Precision Food Safety: a Paradigm Shift in Detection and Control of Foodborne Pathogens

ABSTRACT The implementation of whole-genome sequencing in food safety has revolutionized foodborne pathogen tracking and outbreak investigations. The vast amounts of genomic data that are being produced through ongoing surveillance efforts continue advancing our understanding of pathogen diversity and genome biology. Produced genomic data are also supporting the use of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics for detection and functional characterization of microbiological hazards in foods and food processing environments. In addition to that, many studies have shown that metabolic and pathogenic potential, antimicrobial resistance, and other phenotypes relevant to food safety can be predicted from whole-genome sequences, omitting the need for multiple laboratory tests. Nevertheless, further work in the area of functional inference is necessary to enable accurate interpretation of functional information inferred from genomic and metagenomic data, as well as real-time detection and tracking of high-risk pathogen subtypes and microbiomes.

Download Full-text

Yersinia pseudotuberculosisPrevalence and Diversity in Wild Boars in Northeast Germany

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.00675-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 84 (18) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Marie Reinhardt ◽

Jens Andre Hammerl ◽

Katharina Kunz ◽

Andrea Barac ◽

Karsten Nöckler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Virulence Plasmid ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Pathogenic Potential ◽

Diagnostic Pcr ◽

Content Type ◽

Wild Boars ◽

Contaminated Food ◽

Human Infections

ABSTRACTIn this study, the prevalence ofYersinia pseudotuberculosisin wild boars in northeast Germany was determined. For that purpose, the tonsils of 503 wild boars were sampled. The presence ofY. pseudotuberculosiswas studied by diagnostic PCR. Positive samples were analyzed by cultural detection using a modified cold enrichment protocol. TenY. pseudotuberculosisisolates were obtained, which were characterized by biotyping, molecular serotyping, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). In addition, whole-genome sequences and the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates were analyzed.Yersinia pseudotuberculosiswas isolated from male and female animals, most of which were younger than 1 year. A prevalence of 2% (10/503) was determined by cultural detection, while 6.4% (32/503) of the animals were positive by PCR. The isolates belonged to the biotypes 1 and 2 and serotypes O:1a (n= 7), O:1b (n= 2), and O:4a (n= 1). MLST analysis revealed three sequence types, ST9, ST23, and ST42. Except one isolate, all isolates revealed a strong resistance to colistin. The relationship of the isolates was studied by whole-genome sequencing demonstrating that they belonged to four clades, exhibiting five different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) restriction patterns and a diverse composition of virulence genes. Six isolates harbored the virulence plasmid pYV. Besides two isolates, all isolates containedailandinvgenes and a complete or incomplete high-pathogenicity island (HPI). None of them possessed a gene for the superantigen YPM. The study shows that variousY. pseudotuberculosisstrains exist in wild boars in northeast Germany, which may pose a risk to humans.IMPORTANCEYersinia pseudotuberculosisis a foodborne pathogen whose occurrence is poorly understood. One reason for this situation is the difficulty in isolating the species. The methods developed for the isolation ofYersinia enterocoliticaare not well suited forY. pseudotuberculosis. We therefore designed a protocol which enabled the isolation ofY. pseudotuberculosisfrom a relatively high proportion of PCR-positive wild boar tonsils. The study indicates that wild boars in northeast Germany may carry a variety ofY. pseudotuberculosisstrains, which differ in terms of their pathogenic potential and other properties. Since wild boars are widely distributed in German forests and even populate cities such as Berlin, they may transmit yersiniae to other animals and crop plants and may thus cause human infections through the consumption of contaminated food. Therefore, the prevalence ofY. pseudotuberculosisshould be determined also in other animals and regions to learn more about the natural reservoir of this species.

Download Full-text

Relationship between Consumer Food Safety Knowledge and Reported Behavior among Students from Health Sciences in One Region of Spain

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x-68.12.2631 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 68 (12) ◽

pp. 2631-2636 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

RONCESVALLES GARAYOA ◽

MARÍA CÓRDOBA ◽

ISABEL GARCÍA-JALÓN ◽

ALMUDENA SANCHEZ-VILLEGAS ◽

ANA ISABEL VITAS

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Storage Temperature ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Cross Contamination ◽

Food Handling ◽

Accurate Knowledge ◽

Home Based

A survey was conducted to investigate the relationship between knowledge about food safety and actual food handling practices among Spanish university students (mainly from the health sciences disciplines) who usually prepare meals at home. Based on level of education in food safety topics, students were divided in three groups: high, which included students from Food Science and Nutrition; medium, which included students from other health sciences; and low, which included students from non–health-related studies. More than two thirds of the 562 people selected had an accurate knowledge of the eight foodborne pathogens included in the survey, but only 5.2% were able to identify Staphylococcus aureus as a foodborne pathogen. Significant differences in responses were found depending on educational level concerning the food safety topic. For food handling, up to 60% of the responses reflected accurate knowledge of proper storage of prepared meals and washing of hands and materials to avoid cross-contamination. However, with the exception of questions related to storage temperature, there was considerable difference between knowledge and reported behavior. Although 98.6% of the participants recognized the importance of hand washing before and during food preparation, only one quarter (24.4%) affirmed that they washed their hands with soap and water. On questions concerning food practices, more accurate answers were given by the older students. Women answered questions regarding cross-contamination more accurately, whereas men were more accurate in response to questions concerning temperature and food preservation. In general, students with more knowledge of food hygiene had better reported practices, but even these students reported some high-risk behaviors. These results confirm the need to improve educational programs, ensuring that the acquired knowledge actually modifies consumer behavior.

Download Full-text

Microfluidic-Based Approaches for Foodborne Pathogen Detection

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms7100381 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. 381 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Xihong Zhao ◽

Mei Li ◽

Yao Liu

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Pathogen Detection ◽

Accurate Determination ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Current Status ◽

Future Research ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Human Beings ◽

Microfluidic Technology

Food safety is of obvious importance, but there are frequent problems caused by foodborne pathogens that threaten the safety and health of human beings worldwide. Although the most classic method for detecting bacteria is the plate counting method, it takes almost three to seven days to get the bacterial results for the detection. Additionally, there are many existing technologies for accurate determination of pathogens, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), but they are not suitable for timely and rapid on-site detection due to time-consuming pretreatment, complex operations and false positive results. Therefore, an urgent goal remains to determine how to quickly and effectively prevent and control the occurrence of foodborne diseases that are harmful to humans. As an alternative, microfluidic devices with miniaturization, portability and low cost have been introduced for pathogen detection. In particular, the use of microfluidic technologies is a promising direction of research for this purpose. Herein, this article systematically reviews the use of microfluidic technology for the rapid and sensitive detection of foodborne pathogens. First, microfluidic technology is introduced, including the basic concepts, background, and the pros and cons of different starting materials for specific applications. Next, the applications and problems of microfluidics for the detection of pathogens are discussed. The current status and different applications of microfluidic-based technologies to distinguish and identify foodborne pathogens are described in detail. Finally, future trends of microfluidics in food safety are discussed to provide the necessary foundation for future research efforts.

Download Full-text

Inactivation of Bacteria Using Bioactive Nanoparticles and Alternating Magnetic Fields

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11020342 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 342

Author(s):

Vitalij Novickij ◽

Ramunė Stanevičienė ◽

Rūta Gruškienė ◽

Kazimieras Badokas ◽

Juliana Lukša ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Fields ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Morphological Changes ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Cellular Damage ◽

Suitable Model ◽

Log Reduction ◽

Invasive Infections ◽

Alternating Magnetic Fields ◽

Inactivation Of Bacteria

Foodborne pathogens are frequently associated with risks and outbreaks of many diseases; therefore, food safety and processing remain a priority to control and minimize these risks. In this work, nisin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles were used and activated by alternating 10 and 125 mT (peak to peak) magnetic fields (AMFs) for biocontrol of bacteria Listeria innocua, a suitable model to study the inactivation of common foodborne pathogen L. monocytogenes. It was shown that L. innocua features high resistance to nisin-based bioactive nanoparticles, however, application of AMFs (15 and 30 min exposure) significantly potentiates the treatment resulting in considerable log reduction of viable cells. The morphological changes and the resulting cellular damage, which was induced by the synergistic treatment, was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy. The thermal effects were also estimated in the study. The results are useful for the development of new methods for treatment of the drug-resistant foodborne pathogens to minimize the risks of invasive infections. The proposed methodology is a contactless alternative to the currently established pulsed-electric field-based treatment in food processing.

Download Full-text

Comparison of whole genome sequences of three Bacillus cereus strains reveals the food safety risks of Apostichopus japonicus in China

Aquaculture Reports ◽

10.1016/j.aqrep.2021.100649 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

pp. 100649

Author(s):

Xiaoran Zhao ◽

Ruijun Li ◽

Huifeng Dang ◽

Luo Wang ◽

Songzhe Fu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Bacillus Cereus ◽

Apostichopus Japonicus ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Sequences ◽

Safety Risks

Download Full-text

Insects as vectors of foodborne pathogenic bacteria

Terrestrial Arthropod Reviews ◽

10.1163/187498311x543989 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 5-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Jeffrey Blazar ◽

Marc Allard ◽

E. Kurt Lienau

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

House Fly ◽

American Cockroach ◽

Health Concern ◽

Foodborne Disease ◽

Salmonella Spp

AbstractFood safety is an important consideration worldwide. To maintain and improve our current knowledge of foodborne disease outbreaks, we must understand some of the more imminent issues related to food safety. A variety of agents are responsible for transmitting the estimated 76 million cases of illnesses caused by foodborne pathogens every year. This review explores why insects pose a serious health concern, in terms of worldwide food safety initiatives, by looking at evidence in published <abs>Food safety is an important consideration worldwide. To maintain and improve our current knowledge of foodborne disease outbreaks, we must understand some of the more imminent issues related to food safety. A variety of agents are responsible for transmitting the estimated 76 million cases of illnesses caused by foodborne pathogens every year. This review explores why insects pose a serious health concern, in terms of worldwide food safety initiatives, by looking at evidence in published literature. We highlight at least eleven different species of insects, including the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer); secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius); synanthropic flies [flesh fly, Sarcophaga carnaria (L.); house fly, Musca domestica (L.); fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen); and stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)], American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.); German cockroach, Blatella germanica (L.); Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis (L.); Pacific beetle cockroach, Diploptera punctata (Eschscholtz); and Speckled feeder cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea (Olivier), which act as vectors for Salmonella spp. or Escherichia coli and illustrate how these insects are successful vectors of foodborne disease outbreaks. We propose that insects be considered as one of the latest issues in food safety initiatives. Not only are some insects extremely important contributors to diseases, but now we suggest that more research into insects as potential carriers of E. coli and Salmonella spp., and therefore as contributing to foodborne disease outbreaks, is granted.

Download Full-text

Identifying Aspects of Public Attitudes Toward Whole Genome Sequencing to Inform the Integration of Genomics into Care

Public Health Genomics ◽

10.1159/000515952 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Holly Etchegary ◽

Daryl Pullman ◽

Charlene Simmonds ◽

Zoha Rabie ◽

Proton Rahman

Keyword(s):

Whole Genome Sequencing ◽

Genome Sequencing ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public Attitudes ◽

Genetic Counselor ◽

Genomic Medicine ◽

Genomic Data ◽

Whole Genome ◽

The Public ◽

Genomic Test

Introduction: The growth of global sequencing initiatives and commercial genomic test offerings suggests the public will increasingly be confronted with decisions about sequencing. Understanding public attitudes can assist efforts to integrate sequencing into care and inform the development of public education and outreach strategies. Methods: A 48-item online survey was advertised on Facebook in Eastern Canada and hosted on SurveyMonkey in late 2018. The survey measured public interest in whole genome sequencing and attitudes toward various aspects of sequencing using vignettes, scaled, and open-ended items. Results: While interest in sequencing was high, critical attitudes were observed. In particular, items measuring features of patient control and choice regarding genomic data were strongly endorsed by respondents. Majority wanted to specify upfront how their data could be used, retain the ability to withdraw their sample at a later date, sign a written consent form, and speak to a genetic counselor prior to sequencing. Concerns about privacy and unauthorized access to data were frequently observed. Education level was the sociodemographic variable most often related to attitude statements such that those with higher levels of education generally displayed more critical attitudes. Conclusions: Attitudes identified here could be used to inform the development of implementation strategies for genomic medicine. Findings suggest health systems must address patient concerns about privacy, consent practices, and the strong desire to control what happens to their genomic data through public outreach and education. Specific oversight procedures and policies that are clearly communicated to the public will be required.

Download Full-text

Utilizing the Public GenomeTrakr Database for Foodborne Pathogen Traceback v1

10.17504/protocols.io.bxw3ppgn ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ruth E Timme ◽

Maria Sanchez ◽

Marc Allard

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Pathogen Detection ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Reference Database ◽

Surveillance Program ◽

Environmental Isolates ◽

The Public ◽

The World ◽

The Usa

This protocol outlines the all the steps necessary to become a GenomeTrakr data contributor. GenomeTrakr is an international genomic reference database of mostly food and environmental isolates from foodborne pathogens. The data and analyses are housed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which is a database freely available to anyone in the world. The Pathogen Detection browser at NCBI computes daily cluster results adding the newly submitted data to the existing phylogenetic clusters of closely related genomes. Contributors to this database can see how their new isolates are related to the real-time foodborne pathogen surveillance program established in the USA and a few other countries, and at the same time adding valuable new data to the reference database. ------ Although originally published as a Chapter in Methods and Protocols, Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens, the protocol has since been adapted and split into four separate protocols all of which are contained in this collection.

Download Full-text

Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Seven Listeria monocytogenes Strains with Variations in Virulence and Stress Responses

Microbiology Resource Announcements ◽

10.1128/mra.01038-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (13) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yanhong Liu ◽

Aixia Xu ◽

Pina M. Fratamico ◽

Christopher H. Sommers ◽

Luca Rotundo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Listeria Monocytogenes ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Draft Genome ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Genome Sequences ◽

Content Type

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of seven L. monocytogenes strains isolated from food, environmental, and clinical sources.

Download Full-text

Baicalein Inhibits Stx1 and 2 of EHE: Effects of Baicalein on the Cytotoxicity, Production, and Secretion of Shiga Toxins of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins11090505 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 505 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vinh ◽

Shinohara ◽

Yamada ◽

Duc ◽

Nakayama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Antibacterial Agent ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Vero Cells ◽

In Silico Screening ◽

Shiga Toxins ◽

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia Coli ◽

Compound Database ◽

Real Time Qpcr

Shiga toxin-producing enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is an important foodborne pathogen. Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxylflavone), a flavone isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, is considered as a potential antibacterial agent to control foodborne pathogens. Among seven compounds selected by in silico screening of the natural compound database, baicalein inhibited the cytotoxicity of both Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx1 and Stx2) against Vero cells after pretreatment at 0.13 mmol/L. In addition, baicalein reduced the susceptibility of Vero cells to both Stx1 and Stx2. Real-time qPCR showed that baicalein increased transcription of stx1 but not of stx2. However, baicalein had no effects on production or secretion of Stx1 or Stx2. Docking models suggested that baicalein formed a stable structure with StxB pentamer with low intramolecular energy. The results demonstrate that inhibitory activity of baicalein against the cytotoxicity of both Stx1 and Stx2 might be due to of the formation of a binding structure inside the pocket of the Stx1B and Stx2B pentamers.

Download Full-text