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Jin T, Pang L, Yue T, Niu L, Li T, Liang Y, Zhang Y, Yan C, Yang B, Zhang C, Xia X. The role of DsbA and PepP genes in the environmental tolerance and virulence factors of Cronobacter sakazakii. Food Res Int 2024; 190:114555. [PMID: 38945560 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114555] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii, an opportunity foodborne pathogen, could contaminate a broad range of food materials and cause life-threatening symptoms in infants. The bacterial envelope structure contribute to bacterial environment tolerance, biofilm formation and virulence in various in Gram-negative bacteria. DsbA and PepP are two important genes related to the biogenesis and stability of bacterial envelope. In this study, the DsbA and PepP were deleted in C. sakazakii to evaluate their contribution to stress tolerance and virulence of the pathogen. The bacterial environment resistance assays showed DsbA and PepP are essential in controlling C. sakazakii resistance to heat and desiccation in different mediums, as well as acid, osmotic, oxidation and bile salt stresses. DsbA and PepP also played an important role in regulating biofilm formation and motility. Furthermore, DsbA and PepP deletion weaken C. sakazakii adhesion and invasion in Caco-2, intracellular survival and replication in RAW 264.7. qRT-PCR results showed that DsbA and PepP of C. sakazakii played roles in regulating the expression of several genes associated with environment stress tolerance, biofilm formation, bacterial motility and cellular invasion. These findings indicate that DsbA and PepP played an important regulatory role in the environment resisitance, biofilm formation and virulence of C. sakazakii, which enrich understanding of genetic determinants of adaptability and virulence of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Jin
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning 116034, China
| | - Liuxin Pang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Ting Yue
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Lingling Niu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Tingting Li
- Food Science department, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Yujing Liang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 PR China
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Chunhong Yan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning 116034, China
| | - Baowei Yang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Chunling Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
| | - Xiaodong Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning 116034, 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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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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Lin Z, Wang G, Zhang K, Jiang S, Li S, Yang H. Metabolomics investigation of global responses of Cronobacter sakazakii against common sanitizing in infant formula processing environments. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113162. [PMID: 37689917 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii, an opportunistic bacterium, has raised a serious outbreak in powdered infant formula recent years. In this work, four sanitizing strategies used during infant formula processing, including chlorine, quaternary ammonium chloride (QAC), 60 °C heating, and malic acid (MA), were utilized against C. sakazakii among planktonic, air-dried (A), and air-dried & washed (AW) state, followed by an exploration of the metabolic responses induced by these treatments via a dual-platform metabolomics analysis with the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. In the planktonic state, MA was the most effective in inhibiting bacterial growth, followed by chlorine, QAC, and 60 °C heating. Under A state, the efficacy of heating improved considerably, compared to that in the planktonic state, and remained unaltered under AW state. Chlorine and QAC were ineffective to control bacterial growth under A state, but their efficacy rose under AW state. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis revealed chlorine induces amino acids catabolism, membrane lysis, and depression in carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism in both planktonic and AW states, while the initiation of antioxidation mechanism was only found under AW state. Although the metabolic change caused by QAC in the planktonic state was similar to chlorine, the accumulation of osmoprotectant and membrane phospholipids within the AW cells reflected the effort to restore intracellular homeostasis upon QAC. Heating was characterized by considerable amino acid anabolism, along with mildly perturbed carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism for heat shock protein preparation in both states. Lastly, MA promoted amino acid-dependent acid resistance under the planktonic state, and the regulation of antioxidation and osmoprotection under AW state. The metabolomics study elucidated the intracellular perturbation induced by common sanitizing, as well as the bacterial response, which provides insights for novel sanitization development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejia Lin
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore.
| | - Guoshu Wang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Shaoqian Jiang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Songshen Li
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Hongshun Yang
- Shaoxing Key Laboratory of Traditional Fermentation Food and Human Health, Jiangnan University (Shaoxing) Industrial Technology Research Institute, Zhejiang 312000, China
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Wang Y, Ling N, Jiao R, Zhang X, Ren Y, Li H, Zhao W, Wu Q, Ye Y. Transcriptomic analysis reveals novel desiccation tolerance mechanism of Cronobacter based on type VI secretion system inhibition. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113143. [PMID: 37689845 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Cronobacter malonaticus (C. malonaticus) is a food-borne pathogen inducing severe infections both in infants and adults, and it could survive in dry powdered infant formula (PIF) for a long time, implying its strong tolerance to desiccation. However, the thorough molecular mechanism of resistance to desiccation remains elusive. When C. malonaticus was exposed to desiccation conditions (7, 15, and 30 d), transcriptomic analysis provided a universal adaptation strategy to withstand desiccation with the increased compatible solutes accumulation, activated stress resistance-related regulators, suppressed protein export and bacterial secretion system, and reduced other unessential survival functions including adhesion, invasion, virulence, and flagellar motility. Importantly, type VI secretion system (T6SS) genes exhibited significantly downregulated expressions, as well as markedly increased survival and viability of their mutants after desiccation treatment, revealing the negative regulation of T6SS in desiccation tolerance. Meanwhile, the decreased expressions of T6SS structure genes in other six species further confirmed the vital role of T6SS in desiccation tolerance of Cronobacter spp. Thus, our studies present a novel hypothesis of desiccation resistance in Cronobacter based on type VI secretion system inhibition, causing the reduction of macromolecule secretion such as effectors and hyperosmolality development within the cytomembrane, which allow Cronobacter to survive in desiccation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Na Ling
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Jiao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Xiyan Zhang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Yuwei Ren
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Wenhua Zhao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Qingping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Culture Collection and Application, Guangdong Institute of Microbiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingwang Ye
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China.
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Li H, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Li W, You Q, Zeng X, Xu H. Silver nanoparticles reduce the tolerance of Cronobacter sakazakii to environmental stress by inhibiting expression of related genes. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6469-6482. [PMID: 35840406 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii is a food-borne pathogen that is resistant to a variety of environmental stress conditions. It can survive in harsh environments. We studied the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on the environmental tolerance and biofilm formation of C. sakazakii. First, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNP to C. sakazakii and determined the growth curve of C. sakazakii treated with different concentrations of AgNP by using the plate counting method. After determining the sub-inhibition concentrations (SIC) of AgNP on C. sakazakii, we studied the effects of AgNP on the resistance of C. sakazakii to heat, desiccation, osmotic pressure, and acid. The antibiofilm activity of AgNP was also studied. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze the transcription levels of 16 genes related to the environmental tolerance of C. sakazakii. The SIC of AgNP significantly reduced the survival rate of C. sakazakii under various environmental stress conditions. The results showed that AgNP at 0.625 and 1.25 μg/mL significantly inhibited the formation of C. sakazakii biofilms. The expression levels of most genes were significantly downregulated in C. sakazakii cells treated with 0.625 and 1.25 μg/mL AgNP. Therefore, AgNP may reduce the environmental tolerance of C. sakazakii by inhibiting the expression of genes related to stress tolerance. Moreover, AgNP inhibited the production of ATP in C. sakazakii cells and the formation of C. sakazakii biofilms. Our research provides a theoretical basis for the application of AgNP in food packaging, bactericidal coatings, and other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China
| | - Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China
| | - Qixiu You
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China
| | - Xianxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China.
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Cao Y, Macori G, Naithani A, Tall BD, Gangiredla J, Srikumar S, Fanning S. A 16S rRNA Sequencing Study Describing the Environmental Microbiota of Two Powdered Infant Formula Built Facilities. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022; 19:473-484. [PMID: 35766923 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial safety is critically important for powdered infant formula (PIF) fed to neonates, with under-developed immune systems. The quality and safety of food products are dictated by those microorganisms found in both raw materials and the built production environment. In this study, a 2-year monitoring program of a production environment was carried out in two PIF factories located in the Republic of Ireland, and the environmental microbiome in different care areas of these sites was studied by using a 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-based sequencing technique. Results highlighted a core microbiome associated with the PIF factory environment containing 24 bacterial genera representing five phyla, with Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas as the predominant genera. In different care areas of the PIF factory, as hygiene standards increased, deciphered changes in microbial community compositions became smaller over time and approached stability, and bacteria dominating the care area became less influenced by the external environment and more by human interactions and raw materials. These observations indicated that the microbial composition can be altered in response to environmental interventions. Genera Cronobacter and Salmonella were observed in trace amounts in the PIF factory environment, and bacterial genera known to be persistent in a stressed environment, such as Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, were likely to have higher abundances in dry environment-based care areas. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the PIF production environment microbiome using 16S rRNA-based sequencing. This study described the composition and changing trends of the environmental microbial communities in different care areas of the PIF manufacturing facility, and it provided valuable information to support the safer production of PIF in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Guerrino Macori
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ankita Naithani
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ben D Tall
- Division of Molecular Biology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Jayanthi Gangiredla
- Division of Molecular Biology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Shabarinath Srikumar
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Food, Nutrition and Health, College of Food and Agriculture, UAE University Al Ain Campus, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, Science Centre South, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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