Research Publications (Food Safety)

The U.S. is one of the largest catfish producers in the world. Louisiana is the leading producer of wild-caught catfish. Historically, the FDA inspected all seafood products; however, in 2008, congress moved the Siluriformes Order fish inspection to the USDA/FSIS. Full enforcement of the rule began on September 1, 2017.

The transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes is an emerging problem involving multiple factors (humans, domestic animals, wildlife). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Escherichia coli isolates with different antimicrobial resistance genes from backyard poultry and to demonstrate the in vitro transduction phenomenon of these genes between phages from migratory wild birds and poultry E. coli isolates.

Author(s): Wei Gong, Xiao-lu Guo, Hai-bo Huang, Xiang Li, Yu Xu, Jiang-Ning Hu

Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in animal production has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens. Transmission of AMR foodborne pathogens from reservoirs, particularly chickens to the human population does occur. Recently, we reported that occupational exposure was a risk factor for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) among poultry-workers. Here we determined the prevalence and genetic relatedness among MDR E.

To combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), policymakers need an overview of evolution and trends of AMR in relevant animal reservoirs, and livestock is monitored by susceptibility testing of sentinel organisms such as commensal E. coli. Such monitoring data are often vast and complex and generates a need for outcome indicators that summarize AMR for multiple antimicrobial classes.

Animal petting zoos and farm fairs provide the opportunity for children and adults to interact with animals, but contact with animals carries a risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria.

(‐)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) exhibits multiple biological activities, but unfortunately with poor stability. Poly(butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles have been widely elaborated for nearly 50 years. However, PBCA‐based nanowires (PNWs) were reported scarcely. Here, EGCG‐encapsulated PNWs (EGCG@PNWs) were successfully constructed.

The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance is unclear. Raccoons in North America can carry a variety of enteric bacteria, with associated antimicrobial resistance, that could infect humans and livestock. The potential for raccoons to carry these bacteria in Europe, where they are an invasive species, has not been explored.

Following two O121 STEC outbreaks linked to wheat flour, this study was conducted to gain baseline information on the occurrence of bacterial pathogens and levels of indicator organisms in wheat flour in Canada. A total of 347 pre-packaged wheat flour samples were analyzed for Salmonella spp., Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes ( L. monocytogenes ) , aerobic colony count (ACC), total coliforms, and generic Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) .

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is the causative agent of severe diarrheal disease in humans. Cattle are the natural reservoir of EHEC, and approximately 75% of EHEC infections in humans stem from bovine products. Many common bacterial pathogens, including EHEC, rely on chemical communication systems, such as quorum sensing (QS), to regulate virulence and facilitate host colonization.

Aim In‐depth ‘One Health’ risk assessment of Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichiacoli (ExPEC) strains carrying the traits of urinary tract infection, sepsis, meningitis,and avian colibacillosis in poultry of India. Methods and Results A total of 230 E. coli isolates were recovered from chickensamples representing the different sources (feces vs. ceca), stages (poultry farms vs. retails butcher shop), or environments (rural vs. urban) of poultry in India.Among all poultry‐origin E.

Ultrasound (US) and ozone processing allow achieving food technological aims such as the improvement of food safety and preservation. The combination of these technologies has been reported to be beneficial in inactivating microorganisms from fruits and vegetables. However, treatment conditions and mechanisms of action of these technologies can affect vegetables or fruits structure as well as their phytochemical components.

A dietary supplement composed of lactoferrin hydrolysate (LfH), whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and vanillin showed antibacterial activity against E.coli and S.aureus in vitro. The studied supplement also exhibited significant antioxidant properties in the model system and anti‐oxidative stress activity in mice exposed to paclitaxel. This supplement has a potential for use in the food matrix to reduce the chemotherapy side effects and to act as a chemoprotective agent.

Increase in the number of small‐scale backyard poultry flocks in the USA has substantially increased human‐to‐live poultry contact, leading to increased public health risks of the transmission of multi‐drug resistant (MDR) zoonotic and food‐borne bacteria. The objective of this study was to detect the occurrence of Salmonella and MDR Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) in the backyard poultry flock environment. A total of 34 backyard poultry flocks in Washington State (WA) were sampled.

Aims This research was performed to investigate the influence of clay and humic acid on E. coli O157 survival in model soils. Additionally, the influence of pH and humic acid on E. coli O157 in liquid culture was investigated. Methods and Results Artificial soil microcosms were prepared with sand, kaolinite, bentonite, and humic acid. Artificial soil microcosms pH was adjusted (6.0 to 7.0) with aluminum sulphate before E. coli O157 inoculation.

Phage therapy is considered an alternative modality in the treatment of different bacterial diseases. However, their therapeutic and preventive roles against infections caused by S.Kentucky and E.coli O119 were of little attention. In this study, two phages were isolated, characterized, and assessed for their potential therapeutic and preventive roles against S.Kentucky and E.coli O119 infections in broilers.

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli is primarily known as a commensal colonising the gastrointestinal tract of infants very early in life but some strains being responsible for diarrhoea, which can be especially severe in young children.

Rat‐associated zoonoses transmitted through faeces or urine are of particular concern for public health because environmental exposure in homes and businesses may be frequent and undetected. To identify times and locations with greater public health risks from rats, we investigated whether rat characteristics, environmental features, socioeconomic factors, or season could predict rat infection risk across diverse urban neighbourhoods.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the aquatic environment represents an important means of introduction and dissemination of resistance genes, and presence of resistant pathogens in surface waters may pose a public health concern to recreational and drinking water users.

One of the most effective methods for increasing the antimicrobial activity of a substance is to combine it with one or more other antimicrobial agents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of buforin I and nisin alone and investigate the synergistic action of these compounds against the most important food spoilage microorganisms in clouding B. subtilis, S. epidermidis, L. innocua, E. coli, S. Enteritidis, A. oryzae, R. glutinis and G. candidum.

Bacteriophage-derived endolysin enzymes play a critical role in disintegration of the host bacterial cell wall and hence have gained considerable attention as possible therapeutics for the treatment of drug-resistant infections. Endolysins can target both dividing and non-dividing cells and given the vital role peptidoglycan plays in bacterial survival, bacteria are less likely to modify it even if continuously exposed to lysins.

Escherichia coli is the main pathogen responsible for extraintestinal infections. A total of 196 clinical E. coli consecutively isolated during 2016 in Spain (100 from Lucus Augusti hospital in Lugo) and France (96 from Beaujon hospital in Clichy) were characterized. Phylogroups, clonotypes, sequence types (STs), O:H serotypes, virulence factor (VF)-encoding genes and antibiotic resistance were determined.

Sunflower soapstock inclusion in the diet of fattening lambs modifies meat quality traits and food‐safety. Summary Thirty‐two lambs were finished on a total mixed ration (TMR) pelleted alone (00SS) or including sunflower soap stock (SS): 15SS (15 g SS per kg TMR), 30SS (30 g SS per kg TMR) and 60SS (60 g SS per kg TMR). Lambs (8 per group) were slaughtered at 27 kg live weight.

LpxD, acyl-ACP-dependent N-acyltransferase, is the third enzyme of lipid A biosynthesis in Gram-negative bacteria. A recent probe-based screen identified several compounds, including 6359-0284 (compound 1), that inhibit the enzymatic activity of Escherichia coli (E. coli) LpxD. Here, we use these inhibitors to chemically validate LpxD as an attractive antibacterial target.