Potential Hazards in Cold-Smoked Fish: Listeria monocytogenes

A Comprehensive Virulence and Resistance Characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Fish and the Fish Industry Environment

Listeria monocytogenes is an important pathogen, often associated with fish, that can adapt and survive in products and food processing plants, where it can persist for many years. It is a species characterized by diverse genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. Therefore, in this study, a total of 17 L. monocytogenes strains from fish and fish-processing environments in Poland were characterized for their relatedness, virulence profiles, and resistance genes. The Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing (cgMLST) analysis revealed that the most frequent serogroups were IIa and IIb; sequence types (ST) were ST6 and ST121; and clonal complexes (CC) were CC6 and CC121. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) analysis was applied to compare the present isolates with the publicly available genomes of L. monocytogenes strains recovered in Europe from humans with listeriosis. Despite differential genotypic subtypes, most strains had similar antimicrobial resistance profiles; however, some of genes were located on mobile genetic elements that could be transferred to commensal or pathogenic bacteria. The results of this study showed that molecular clones of tested strains were characteristic for L. monocytogenes isolated from similar sources. Nevertheless, it is worth emphasizing that they could present a major public health risk due to their close relation with strains isolated from human listeriosis.

Survival of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua on Lettuce after Irrigation with Contaminated Water in a Temperate Climate

Microbial disease outbreaks related to fresh produce consumption, including leafy green vegetables, have increased in recent years. Where contamination occurs, pathogen persistence may represent a risk for consumers' health. This study analysed the survival of E. coli and L. innocua on lettuce plants watered with contaminated irrigation water via a single irrigation event and within stored irrigation water. Separate lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) were irrigated with water spiked with Log₁₀ 7 cfu/mL of each of the two strains and survival assessed via direct enumeration, enrichment and qPCR. In parallel, individual 20 L water microcosms were spiked with Log₁₀ 7 cfu/mL of the individual strains and sampled at similar time points. Both strains were observed to survive on lettuce plants up to 28 days after inoculation. Direct quantification by culture methods showed a Log₁₀ 4 decrease in the concentration of E. coli 14 days after inoculation, and a Log₁₀ 3 decrease in the concentration of L. innocua 10 days after inoculation. E. coli was detected in water samples up to 7 days after inoculation and L. innocua was detected up to 28 days by direct enumeration. Both strains were recovered from enriched samples up to 28 days after inoculation. These results demonstrate that E. coli and L. innocua strains are able to persist on lettuce after a single contamination event up until the plants reach a harvestable state. Furthermore, the persistence of E. coli and L. innocua in water for up to 28 days after inoculation illustrates the potential for multiple plant contamination events from stored irrigation water, emphasising the importance of ensuring that irrigation water is of a high quality.

Microbial Contamination of Fresh Produce: What, Where, and How?

Promotion of healthier lifestyles has led to an increase in consumption of fresh produce. Such foodstuffs may expose consumers to increased risk of foodborne disease, as often they are not subjected to processing steps to ensure effective removal or inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms before consumption. Consequently, reports of ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable related disease outbreak occurrences have increased substantially in recent years, and information regarding these events is often not readily available. Identifying the nature and source of microbial contamination of these foodstuffs is critical for developing appropriate mitigation measures to be implemented by food producers. This review aimed to identify the foodstuffs most susceptible to microbial contamination and the microorganisms responsible for disease outbreaks from information available in peer-reviewed scientific publications. A total of 571 outbreaks were identified from 1980 to 2016, accounting for 72,855 infections and 173 deaths. Contaminated leafy green vegetables were responsible for 51.7% of reported outbreaks. Contaminated soft fruits caused 27.8% of infections. Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella, norovirus, and hepatitis A accounted for the majority of cases. Large outbreaks resulted in particular biases such as the observation that contaminated sprouted plants caused 31.8% of deaths. Where known, contamination mainly occurred via contaminated seeds, water, and contaminated food handlers. There is a critical need for standardized datasets regarding all aspects of disease outbreaks, including how foodstuffs are contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Providing food business operators with this knowledge will allow them to implement better strategies to improve safety and quality of fresh produce.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Adaptation of Listeria monocytogenes to Growth on Vacuum-Packed Cold Smoked Salmon

The foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is able to survive and grow in ready-to-eat foods, in which it is likely to experience a number of environmental stresses due to refrigerated storage and the physicochemical properties of the food. Little is known about the specific molecular mechanisms underlying survival and growth of L. monocytogenes under different complex conditions on/in specific food matrices. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to understand the transcriptional landscape of L. monocytogenes strain H7858 grown on cold smoked salmon (CSS; water phase salt, 4.65%; pH 6.1) relative to that in modified brain heart infusion broth (MBHIB; water phase salt, 4.65%; pH 6.1) at 7°C. Significant differential transcription of 149 genes was observed (false-discovery rate [FDR], <0.05; fold change, ≥2.5), and 88 and 61 genes were up- and downregulated, respectively, in H7858 grown on CSS relative to the genes in H7858 grown in MBHIB. In spite of these differences in transcriptomes under these two conditions, growth parameters for L. monocytogenes were not significantly different between CSS and MBHIB, indicating that the transcriptomic differences reflect how L. monocytogenes is able to facilitate growth under these different conditions. Differential expression analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated that genes encoding proteins involved in cobalamin biosynthesis as well as ethanolamine and 1,2-propanediol utilization have significantly higher transcript levels in H7858 grown on CSS than in that grown in MBHIB. Our data identify specific transcriptional profiles of L. monocytogenes growing on vacuum-packaged CSS, which may provide targets for the development of novel and improved strategies to control L. monocytogenes growth on this ready-to-eat food.

Listeria monocytogenes Prevalence and Characteristics in Retail Raw Foods in China

The prevalence and levels of Listeria monocytogenes in retail raw foods covering most provincial capitals in China were studied with testing of 1036 samples of vegetables, edible mushrooms, raw meat, aquatic products and quick-frozen products from September 2012 to January 2014. The total prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes was 20.0% (207/1036), and the most probable number (MPN) values of 65.7% of the positive samples ranged from 0.3 to 110 MPN/g. Geographical differences were observed in this survey, and the results of both qualitative and quantitative methods indicated that the levels in the samples from North China were higher than those in the samples from South China. A total of 248 isolates were analyzed, of which approximately half belonged to molecular serogroup 1/2a-3a (45.2%), followed by 1/2b-3b-7 (30.6%), 1/2c-3c (16.1%), 4b-4d-4e (5.2%) and 4a-4c (2.8%). Most of the isolates carried hly (100%), inlB (98.8%), inlA (99.6%), inlC (98.0%) and inlJ (99.2%), and 44.8% of the isolates were llsX-positive. Seventeen epidemic clones (ECs) were detected, with 7 strains belonging to ECI (2.8%) and 10 belonging to ECIII (4.03%). Resistance to clindamycin (46.8%) was commonly observed, and 59 strains (23.8%) were susceptible to all 14 tested antibiotics, whereas 84 (33.9%) showed an intermediate level of resistance or were resistant to two or more antibiotics, including 7 multi-resistant strains that exhibited resistance to more than 10 antibiotics. The data obtained in the present study provides useful information for assessment of the possible risk posed to Chinese consumers, and this information will have a significant public health impact in China. Furthermore, the presence of virulence markers, epidemic clones, as well as the antibiotic resistance amongst the isolates strongly implies that many of these strains might be capable of causing listeriosis, and more accurate treatment of human listeriosis with effective antibiotics should be considered. This research represents a more full-scale and systematical investigation of the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in retail raw foods in China, and it provides baseline information for Chinese regulatory authorities that will aid in the formulation of a regulatory framework for controlling L. monocytogenes with the aim of improving the microbiological safety of raw foods.

Bacteriophage significantly reduces Listeria monocytogenes on raw salmon fillet tissue

We have demonstrated the antilisterial activity of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) bacteriophage LISTEX P100 (phage P100) on the surface of raw salmon fillet tissue against Listeria monocytogenes serotypes 1/2a and 4b. In a broth model system, phage P100 completely inhibited L. monocytogenes growth at 4 degrees Celsius for 12 days, at 10 degrees Celsius for 8 days, and at 30 degrees Celsius for 4 days, at all three phage concentrations of 10(4), 10(6), and 10(8) PFU/ml. On raw salmon fillet tissue, a higher phage concentration of 10(8) PFU/g was required to yield 1.8-, 2.5-, and 3.5-log CFU/g reductions of L. monocytogenes from its initial loads of 2, 3, and 4.5 log CFU/g at 4 or 22 degrees Celsius. Over the 10 days of storage at 4 degrees Celsius, L. monocytogenes growth was inhibited by phage P100 on the raw salmon fillet tissue to as low as 0.3 log CFU/g versus normal growth of 2.6 log CFU/g in the absence of phage. Phage P100 remained stable on the raw salmon fillet tissue over a 10-day storage period, with only a marginal loss of 0.6 log PFU/g from an initial phage treatment of 8 log PFU/g. These findings illustrate that the GRAS bacteriophage LISTEX P100 is listericidal on raw salmon fillets and is useful in quantitatively reducing L. monocytogenes.

Microbial quality of raw aquacultured fish fillets procured from Internet and local retail markets

The microbial quality of raw fillets of aquacultured catfish, salmon, tilapia, and trout was evaluated. A total of 272 fillets from nine local and nine Internet retail markets were tested. Mean values were 5.7 log CFU/g for total aerobic mesophiles, 6.3 log CFU/g for psychrotrophs, and 1.9 log most probable number (MPN) per gram for coliforms. Differences in these microbial levels between the two kinds of markets and among the four types of fish were not significant (P > 0.05), except that Internet trout fillets had about 0.8-log higher aerobic mesophiles than did trout fillets purchased locally. Although Escherichia coli was detected in 1.4, 1.5, and 5.9% of trout, salmon, and tilapia, respectively, no sample had > or = 1.0 log MPN/g. However, E. coli was found in 13.2% of catfish, with an average of 1.7 log MPN/g. About 27% of all fillets had Listeria spp., and a positive correlation between the prevalence of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes was observed. Internet fillets had a higher prevalence of both Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes than did those fillets purchased locally. L. monocytogenes was present in 23.5% of catfish but in only 5.7, 10.3, and 10.6% of trout, tilapia, and salmon, respectively. Salmonella and E. coli O157 were not found in any sample. A follow-up investigation using catfish operation as a model revealed that gut waste exposed during evisceration is a potential source of coliforms and Listeria spp.

Effects of high pressure, subzero temperature, and pH on survival of Listeria monocytogenes in buffer and smoked salmon

High pressure processing is a novel food preservation technology, applied for over 15 years in the food industry to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Many studies have shown the differential resistance of bacterial cells to high pressure. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium able to grow at refrigerated temperature and to survive for a long time in minimally processed foods such as raw smoked fish. The freezing process does not cause significant decline of L. monocytogenes. The phase diagram of water under pressure permits a pressure treatment under subzero temperature, without the disadvantages of freezing for food quality. The aim of this study was to estimate if combined effects of pressure and subzero temperature could increase the destruction of L. monocytogenes in buffer and in smoked salmon. We investigated effects of high pressure processing (100, 150, and 200 MPa) combined with subzero temperatures (-10, -14, and -18 degrees C) and pH (7.0 and 4.5). Results showed that the most effective high-pressure treatment to inactivate L. monocytogenes was 200 MPa, -18 degrees C, and pH 4.5. The relevance of pressure holding time and the synergistic effect of pressure coupled with the subzero temperature to inactivate bacteria are highlighted. Modifications of physical properties (color and texture) were a lightening of color and an increase of toughness, which might be accepted by consumers, since safety is increased.

Potassium lactate combined with sodium diacetate can inhibit growth of Listeria monocytogenes in vacuum-packed cold-smoked salmon and has no adverse sensory effects

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat fish products such as cold-smoked salmon is an important food safety issue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antilisterial activity of potassium lactate (PL) in combination with sodium acetate (SA) or sodium diacetate (SDA) in cold-smoked salmon and to determine whether these compounds could be incorporated easily into the formulations and technology currently used by processors. A commercial brine injector was used to inject salmon filets with either saturated saline brine or saturated saline brine supplemented with combinations of PL and SA (PURASAL Opti. Form PA 4) or PL and SDA (PURASAL Opti. Form PD 4). In the brine-injected cold-smoked salmon, 2.1% (water phase) PL and 0.12% (water phase) SDA delayed the growth of L. monocytogenes for up to 42 days of vacuum-packaged storage at 10 degrees C. Storage at 25 degrees C for 6 h resulted in only a 1-log CFU/g increase in L. monocytogenes. Treatments with lower concentrations of PL and SDA or similar concentrations of PL and SA resulted in an extended lag phase and slower growth of L. monocytogenes. It was not possible to incorporate more than 2% (water phase) PL while ensuring a minimum of 3% (water phase) NaCl in the finished product because PL decreased the solubility of NaCl. Sensory analyses revealed that the preservatives did not negatively affect flavor or odor. The combination of PL and SDA is therefore a viable technology for preventing L. monocytogenes growth on cold-smoked salmon.

Effects of high-pressure processing on Listeria monocytogenes, spoilage microflora and multiple compound quality indices in chilled cold-smoked salmon

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) on Listeria monocytogenes, microbial and chemical changes and shelf-life in chilled cold-smoked salmon (CSS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, challenge tests with L. monocytogenes were carried out using HPP of the product at 0.1 (control), 150, 200 and 250 MPa. Secondly, storage trials with the naturally contaminated product and HPP at 0.1 (control) and 200 MPa were realized. Shelf-life, microbial changes and chemical changes were determined and existing predictive models and multiple compound quality indices evaluated. HPP with 250 MPa did not inactivate L. monocytogenes but significant lag phases of 17 and 10 days were observed at ca 5 and 10 degrees C, respectively. HPP with 200 MPa had a marked effect on both colour and texture of CSS.

CONCLUSIONS

High-pressure processing was unable to prevent growth of L. monocytogenes or spoilage of chilled CSS. Existing mathematical models allowed growth rates of L. monocytogenes and shelf-life of samples without high-pressure treatments to be predicted.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

High-pressure processing seems more appropriate for new types of salmon products than for a classical product like CSS where consumers expect specific quality attributes.

Effects of pH and agitation on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in brain heart infusion broth containing combined potassium lactate and sodium diacetate during storage at 4 or 10 degrees C

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of pH on the growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in static and agitated broths stored at 4 and 10 degrees C with and without a combination of 1.85% potassium lactate (PL) and 0.13% sodium diacetate (SDA) (3.3% of a 60% commercial solution, PURASAL P Opti. Form 4). The pH of brain heart infusion broth without (control) or with 1.85% PL + 0.13% SDA was adjusted to 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.5. L. monocytogenes Scott A was inoculated (at 10(2) CFU/ml) into pH-adjusted broth, which was stored at 4 or 10 degrees C with or without agitation. At pH 5.5, a listeriostatic effect was observed for the broth containing 1.85% PL + 0.13% SDA at 4 and 10 degrees C both with and without agitation. At pH 6.0, 1.85% PL + 0.13% SDA fully controlled the growth of L. monocytogenes Scott A in static broth at 4 degrees C for up to 20 days and significantly slowed the growth of the pathogen in agitated broth. At 10 degrees C, the growth of L. monocytogenes Scott A was significantly reduced by 1.85% PL + 0.13% SDA in agitated and unagitated broths. At pH 6.5, 1.85% PL + 0.13% SDA significantly suppressed the growth of L. monocytogenes Scott A at both 4 degrees C (P < 0.001) and 10 degrees C (P < 0.01). At pH 7.5, 1.85% PL + 0.13% SDA had a limited effect on the growth of L. monocytogenes Scott A in broth stored at 4 and 10 degrees C. At 4 degrees C, agitation decreased the lag time and increased the growth rate of L. monocytogenes Scott A at all tested pHs. A similar but less obvious trend was observed for broths stored at 10 degrees C. These results indicate that lactate-diacetate combinations effectively acted with low pH and temperature to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes Scott A.

The possible effect of a sanitization program on intraspecies differentiation of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from a fish processing plant

Forty-seven Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated during a year in a selected Polish fish-processing plant as well as 7 L. monocytogenes strains of different origins (including a reference strain) were analyzed in our studies. Strains were isolated from raw fish fillets (flounder), frozen coated flounder fillets, coating ingredients, and the processing environment. Isolation of strains covered the period of a sanitization program introduced in the plant. L. monocytogenes was identified using conventional microbiological methods and the PCR technique. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) technique for fingerprinting was applied to analyze the intraspecies diversity. Six RAPD types (A-F) and seven unique strains were revealed as a result of fingerprinting with one persistent type isolated from July 1999 to February 2000. It was detected for the first time after one month of sanitization. Its occurrence could have been promoted by clone selection either due to ineffective disinfection or to resistance against the disinfectant. As L. monocytogenes mostly occurred on frozen products, this indicates that contamination could start during product freezing, cold storage, or handling. The results revealed that there is a crucial need for preparing sanitization schemes precisely targeted at L. monocytogenes to avoid its recurrence as persistent 'in-house' strains. The possibility of incorrect interpretations of classical microbiological test results as well as the necessity to introduce assays based on nucleic acid analysis into epidemiological investigations were emphasized.