Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains Isolated from Environmental Sources Differ Significantly in Acetic Acid Resistance Compared with Human Outbreak Strains†‡

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 503-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
DEOG-HWAN OH ◽  
YOUWEN PAN ◽  
ELAINE BERRY ◽  
MICHAEL COOLEY ◽  
ROBERT MANDRELL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Acetic Acid Solution ◽  
Acid Resistance ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Log Reduction ◽  
Acetic Acid Resistance ◽  
Acidified Foods

A number of studies on the influence of acid on Escherichia coli O157:H7 have shown considerable strain differences, but limited information has been reported to compare the acid resistance based on the different sources of E. coli O157:H7 isolates. The purpose of this study was to determine the survival of E. coli O157:H7 strains isolated from five sources (foods, bovine carcasses, bovine feces, water, and human) in 400 mM acetic acid solutions under conditions that are typical of acidified foods. The isolates from bovine carcasses, feces, and water survived acetic acid treatment at pH 3.3 and 30°C significantly (P ≤ 0.05) better than did any food or human isolates. However, resistance to acetic acid significantly increased as temperature decreased to 15°C for a given pH, with little (P ≥ 0.05) difference among the different isolation sources. All groups of E. coli O157:H7 strains showed more than 1.8- to 4.5-log reduction at pH 3.3 and 30°C after 25 min. Significantly reduced (less than 1-log reduction) lethality for all E. coli O157:H7 strain mixtures was observed when pH increased to 3.7 or 4.3, with little difference in acetic acid resistance among the groups. The addition of glutamate to the acetic acid solution or anaerobic incubation provided the best protection compared with the above conditions for all groups of isolates. These results suggest that temperature, pH, and atmospheric conditions are key factors in establishing strategies for improving the safety of acidified foods.

Determination of 5-Log Reduction Times for Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, or Listeria monocytogenes in Acidified Foods with pH 3.5 or 3.8†

2013 ◽  
Vol 76 (7) ◽  
pp. 1245-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. BREIDT ◽  
K. KAY ◽  
J. COOK ◽  
J. OSBORNE ◽  
B. INGHAM ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Benzoic Acid ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Log Reduction ◽  
Acidified Foods

A critical factor in ensuring the safety of acidified foods is the establishment of a thermal process that assures the destruction of acid-resistant vegetative pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. For acidified foods such as dressings and mayonnaises with pH values of 3.5 or higher, the high water phase acidity (acetic acid of 1.5 to 2.5% or higher) can contribute to lethality, but there is a lack of data showing how the use of common ingredients such as acetic acid and preservatives, alone or in combination, can result in a 5-log reduction for strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes in the absence of a postpackaging pasteurization step. In this study, we determined the times needed at 10°C to achieve a 5-log reduction of E. coli O157:H7, S. enterica, and L. monocytogenes in pickling brines with a variety of acetic and benzoic acid combinations at pH 3.5 and 3.8. Evaluation of 15 different acid-pH combinations confirmed that strains of E. coli O157:H7 were significantly more acid resistant than strains of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes. Among the acid conditions tested, holding times of 4 days or less could achieve a 5-log reduction for vegetative pathogens at pH 3.5 with 2.5% acetic acid or at pH 3.8 with 2.5% acetic acid containing 0.1% benzoic acid. These data indicate the efficacy of benzoic acid for reducing the time necessary to achieve a 5-log reduction in target pathogens and may be useful for supporting process filings and the determination of critical controls for the manufacture of acidified foods.

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Typhimurium with Compounds Available in Households

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 1201-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
HUA YANG ◽  
PATRICIA A. KENDALL ◽  
LYDIA MEDEIROS ◽  
JOHN N. SOFOS
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Citric Acid ◽  
Salmonella Typhimurium ◽  
Initial Temperature ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Log Reduction

Solutions of selected household products were tested for their effectiveness against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Hydrogen peroxide (1.5 and 3%), vinegar (2.5 and 5% acetic acid), baking soda (11, 33, and 50% sodium bicarbonate), household bleach (0.0314, 0.0933, and 0.670% sodium hypochlorite), 5% acetic acid (prepared from glacial acetic acid), and 5% citric acid solutions were tested against the three pathogens individually (five-strain composites of each, 108 CFU/ml) by using a modified AOAC International suspension test at initial temperatures of 25 and 55°C for 1 and 10 min. All bleach solutions (pH 8.36 to 10.14) produced a >5-log reduction of all pathogens tested after 1 min at 25°C, whereas all baking soda solutions (pH 7.32 to 7.55) were ineffective (<1-log reduction) even after 10 min at an initial temperature of 55°C. After 1 min at 25°C, 3% hydrogen peroxide (pH 2.75) achieved a >5-log reduction of both Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7, whereas undiluted vinegar (pH 2.58) had a similar effect only against Salmonella Typhimurium. Compared with 1 min at 25°C, greater reductions of L. monocytogenes (P < 0.05) were obtained with all organic acid and hydrogen peroxide treatments after 10 min at an initial temperature of 55°C. The efficacies of household compounds against all tested pathogens decreased in the following order: 0.0314% sodium hypochlorite > 3% hydrogen peroxide > undiluted vinegar and 5% acetic acid > 5% citric acid > baking soda (50% sodium bicarbonate). The sensitivity of the tested pathogens to all tested household compounds followed the sequence of Salmonella Typhimurium > E. coli O157: H7 > L. monocytogenes.

Thermal Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Beef Treated with Marination and Tenderization Ingredients

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. 1349-1356 ◽  
Author(s):  
AVIK MUKHERJEE ◽  
YOHAN YOON ◽  
KEITH E. BELK ◽  
JOHN A. SCANGA ◽  
GARY C. SMITH ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Thermal Inactivation ◽  
Ground Beef ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Log Reduction ◽  
Weight Losses ◽  
Beef Products

Internalization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in nonintact beef products during mechanical tenderization or during injection of marination and tenderization ingredients is of concern if such products are undercooked. This study tested organic acids (0.2% citric acid and 0.3% acetic acid), potassium and calcium salts (1.8% potassium lactate, 0.63% calcium lactate, 0.86% calcium ascorbate, and 0.23% calcium chloride), and sodium chloride (2.5%) for their influence on thermal destruction of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef serving as a model system. Ground beef batches (700 g; 5% fat) were mixed with equal volumes (22 ml) of each treatment solution or distilled water and portions (30 g) of treated ground beef were extruded in test tubes (2.5 by 10 cm). A five-strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 (0.3 ml; 7 log CFU/g) was introduced at the center of the sample with a pipette. After overnight storage (4°C), simulating product marination, samples were heated to 60 or 65°C internal temperature, simulating rare and medium rare doneness of beef, in a circulating water bath. At 65°C, treatments with citric and acetic acid showed greater (P < 0.05) reduction (4 to 5 log CFU/g) of E. coli O157:H7 than all the other ingredients and the control (3 to 4 log CFU/g). Sodium chloride reduced weight losses (16 to 18% compared with 20 to 27% by citric or acetic acid) and resulted in a 4-log reduction in counts during cooking to 65°C. Ingredients such as citric or acetic acid may improve thermal inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 internalized in nonintact beef products, while sodium chloride may reduce cooking losses in such products.

Efficacy of Acetic Acid or Chitosan for Reducing the Prevalence of Salmonella- and Escherichia coli O157:H7–Contaminated Leafy Green Plants in Field Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 854-861 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARILYN C. ERICKSON ◽  
JYE-YIN LIAO ◽  
ALISON S. PAYTON ◽  
PETER W. COOK ◽  
KOUSHIK ADHIKARI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Enrichment Culture ◽  
Acetic Acid Solution ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Lettuce Plant ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Leafy Greens ◽  
Experimental Trials ◽  
Spray Treatment

ABSTRACT Outbreaks associated with fresh-cut leafy greens continue to occur despite efforts to implement horticultural practices that minimize introduction of enteric pathogens to the crop. The experimental trials in this study were designed to examine the efficacy of an acetic acid (AA)- and chitosan-based spray treatment, applied 1 day prior to harvest, for reducing the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) and Salmonella in field-grown leafy greens contaminated at levels detectable only through enrichment culture. Responses to the treatment solution were variable and depended on the type of leafy green (leafy lettuce, spinach, or cabbage), cultivar, pathogen, and AA concentration (0.3 to 0.7%). No significant differences in E. coli O157 prevalence were found for untreated and treated cabbage heads and spinach plants (P > 0.05). In contrast, treatment significantly affected Salmonella on ‘Bravo F1’ green cabbage and ‘7-Green’ spinach (P < 0.05), with odds ratios of 2.2 and 3.3 for finding the pathogen on untreated versus treated greens, respectively. Salmonella was also 7.1 times more likely to be found on an untreated lettuce plant than on a lettuce plant sprayed with a 0.7% AA treatment solution (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1 to 12.2; P < 0.0001). In studies addressing the efficacy of chitosan (0.1 or 0.3%), this chemical failed to reduce the prevalence of either pathogen on lettuce (P > 0.05). Similarly, spraying with 0.3% AA did not affect the prevalence of Salmonella on lettuce plants (P > 0.05); however, treatment solutions with 0.4% AA reduced the likelihood of detecting Salmonella in treated versus untreated plants by 6.6 times (95% CI, 2.1 to 20.9; P = 0.0007). After the lettuce was harvested and hand washed, consumers failed to distinguish either visually or organoleptically between untreated lettuce and lettuce sprayed with an acetic acid solution (P > 0.05). These results indicate that acetic acid could be used to reduce the microbiological risk of preharvest leafy greens.

Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Counts on Whole Fresh Apples by Treatment with Sanitizers

2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 703-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCY A. WISNIEWSKY ◽  
BONITA A. GLATZ ◽  
MARK L. GLEASON ◽  
CHERYLL A. REITMEIER
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Chlorine Dioxide ◽  
Phosphate Buffer ◽  
Phosphate Buffer Solution ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Peroxyacetic Acid ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Buffer Solution ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Log Reduction

The objectives of this study were to determine if washing of whole apples with solutions of three different sanitizers (peroxyacetic acid, chlorine dioxide, or a chlorine-phosphate buffer solution) could reduce a contaminating nonpathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7 population by 5 logs and at what sanitizer concentration and wash time such a reduction could be achieved. Sanitizers were tested at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 times the manufacturer's recommended concentration at wash times of 5, 10, and 15 min. Whole, sound Braeburn apples were inoculated with approximately 1 × 108 or 7 × 106 CFU per apple, stored for 24 h, then washed with sterile water (control) or with sanitizers for the prescribed time. Recovered bacteria were enumerated on trypticase soy agar. Washing with water alone reduced the recoverable population by almost 2 logs from the starting population; this can be attributed to physical removal of organisms from the apple surface. No sanitizer, when used at the recommended concentration, reduced the recovered E. coli population by 5 logs under the test conditions. The most effective sanitizer, peroxyacetic acid, achieved a 5-log reduction when used at 2.1 to 14 times its recommended concentration, depending on the length of the wash time. The chlorine-phosphate buffer solution reduced the population by 5 logs when used at 3 to 15 times its recommended concentration, depending on wash time. At no concentration or wash time tested did chlorine dioxide achieve the 5-log reduction.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica Serotype Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes on Lettuce by Hydrogen Peroxide and Lactic Acid and by Hydrogen Peroxide with Mild Heat

2002 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 1215-1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHIA-MIN LIN ◽  
SARAH S. MOON ◽  
MICHAEL P. DOYLE ◽  
KAY H. McWATTERS
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Salmonella Enteritidis ◽  
Sensory Characteristics ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Log Reduction

Iceberg lettuce is a major component in vegetable salad and has been associated with many outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. In this study, several combinations of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide were tested to obtain effective antibacterial activity without adverse effects on sensory characteristics. A five-strain mixture of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes was inoculated separately onto fresh-cut lettuce leaves, which were later treated with 1.5% lactic acid plus 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 40°C for 15 min, 1.5% lactic acid plus 2% H2O2 at 22°C for 5 min, and 2% H2O2 at 50°C for 60 or 90 s. Control lettuce leaves were treated with deionized water under the same conditions. A 4-log reduction was obtained for lettuce treated with the combinations of lactic acid and H2O2 for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis, and a 3-log reduction was obtained for L. monocytogenes. However, the sensory characteristics of lettuce were compromised by these treatments. The treatment of lettuce leaves with 2% H2O2 at 50°C was effective not only in reducing pathogenic bacteria but also in maintaining good sensory quality for up to 15 days. A ≤4-log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis was achieved with the 2% H2O2 treatment, whereas a 3-log reduction of L. monocytogenes was obtained. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between pathogen population reductions obtained with 2% H2O2 with 60- and 90-s exposure times. Hydrogen peroxide residue was undetectable (the minimum level of sensitivity was 2 ppm) on lettuce surfaces after the treated lettuce was rinsed with cold water and centrifuged with a salad spinner. Hence, the treatment of lettuce with 2% H2O2 at 50°C for 60 s is effective in initially reducing substantial populations of foodborne pathogens and maintaining high product quality.

Viability of Acid-Adapted Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Ground Beef Treated with Acidic Calcium Sulfate

2004 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 591-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
LARRY R. BEUCHAT ◽  
ALAN J. SCOUTEN
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Calcium Sulfate ◽  
Ground Beef ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Acid Tolerance ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Acidic Environments ◽  
Subsequent Acid

The effects of lactic acid, acetic acid, and acidic calcium sulfate (ACS) on viability and subsequent acid tolerance of three strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were determined. Differences in tolerance to acidic environments were observed among strains, but the level of tolerance was not affected by the acidulant to which cells had been exposed. Cells of E. coli O157:H7 adapted to grow on tryptic soy agar acidified to pH 4.5 with ACS were compared to cells grown at pH 7.2 in the absence of ACS for their ability to survive after inoculation into ground beef treated with ACS, as well as untreated beef. The number of ACS-adapted cells recovered from ACS-treated beef was significantly (α = 0.05) higher than the number of control cells recovered from ACS-treated beef during the first 3 days of a 10-day storage period at 4°C, suggesting that ACS-adapted cells might be initially more tolerant than unadapted cells to reduced pH in ACS-treated beef. Regardless of treatment of ground beef with ACS or adaptation of E. coli O157:H7 to ACS before inoculating ground beef, the pathogen survived in high numbers.

scholarly journals Effect of Cattle Diet on Escherichia coli O157:H7 Acid Resistance

1999 ◽  
Vol 65 (7) ◽  
pp. 3233-3235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn J. Hovde ◽  
Paula R. Austin ◽  
Karen A. Cloud ◽  
Christopher J. Williams ◽  
Carl W. Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acid Resistance ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Human Infections

ABSTRACT The duration of shedding of Escherichia coli O157 isolates by hay-fed and grain-fed steers experimentally inoculated withE. coli O157:H7 was compared, as well as the acid resistance of the bacteria. The hay-fed animals shed E. coli O157 longer than the grain-fed animals, and irrespective of diet, these bacteria were equally acid resistant. Feeding cattle hay may increase human infections with E. coli O157:H7.

Efficacy of Selected Acidulants in Pureed Green Beans Inoculated with Pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes)

2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1865-1869 ◽  
Author(s):  
AAKASH KHURANA ◽  
GEORGE B. AWUAH ◽  
BRADLEY TAYLOR ◽  
ELENA ENACHE
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Titratable Acidity ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Green Beans ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Acid Ph ◽  
D Values

Studies were conducted to evaluate the combined effect of selected acidulants (acetic, citric, malic, and phosphoric acid) and heat on foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes) in pureed green beans. To establish a consistent reference point for comparison, the molar concentrations of the acids remained constant while the acid-to-puree ratio, titratable acidity, and undissociated acid were either measured or calculated for a target acidified green beans at a pH of 3.8, 4.2, and 4.6. The D-values at 149°F were used as the criteria for acid efficacy. Generally, acetic acid (puree, pH 3.8 and 4.2) represented the most effective acid with comparatively low D-values irrespective of the target microorganism. A 10-s heating at 149°F inactivated approximately 106 CFU/ml of E. coli O157:H7 in pureed beans at pH 3.8. The efficacy of acetic acid is likely related to the elevated percent titratable acidity, undissociated acid, and acid-to-puree ratio. The effectiveness (which in this study represents the combined effect of acid and heat) of the remaining acids (citric, malic, and phosphoric) at puree pH values of 3.8 and 4.2 were statistically insignificant (α = 0.05). Surprisingly, acetic acid (puree, pH 4.6) appeared to be the least effective as compared to the other acids tested (citric, malic, and phosphoric) especially on E. coli O157:H7 cells, while L. monocytogenes had a similar resistance to all acids at puree pH 4.6. With the exception of citric acid (pH 3.8), acetic acid (pH 4.6), and malic acid (pH 3.8 and 4.6), which were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05), the D-values for L. monocytogenes were statistically different (P ≤ 0.05) and higher than the D-values for E. coli under similar experimental conditions. A conservative process recommendation (referred to as the “safe harbor” process) was found sufficient and applicable to pureed green beans for the pH range studied.

scholarly journals Inactivation of Multi-Drug Resistant Non-Typhoidal Salmonella and Wild-Type Escherichia coli STEC Using Organic Acids: A Potential Alternative to the Food Industry

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 849
Author(s):  
Vinicius Silva Castro ◽  
Yhan da Silva Mutz ◽  
Denes Kaic Alves Rosario ◽  
Adelino Cunha-Neto ◽  
Eduardo Eustáquio de Souza Figueiredo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Organic Acids ◽  
Sodium Hypochlorite ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Disk Diffusion ◽  
Clinical Strains ◽  
Linear Pattern ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Log Reduction

Salmonella and Escherichia coli are the main bacterial species involved in food outbreaks worldwide. Recent reports showed that chemical sanitizers commonly used to control these pathogens could induce antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the efficiency of chemical sanitizers and organic acids when inactivating wild and clinical strains of Salmonella and E. coli, targeting a 4-log reduction. To achieve this goal, three methods were applied. (i) Disk-diffusion challenge for organic acids. (ii) Determination of MIC for two acids (acetic and lactic), as well as two sanitizers (quaternary compound and sodium hypochlorite). (iii) The development of inactivation models from the previously defined concentrations. In disk-diffusion, the results indicated that wild strains have higher resistance potential when compared to clinical strains. Regarding the models, quaternary ammonium and lactic acid showed a linear pattern of inactivation, while sodium hypochlorite had a linear pattern with tail dispersion, and acetic acid has Weibull dispersion to E. coli. The concentration to 4-log reduction differed from Salmonella and E. coli in acetic acid and sodium hypochlorite. The use of organic acids is an alternative method for antimicrobial control. Our study indicates the levels of organic acids and sanitizers to be used in the inactivation of emerging foodborne pathogens.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document