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Research Publications (Food Safety)

This page tracks research articles published in national and international peer-reviewed journals. Recent articles are available ahead of print and searchable by Journal, Article Title, and Category. Research publications are tracked across six categories: Bacterial Pathogens, Chemical Contaminants, Natural Toxins, Parasites, Produce Safety, and Viruses. Articles produced by USDA Grant Funding Agencies (requires login) and FDA Grant Funding Agencies (requires login) are also tracked in Scopus.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 467

  1. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of halogenated phenylboronic acids against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Vibrios are associated with live seafood because they are part of the indigenous marine microflora. In Asia, foodborne infections caused by Vibrio spp. are common. In recent years, V. parahaemolyticus has become the leading cause of all reported food poisoning outbreaks. Therefore, the halogenated acid and its 33 derivatives were investigated for their antibacterial efficacy against V. parahaemolyticus.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Vibrio
  2. Cross-sectional analysis of risk factors associated with Mugil cephalus in retail fish markets concerning methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Aeromonas hydrophila

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction Aeromonas hydrophila and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are potent bacterial pathogens posing major hazards to human health via consuming fish harboring these pathogens or by cross-contamination beyond the contaminated environment. The aim of this study was to determine risk variables associated with the presence of certain pathogenic bacteria from Mugil cephalus fish in retail markets in Egypt. The virulence genes of A. hydrophila and S.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  3. Prevalence of virulence- and antibiotic resistance-associated genotypes and phenotypes in Staphylococcus aureus strains from the food sector compared to clinical and cow mastitis isolates

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Background

      Infections by the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus currently represent one of the most serious threats to human health worldwide, especially due to the production of enterotoxins and the ability to form biofilms. These structures and the acquisition of antibiotic resistance limit the action of antibiotics and disinfectants used to combat this microorganism in the industry and the clinic.

      Methods

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  4. Comparative genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from patients and retail meat

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen that poses a threat to public health due to its association with foodborne contamination and a variety of infections. The factors contributing to the pathogenicity of S. aureus include virulence, drug resistance, and toxin production, making it essential to monitor their prevalence and genetic profiles. This study investigated and compared the genomic characteristics of S.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  5. Exploring the antibacterial and dermatitis-mitigating properties of chicken egg white-synthesized zinc oxide nano whiskers

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have garnered considerable interest in biomedical research primarily owing to their prospective therapeutic implications in combatting pathogenic diseases and microbial infections. The primary objective of this study was to examine the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanowhiskers (ZnO-NWs) using chicken egg white (albumin) as a bio-template.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  6. Novel sandwich immunoassay detects a shrimp AHPND-causing binary PirABVp toxin produced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction The binary PirA/PirB toxin expressed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (PirABVp) is a virulent complex that causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimps, affecting the global shrimp farming industry. AHPND is currently diagnosed by detecting pirA and pirB genes by PCR; however, several V. parahaemolyticus strains do not produce the two toxins as proteins. Thus, an immunoassay using antibodies may be the most effective tool for detecting toxin molecules.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Vibrio
  7. Transcriptome analysis of the hepatopancreas from the Litopenaeus vannamei infected with different flagellum types of Vibrio alginolyticus strains

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Vibrio alginolyticus, one of the prevalently harmful Vibrio species found in the ocean, causes significant economic damage in the shrimp farming industry. Its flagellum serves as a crucial virulence factor in the invasion of host organisms. However, the processes of bacteria flagella recognition and activation of the downstream immune system in shrimp remain unclear. To enhance comprehension of this, a ΔflhG strain was created by in-frame deletion of the flhG gene in V.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Vibrio
  8. In vitro antibacterial effects of Broussonetia papyrifera leaf extract and its anti-colitis in DSS-treated mice

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Recently, the hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera (BP) has been extensively cultivated and predominantly utilized in ruminants because of its high protein and bioactive compound content. In the present study, the effects of an ethanolic extract of BP leaves (BPE, 200 mg/kg) on mitigating 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced intestinal inflammation in mice were evaluated.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Clostridium perfringens
      • Salmonella
  9. Impact of mutagenesis and lateral gene transfer processes in bacterial susceptibility to phage in food biocontrol and phage therapy

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction The emergence of resistance and interference mechanisms to phage infection can hinder the success of bacteriophage-based applications, but the significance of these mechanisms in phage therapy has not been determined.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Salmonella
  10. Baicalin-aluminum alleviates necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens by inhibiting virulence factors expression of Clostridium perfringens

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Clostridium perfringens type A is the main cause of necrotic enteritis (NE) in chickens. Since the use of antibiotics in feed is withdrawn, it is imperative to find out suitable alternatives to control NE. Baicalin-aluminum complex is synthesized from baicalin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The present study investigated the effects of baicalin-aluminum on the virulence-associated traits and virulence genes expression of C.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Clostridium perfringens
  11. Evolutionary, comparative, and functional analyses of STATs and regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway in lumpfish upon bacterial and poly(I:C) exposure

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Background The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) system regulates several biological processes by affecting transcription of genes as a response to cytokines and growth factors.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Vibrio
  12. Partnering essential oils with antibiotics: proven therapies against bovine Staphylococcus aureus mastitis

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction

      There is an urgent need to develop therapeutic options for biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Therefore, the renewed interest in essential oils (EOs), especially carvacrol, linalool and eugenol, has attracted the attention of our research group.

      Methods

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  13. Genetic characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility, and virulence genes distribution of Campylobacter isolated from local dual-purpose chickens in central China

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Food-borne antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter poses a serious threat to public health. To understand the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Campylobacter in Chinese local dual-purpose (meat and eggs) chickens, the genomes of 30 Campylobacter isolates, including 13 C. jejuni and 17 C. coli from Jianghan-chickens in central China, were sequenced and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. The results showed that CC-354 and CC-828 were the dominant clonal complexes of C.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Campylobacter
  14. Antimicrobial activity of dietary supplements based on bacterial lysate of Lactobacillus rhamnosus DV

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction

      According to WHO, antibiotic resistance is increasing to hazardous levels worldwide. Candidiasis often occurs after taking antibiotics. Therefore, antibiotic resistance is a global problem and searching for antibacterial agents is necessary.

      Aim

      To determine the antimicrobial activity of bacterial lysate of Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus DV separately and with plant extracts against bacterial and yeast test cultures.

      Material and methods

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  15. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of formylchromones against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Gram-negative Vibrio species are major foodborne pathogens often associated with seafood intake that causes gastroenteritis. On food surfaces, biofilm formation by Vibrio species enhances the resistance of bacteria to disinfectants and antimicrobial agents. Hence, an efficient antibacterial and antibiofilm approach is urgently required. This study examined the antibacterial and antivirulence effects of chromones and their 26 derivatives against V. parahaemolyticus and V. harveyi.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Vibrio
  16. Metagenomic insights into the effects of cosmetics containing complex polysaccharides on the composition of skin microbiota in females

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction The use of cosmetics has become a habit for women. However, their influence on the microbial diversity of the skin has rarely been studied. Methods Herein, the effect of cosmetics containing complex polysaccharides on the skin bacterial microbiota of female forehead and cheek areas was analyzed.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  17. High throughput Luminex beads based multiplex assay for identification of six major bacterial pathogens of mastitis in dairy animals

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction

      Bovine mastitis is caused by over 150 different microorganisms. Specific identification and quantification of multiple bacteria in a single milk sample becomes essential for rapid intervention.

      Methods

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  18. Whole-genome sequencing reveals changes in genomic diversity and distinctive repertoires of T3SS and T6SS effector candidates in Chilean clinical Campylobacter strains

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Campylobacter is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and an emerging and neglected pathogen in South America. This zoonotic pathogen colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of a wide range of mammals and birds, with poultry as the most important reservoir for human infections. Apart from its high morbidity rates, the emergence of resistant strains is of global concern.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Campylobacter
  19. Reduction of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm growth and development using arctic berry extracts

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction

      Surgical site infection remains a devastating and feared complication of surgery caused mainly by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). More specifically, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection poses a serious threat to global health. Therefore, developing new antibacterial agents to address drug resistance are urgently needed. Compounds derived from natural berries have shown a strong antimicrobial potential.

      Methods

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  20. Salmonella Enteritidis activates inflammatory storm via SPI-1 and SPI-2 to promote intracellular proliferation and bacterial virulence

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Salmonella Enteritidis is an important intracellular pathogen, which can cause gastroenteritis in humans and animals and threaten life and health. S. Enteritidis proliferates in host macrophages to establish systemic infection. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1) and SPI-2 to S. Enteritidis virulence in vitro and in vivo, as well as the host inflammatory pathways affected by SPI-1 and SPI-2. Our results show that S.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Salmonella
  21. Molecular epidemiology and characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains isolated from dairy cattle milk in Northwest, China

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction Non-aureus Staphylococcus (NAS) species are currently the most commonly identified microbial agents causing sub-clinical infections of the udder and are also deemed as opportunistic pathogens of clinical mastitis in dairy cattle. More than 10 NAS species have been identified and studied but little is known about S. haemolyticus in accordance with dairy mastitis. The present study focused on the molecular epidemiology and genotypic characterization of S.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  22. Complete genome analysis of Tequatrovirus ufvareg1, a Tequatrovirus species inhibiting Escherichia coli O157:H7

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction Bacteriophages infecting human pathogens have been considered potential biocontrol agents, and studying their genetic content is essential to their safe use in the food industry. Tequatrovirus ufvareg1 is a bacteriophage named UFV-AREG1, isolated from cowshed wastewater and previously tested for its ability to inhibit Escherichia coli O157:H7. Methods T. ufvareg1 was previously isolated using E. coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895) as a bacterial host.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  23. Characterization of fliR-deletion mutant ΔfliR from Vibrio alginolyticus and the evaluation as a live attenuated vaccine

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Vibrio alginolyticus is the common pathogen affecting various species of marine organisms. It has been demonstrated that fliR is a necessary virulence factor to adhere and infect their hosts for pathogenic bacteria. Frequent disease outbreaks in aquaculture have highlighted the necessity of developing effective vaccines.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Vibrio
  24. Bioactive metabolites of Streptomyces misakiensis display broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Background Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to public health globally. It is a slower-moving pandemic than COVID-19, so we are fast running out of treatment options. Purpose Thus, this study was designed to search for an alternative biomaterial with broad-spectrum activity for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial and fungal pathogen-related infections. 

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Salmonella
      • Staphylococcus aureus
  25. Statistical optimization of a podoviral anti-MRSA phage CCASU-L10 generated from an under sampled repository: Chicken rinse

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Introduction The insurgence of antimicrobial resistance is an imminent health danger globally. A wide range of challenging diseases are attributed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as it is weaponized with a unique array of virulence factors, and most importantly, the resistance it develops to most of the antibiotics used clinically.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Staphylococcus aureus