylate lysine, tyrosine, ornithine, and histidine and to produce antimicrobial compounds also were assessed. All strains were identified as Enterococcus faecium, and a lack of correlation between data derived from phenotypic and those derived from genotypic techniques was evident. Wide strain diversity was revealed by both phenotypic properties and PFGE strain typing results. Few strains were present in all batches, suggesting a possible persistence in the respective production plants. Neither proteolytic nor lipolytic activities were detected, and none of the strains decarboxylated lysine, tyrosine, ornithine, or histidine. A total of 42 E. faecium strains inhibited in vitro growth of Listeria monocytogenes, which suggests possible contribution of these strains to the safety of the end product and possible utilization of these strains as protective cultures.