Bacillus cereus in personal care products: risk to consumers

A rare waterborne outbreak of Bacillus paranthracis in Shandong province, China, 2020: epidemiologic survey, genomic insights, and virulence characteristics

Bacillus paranthracis, a Gram-positive conditional pathogen of Bacillus cereus group species, is capable of causing foodborne and waterborne illnesses, leading to intestinal diseases in humans characterized by diarrhoea and vomiting. However, documented cases of B. paranthracis infection outbreaks are rare in the world, and the genomic background of outbreak strains is seldom characterized. This study retrospectively analyzed strains obtained from an outbreak in schools, as well as from water systems in peri-urban areas, China, in 2020. In total, 28 B. cereus group isolates were retrieved, comprising 6 from stool samples and 22 from water samples. Epidemiological and phylogenetic investigations indicated that the B. paranthracis isolate from drinking water as the causative agent of the outbreak. The genomic comparison revealed a high degree of consistency among 8 outbreak-related strains in terms of antimicrobial resistance gene profiles, virulence gene profiles, genomic content, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The strains related to the outbreak show highly similar genomic ring diagrams and close phylogenetic relationships. Additionally, this study shed light on the pathogenic potential and complexity of B. cereus group through its diversity in virulence genes and mice infection model. The findings highlight the usefulness of B. paranthracis genomes in understanding genetic diversity within specific environments and in tracing the source of pathogens during outbreak situations, thereby enabling targeted infection control interventions.

Risk perception and use of personal care products by race and ethnicity among a diverse population

Personal care products can contain phthalates, parabens and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. However, information on perception of risks from personal care product use and how use varies by race and ethnicity is limited. We evaluated differences in personal care product use and risk perception in a diverse sample of participants recruited from a US college campus and online. A self-administered questionnaire captured information on sociodemographic factors, personal care product use trends and perception of risk associated with them. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to determine differences in personal care product use and risk perception by race and ethnicity. Ordered logistic regressions were performed to measure associations between personal care product use frequency across racial/ethnic categories. Participant (n = 770) mean age was 22.8 years [standard deviation ± 6.0]. Daily use of make-up (eye = 29.3%; other = 38.0%; all = 33.7%) and skincare products (55%) was most frequently reported among Middle Eastern and North African participants. Non-Hispanic Black participants reported the highest daily use of hairstyling products (52%) and lotion (78%). Daily make-up use was more frequently reported among females (41%) than males (24.6%). Levels of agreement were similar across racial and ethnic groups, that personal care product manufacturers should be required to list all ingredients (≥87%). There were significant associations between the frequency of use of some personal care products and racial/ethnic categories when the use frequencies of participants from other racial/ethnic categories were compared to the use frequency of non-Hispanic White participants. There were significant differences in daily use frequency, levels of trust, perception of safety and health risks associated with personal care products by race and ethnicity, underscoring that there may be different sources of exposure to chemicals in personal care products by race and ethnicity.

Ocular Bacterial Infections: A Ten-Year Survey and Review of Causative Organisms Based on the Oklahoma Experience

Ocular infections can be medical emergencies that result in permanent visual impairment or blindness and loss of quality of life. Bacteria are a major cause of ocular infections. Effective treatment of ocular infections requires knowledge of which bacteria are the likely cause of the infection. This survey of ocular bacterial isolates and review of ocular pathogens is based on a survey of a collection of isolates banked over a ten-year span at the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma. These findings illustrate the diversity of bacteria isolated from the eye, ranging from common species to rare and unique species. At all sampled sites, staphylococci were the predominant bacteria isolated. Pseudomonads were the most common Gram-negative bacterial isolate, except in vitreous, where Serratia was the most common Gram-negative bacterial isolate. Here, we discuss the range of ocular infections that these species have been documented to cause and treatment options for these infections. Although a highly diverse spectrum of species has been isolated from the eye, the majority of infections are caused by Gram-positive species, and in most infections, empiric treatments are effective.

Effect of Sublethal Concentrations of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Bacillus cereus

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), which are produced on a large scale, pose a potential threat to various environments because they can interact with the microbial populations found in them. Bacteria that are widespread in soil, water, and plant material include the Bacillus cereus group, which plays an important role in biodegradation and the nutrient cycle and is a major factor determining ecological balance. This group includes, among others, the foodborne pathogen B. cereus sensu stricto (herein referred to as B. cereus). The aim of this study was a comprehensive assessment of the effects of commercially available ZnONPs on B. cereus. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) for B. cereus was 1.6 mg/mL, and the MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) was 1.8 mg/mL. Growth of B. cereus was inhibited by a concentration of ZnONPs lower than or equal to MIC50. Concentrations from 0.2 to 0.8 mg/mL inhibited the growth of these bacteria in liquid media, induced symptoms of oxidative stress, and stimulated an environmental stress response in the form of biofilm and endospore formation. In addition, ZnONPs negatively affected the ability of the bacteria to break down the azo dye Evans Blue but enhanced the antimicrobial properties of phenolic compounds. Sublethal concentrations of ZnONPs generally decreased the activity of B. cereus cells, especially in the presence of phenolics, which indicates their potential toxicological impact, but at the same time they induced universal defence responses in these cells, which in the case of potential pathogens can hinder their removal.

Exploiting the Crithmum maritimum L. Aqueous Extracts and Essential Oil as Potential Preservatives in Food, Feed, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries

Chritmum maritimum, sea fennel, is a facultative halophyte used in salads, soups, and sauces, as well as used to prepare medicinal juices and aqueous extracts (AE) to treat several ailments. Its essential oil (EO) is used as a spice and aromatizing. In this work, the nutritional (crude protein, fiber, lipids, and ashes content) and HPLC-PDA phenolic profiles were determined. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of the infusion and of the decoction, as well as the antibacterial activity of both, the AE and EO, were assessed against food-contaminating bacteria. The composition of the EO was also established. Sea fennel exhibited considerable fiber (34.3 ± 1.92%) and mineral content (23.6 ± 4.8%). AE contains chlorogenic acid as the major phenolic compound, 49.7 ± 0.8 mg/g in the infusion dry extract and (26.8 ± 0.9 mg/g in the decoction dry extract). EO contains high amounts of monoterpene hydrocarbons, namely γ-terpinene and sabinene. In regards to the antioxidant activity, IC₅₀ values for the infusion and decoction were, respectively: 36.5 ± 1.4 μg/mL and 44.7 ± 4.4 μg/mL in the DPPH assay; 37.3 ± 2.6 μg/mL and 38.4 ± 1.8 μg/mL, in the ABTS assay. EO is particularly active against Bacillus cereus and Lactobacillus plantarum. The results support the use of sea fennel AE and EO as a potential alternative preservative ingredient for feeds, foods, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, due to the antioxidant activity of infusion and decoction, and antibacterial properties of essential oil.

Quality and safety investigation of commonly used topical cosmetic preparations

Cosmetic and personal care products are considered an essential part of our daily care routine; hence, these products must be stable and safe for human use. This study aimed to assess the quality and safety of the most common cosmetic preparations. To select the products to be tested, a cross-sectional survey was distributed featuring the most used types and brands of products. Based on 447 responses from both males and females with different ages and education levels, 21 products from different brands were selected and tested in terms of microbial load, heavy metal content, and organoleptic properties. Microbial contamination was investigated using the aerobic plate count method. Lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and arsenic (As) impurities were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The products included sunblock, lip balm, hand cream, hair cream, shampoo, cleanser, baby oil, baby powder, bar soap, hair dye, makeup, deodorant, hair serum, shaving gel, and toothpaste. Microbial contamination was found in 14 of the products, ranging between 1467.5 and 299.5 cfu/ml. The most commonly isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus species. Most of the tested products showed metal impurities, with toothpaste having the highest concentrations of Pb, Cr, As, Cu and Ni. The samples did not show lumps or discoloration, did not have characteristic odors, and had pH values ranging from 6.90 to 8.10. The continuous usage of such products could lead to serious negative consequences. As a result, ensuring the quality of cosmetic products is critical. Regulatory authorities are required to enforce strict legislation on cosmetic manufacturing to assess and ensure the quality and safety of the products before they reach consumers.

Genomic characterization of Bacillus cereus sensu stricto 3A ES isolated from eye shadow cosmetic products

BACKGROUND

The Bacillus cereus group, also known as B. cereus sensu lato (s.l.) contains ubiquitous spore-forming bacteria found in the environment including strains from the B. cereus sensu stricto (s.s.) species. They occur naturally in a wide range of raw materials and in consumer products. Characterizing isolates that have survived in consumer products allows us to better understand the mechanisms that permit spores to persist and potentially cause illness. Here we characterize the draft genome sequence of B. cereus s. s. 3A-ES, originally isolated from eye shadow and since investigated in several cosmetic studies and compared it to other top ten published complete genome sequences of B. cereus s.l. members.

RESULTS

The draft genome sequence of B. cereus s.s. 3A ES consisted of an average of 90 contigs comprising approximately 5,335,727 bp and a GC content of 34,988%, and with 5509 predicted coding sequences. Based on the annotation statistics and comparison to other genomes within the same species archived in the Pathosystems Resource Integration Center (PATRIC), this genome "was of good quality. Annotation of B. cereus s.s. 3A ES revealed a variety of subsystem features, virulence factors and antibiotic resistant genes. The phylogenetic analysis of ten B. cereus group members showed B. cereus s.s. 3A-ES to be a closely related homolog of B. cereus s.s. ATCC 14,579, an established reference strain that is not adapted for cosmetic microbiological studies. Survival of 3A-ES in eye shadow could be linked to predicted stress-response genes and strengthened by additional stress-response genes such as VanB-type, VanRB, CAT15/16, BcrA, BcrB, Lsa(B), and recA that are lacking in B. cereus s.s. ATCC 14,579.

CONCLUSION

Our genomic analysis of B. cereus s.s. 3A-ES revealed genes, which may allow this bacterium to withstand the action of preservatives and inhibitors in cosmetics, as well as virulence factors that could contribute to its pathogenicity. Having a well-characterized strain obtained from eye-shadow may be useful for establishing a reference strain for cosmetics testing.

Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Bacillus cereus Strains Isolated from Baby Wipes

Bacillus cereus, a ubiquitous environmental microorganism known to cause foodborne illness, was isolated from samples taken from imported baby wipes from two different countries. These strains were characterized using a comprehensive molecular approach involving endpoint PCR, whole genome sequencing (WGS), comparative genomics, and biochemical analyses. A multiplex endpoint PCR assay was used to identify the enterotoxins: hemolysin BL, nonhemolytic enterotoxin, cytotoxin K, and enterotoxin FM toxin genes. Phylogenetically, the strains clustered into two major groups according to sequence type (ST) and singleton. We used the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) GalaxyTrakr BTyper computational tool to characterize the strains further. As an additional means of characterization, we investigated the possible role of carbohydrate transport systems and their role in nutrient uptake by performing a BLAST analysis of the 40 B. cereus genomes recovered from baby wipes. This study outlines a multifaceted workflow that uses the analysis of enterotoxigenic potential, bioinformatics, genomic diversity, genotype, phenotype, and carbohydrate utilization as a comprehensive strategy to characterize these B. cereus strains isolated from baby wipes and further our understanding of the phylogenetic relatedness of strains associated with baby wipe production facilities that could potentially pose an infection risk to a vulnerable infant population.

Study of the Antibacterial Potency of Electroactivated Solutions of Calcium Lactate and Calcium Ascorbate on Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 Vegetative Cells

Bacillus cereus is a pathogenic bacterium, Gram-positive, aerobic, and facultative anaerobic that can produce spores and different toxins. It is involved in serious foodborne illnesses such as the diarrheal and emetic syndromes, depending on the ingested toxin. This work is aimed to study the potency of electroactivated solutions (EAS) of calcium lactate, calcium ascorbate, and their mixture as antibacterial agents against B. cereus ATCC 14579 vegetative cells. The solutions used were electroactivated under electric current intensities of 250, 500, and 750 mA for 30 min. The obtained EAS were tested in direct contact with B. cereus (10⁷ CFU/mL) for different durations ranging from 5 s to 2 min. Moreover, standard lactic and ascorbic acids were tested as controls at equivalent titratable acidity as that of the corresponding electroactivated solutions. The obtained results showed that EAS exhibit high antibacterial efficacy against B. cereus vegetative cells. The EAS obtained after electroactivation of calcium lactate and calcium ascorbate were more efficient than those of their corresponding standard acids (lactic and ascorbic). The observed antibacterial effect of the EAS resulted in a reduction of 7 log CFU/mL after 5 s of direct contact in some specific cases. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopic observations provided conclusive evidence of the antibacterial activity of the used EAS. These results outlined the highly antimicrobial potency of EAS against B. cereus vegetative cells and that they can be considered in an eventual strategy to ensure food safety, surface cleaning, as well as replacement of hazardous disinfecting chemicals.

Eye Make-up Products and Dry Eye Disease: A Mini Review

Dry eye disease (DED), a multifactorial condition of the tear film and ocular surface, is one of the leading reasons for patients seeking eye care. Despite the multiple toxic ingredients of eye make-up products and their long-term application close to the ocular surface, few studies have analyzed their role in initiating and worsening DED. Females and the elderly experience the highest prevalence of DED and may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of eye make-up. The multifactorial nature of DED and common mechanisms behind several ocular surface diseases make it difficult to link a particular ingredient-driven mechanism to DED. Therefore, here, we list potential responses to eye cosmetics that may be involved in DED development. The first part of this review introduces the anatomy of the eye and DED, the second section explains the classification of eye cosmetic products, and the final part discusses the undesired effects under physical, pathogenic, and chemical insults.

Study of the impacts of electro-activated solutions of calcium lactate, calcium ascorbate and their equimolar mixture combined with moderate heat treatments on the spores of Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 under model conditions and in fresh salmon

Widespread in very diverse environments, the spores of Bacillus cereus are highly resistant to hostile conditions and can contaminate a huge variety of food products, posing a potential health hazard to consumers. Given this significant risk, the objective of this research work was to study the impacts of electro-activated solutions (EAS) made with calcium ascorbate, calcium lactate, and their equimolar mixture on Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 spores in model conditions and food matrix, the fresh Atlantic salmon. The model conditions consisted of a direct application of the EAS to the spores, which avoided any interference with factors external to those of the solutions. Salmon was chosen as a food model because it is a product sensitive to bacterial spoilage and can be eaten raw. To achieve this, the solutions were prepared by electro-activation using an electric current with an intensity of 750 mA for 30 min, resulting in mean pH values of 1.94 ± 0.15-2.16 ± 0.01 and titratable acidity of 0.102 ± 0.001-0.109 ± 0.001 mol/L, depending on the type of solution. These conditions were chosen because of their excellent antibacterial efficacy previously demonstrated against vegetative cells of B. cereus. The results showed high sporicidal activities of the EAS against B. cereus with a 7 to 9 log reduction, using an initial spore population of 10⁹ CFU/mL, depending on the conditions evaluated, namely: in direct contact (2-30 min), in salmon used as a food matrix (2-7 min), and in combination with moderate heat treatments from 60 to 90 °C (0.5-2 min). In addition, it was observed that the sporicidal capacity of the EAS increased with temperature and the contact time. Otherwise, analysis of the color and lipids of the salmon have not shown any major impacts of the use of EAS as a rinsing solution for this highly perishable food. Furthermore, micrographs taken by scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed the destructive effects of the EAS used in the vital structures/components of the spores. In general, this study has demonstrated that the electro-activation technology is effective in producing EAS capable of destroying/inactivating B. cereus spores and that they can be used for the improvement of food safety and preservation.

Cosmetics Preservation: A Review on Present Strategies

Cosmetics, like any product containing water and organic/inorganic compounds, require preservation against microbial contamination to guarantee consumer’s safety and to increase their shelf-life. The microbiological safety has as main goal of consumer protection against potentially pathogenic microorganisms, together with the product’s preservation resulting from biological and physicochemical deterioration. This is ensured by chemical, physical, or physicochemical strategies. The most common strategy is based on the application of antimicrobial agents, either by using synthetic or natural compounds, or even multifunctional ingredients. Current validation of a preservation system follow the application of good manufacturing practices (GMPs), the control of the raw material, and the verification of the preservative effect by suitable methodologies, including the challenge test. Among the preservatives described in the positive lists of regulations, there are parabens, isothiasolinone, organic acids, formaldehyde releasers, triclosan, and chlorhexidine. These chemical agents have different mechanisms of antimicrobial action, depending on their chemical structure and functional group’s reactivity. Preservatives act on several cell targets; however, they might present toxic effects to the consumer. Indeed, their use at high concentrations is more effective from the preservation viewpoint being, however, toxic for the consumer, whereas at low concentrations microbial resistance can develop.

FDA 2014 survey of eye area cosmetics for microbiological safety

In an attempt to assess cosmetics containing 'nontraditional' preservatives, 93 eye area cosmetic products were selected based on labelled or marketed claims that these products were 'green', 'natural', 'paraben-free', 'preservative-free' or contained nontraditional preservatives (e.g. botanical extracts). Products were analysed for water activity, pH and microbiological content, which included enumeration of aerobic micro-organisms, detection of microbial growth after a 7-day enrichment and identification of microbial isolates. The survey found that 60% (56/93) of the eye area cosmetics were free of microbiological growth under test conditions, 32% (30/93) showed the presence of micro-organisms at low levels (<100 CFU per ml or g) and 8% (7/93) showed microbiological growth at higher levels (> 100 CFU per ml or g). Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus and Staphylococcus were the dominant genera identified in these cosmetic products, whereas Gram-negative species were relatively uncommon. The survey found a positive association between lower water activity cosmetics and the presence of micro-organisms in these products. Similarly, colour cosmetics were more likely to contain micro-organisms than noncolour cosmetics. The most represented micro-organisms in the survey were from genus Bacillus, suggesting that the natural raw materials are the likely source of observed microbial loads.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

In the United States, cosmetic products are regulated postmarket; therefore, surveillance programmes are one of FDA's most important tools for monitoring microbiological safety of cosmetics. 'Traditional' preservatives, such as parabens and formaldehyde releasers, are perceived unfavourably by some consumers, resulting in cosmetic manufacturers increasingly using 'nontraditional' preservatives. FDA conducted an analytical survey of eye area cosmetics that claimed to be free of traditional preservatives and determined microbiological loads in tested products. This study explores the association of microbial loads with the physical and chemical characteristics of the cosmetic products, and points to the limits of preservative activity in cosmetics.

Identification of Microorganisms Isolated From Counterfeit and Unapproved Decorative Contact Lenses

All contact lenses (corrective/noncorrective) are considered Class II or Class III medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which also states that contact lenses can only be obtained with a prescription. The Forensic Chemistry Center of the US Food & Drug Administration has examined over 300 decorative, noncorrective contact lenses obtained without a prescription. Our observations indicate that 60% of the counterfeit lenses and 27% of the unapproved lenses examined were positive for microbial contamination. Twenty-nine different brands of noncorrective contact lenses were examined, and 48% of them had at least one sample positive for microbial contamination. Each microorganism was further identified using DNA sequencing. Contaminated contact lenses are associated with numerous health risks, including ocular infections and conjunctivitis leading to permanent visual impairment or blindness. These results support the contention that acquiring contact lenses without a prescription is a considerable threat to consumer health and safety.

Peroxy Pyruvic Acid-Containing Topical Anti-Infective: A Potential Candidate for a Wound Instillation Solution

Objective: Evaluate the therapeutic properties of a peroxy pyruvic acid (PPA)-containing topical anti-infective in a human ex-vivo model that replicates the natural conditions of a human chronic wound. Approach: Wound material was extracted from patients with nonhealing diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and arterial wounds. Microbial species were identified, and wound colonization was quantified. Extracted samples were then exposed to a PPA-containing topical anti-infective as an instillation solution with negative pressure wound therapy NPWT at concentrations of 1,000, 1,500, or 2,500 ppm for a period of 1, 5, or 10 min to determine the effect of exposure on isolated pathogens, including effect on proteins. Results: A total of 32 samples were collected from patients. Samples presented with a range of bacteria and fungi representing 14 genera and 22 species, many of which are or are evolving to be resistant to many, if not most, current systemic antibiotics. Thirteen of twenty-three samples (57%) from chronic wounds had bacteria counts ≥10⁵ and most were 6 logs or more. Seven of 10 samples (70%) from acute wounds had bacteria counts ≤10⁵ and most were much lower. Exposure to PPA-containing topical anti-infective at 1,000 ppm killed all bacteria and fungi in all samples within 1 min of exposure. Innovation: PPA-containing topical anti-infective is a potentially valuable clinical option for NPWT. Conclusion: PPA-containing topical anti-infective is a potential candidate for use as an NPWT instillation solution for the treatment of wound infections caused by susceptible pathogens.

Microbiological risk assessment for personal care products

Regulatory decisions regarding microbiological safety of cosmetics and personal care products are primarily hazard-based, where the presence of a potential pathogen determines decision-making. This contrasts with the Food industry where it is a commonplace to use a risk-based approach for ensuring microbiological safety. A risk-based approach allows consideration of the degree of exposure to assess unacceptable health risks. As there can be a number of advantages in using a risk-based approach to safety, this study explores the Codex Alimentarius (Codex) four-step Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA) framework frequently used in the Food industry and examines how it can be applied to the safety assessment of personal care products. The hazard identification and hazard characterization steps (one and two) of the Codex MRA framework consider the main microorganisms of concern. These are addressed by reviewing the current industry guidelines for objectionable organisms and analysing reports of contaminated products notified by government agencies over a recent 5-year period, together with examples of reported outbreaks. Data related to estimation of exposure (step three) are discussed, and examples of possible calculations and references are included. The fourth step, performed by the risk assessor (risk characterization), is specific to each assessment and brings together the information from the first three steps to assess the risk. Although there are very few documented uses of the MRA approach for personal care products, this study illustrates that it is a practicable and sound approach for producing products that are safe by design. It can be helpful in the context of designing products and processes going to market and with setting of microbiological specifications. Additionally, it can be applied reactively to facilitate decision-making when contaminated products are released on to the marketplace. Currently, the knowledge available may only allow a qualitative or semi-quantitative rather than fully quantitative risk assessment, but an added benefit is that the disciplined structuring of available knowledge enables clear identification of gaps to target resources and if appropriate, instigate data generation.