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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 76 - 100 of 585

  1. Viability of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes During Preparation and Storage of Fuet, a Traditional Dry-Cured Spanish Pork Sausage

    • We monitored viability of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes during preparation and storage of fuet. Coarse ground pork (ca. 35% fat) was mixed with salt (2.5%), dextrose (0.3%), starter culture (ca. 7.0 log CFU/g), celery powder (0.5%), and ground black pepper (0.3%), and then separately inoculated with a multi-strain cocktail (ca. 7.0 log CFU/g) of each pathogen. The batter was stuffed into a ca.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
      • Listeria monocytogenes
      • Salmonella
  2. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli in Norwegian dairy cattle farms; a comparison between free stall and tie stall housing systems

    • Journal of Applied Microbiology
    • Journal of Applied Microbiology, Accepted Article. This study explored how dairy farm operating systems with free-stall or tie-stall housing and cow hygiene score influence the occurrence of zoonotic bacteria in raw milk. Samples from bulk tank milk, milk filters, feces, feed, teats and teat milk were collected from eleven farms with loose housing and seven farms with tie-stall housing every second month over a period of 11 months and analyzed for the presence of STEC by culturing c

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Campylobacter
      • Listeria monocytogenes
  3. Effects of MS bacteriophages, ultraviolet light, and organic acid applications on beef trim contaminated with STEC O157:H7 and the “Big Six” serotypes after a simulated High Event Period Scenario

    • Meat Science
    • A high event period (HEP) occurs when beef processing facilities experience an elevated rate of STEC positive trim samples. In order to avoid contaminated vacuum-packaged beef entering into commerce, primals and subprimals associated to positive trim must be treated with antimicrobials, repackaged, and retested for STEC to ensure product wholesomeness.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  4. Population Analysis of O26 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Causing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Italy, 1989–2020, Through Whole Genome Sequencing

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) belonging to the O26 serogroup represent an important cause of Hemolitic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in children worldwide. The localization of STEC virulence genes on mobile genetic elements allowed the emergence of clones showing different assets of this accessory genomic fraction.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  5. O145 may be emerging as a predominant serogroup of Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in China

    • Veterinary Microbiology
    • Among the numerous serotypes of Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), O1, O2 and O78 have long been considered the predominant serogroups. O145, a pivotal serogroup in non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, has never been considered an important serogroup among APEC. The prevalence of APEC O145 was determined from the results of molecular serogrouping based on 42 sequenced isolates from Jiangsu and Guangxi Provinces in China.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
  6. Two multistate outbreaks of a reoccurring Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strain associated with romaine lettuce: USA, 2018–2019

    • Epidemiology & Infection
    • Leafy green vegetables are a common source of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157) foodborne illness outbreaks. Ruminant animals, primarily cattle, are the major reservoir of STEC O157. Epidemiological, traceback and field investigations were conducted to identify potential outbreak sources. Product and environmental samples were tested for STEC.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  7. Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) from Imported Foods in China during 2015–2021

    • Toxins
    • Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are foodborne pathogens that cause hemolytic uremic syndrome and fatal infant diarrhea, respectively, but the characterization of these bacteria from imported food in China are unknown.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  8. AB5 Enterotoxin-Mediated Pathogenesis: Perspectives Gleaned from Shiga Toxins

    • Toxins
    • Foodborne diseases affect an estimated 600 million people worldwide annually, with the majority of these illnesses caused by Norovirus, Vibrio, Listeria, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. To elicit infections in humans, bacterial pathogens express a combination of virulence factors and toxins.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Campylobacter
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
      • Salmonella
      • Vibrio
      • Viruses
      • Norovirus
  9. Stx2 Induces Differential Gene Expression and Disturbs Circadian Rhythm Genes in the Proximal Tubule

    • Toxins
    • Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes proximal tubular defects in the kidney. However, factors altered by Shiga toxin (Stx) within the proximal tubules are yet to be shown. We determined Stx receptor Gb3 in murine and human kidneys and confirmed the receptor expression in the proximal tubules. Stx2-injected mouse kidney tissues and Stx2-treated human primary renal proximal tubular epithelial cell (RPTEC) were collected and microarray analysis was performed.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  10. Analysis of scenarios to reduce the probability of acquiring hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with beef consumption

    • Food Science and Technology International
    • The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model to evaluate potential risk mitigation strategies to reduce the probability of acquiring hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) associated with beef consumption in Argentina. Five scenarios were simulated to evaluate the effect of interventions on the probability of acquiring HUS from Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)-contaminated ground beef and commercial hamburger consumption.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  11. Reduction of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in a beef abattoir

    • Food Science and Technology International
    • The aim of this work was to reinforce actions tending to reduce Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in beef products from an Argentinean commercial abattoir implementing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) practices. An environmental stx map was built with 421 environmental samples from the slaughter, quartering, cool chamber and deboning sectors (February-May 2013). For stx determination, 125 carcass and 572 anatomical cut samples were used.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  12. Nanobody-Based Bispecific Neutralizer for Shiga Toxin-Producing E.coli

    • ACS Infectious Diseases
    • Currently, no specific therapeutics are available for foodborne Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections that cause severe gastroenteritis and life-threatening complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). As STEC attachment to intestinal epithelium might increase the host absorption of Shiga toxins and severity of the disease, we were inspired to develop a bispecific neutralizer capable of blocking its Shiga toxin and adhesin intimin simultaneously.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  13. Adaptation of O157:H7 and non-O157 Escherichia coli strains in orange juice and subsequent resistance to UV-C radiation

    • LWT
    • This study assessed the acid-adaptation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli in orange juice and the microbial resistance to the subsequent UV-C radiation treatment. Nine Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and one strain of a non-pathogenic surrogate E. coli were used in this study. Each E.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
  14. Application of bacteriophages EP75 and EP335 efficiently reduces viable cell counts of Escherichia coli O157 on beef and vegetables

    • Food Microbiology
    • Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are common etiological agents of food borne illnesses and outbreaks, most often caused by consuming contaminated beef products, followed by raw vegetables and dairy products. Patients infected with E. coli O157 are more likely hospitalized than patients infected with non-O157 STEC, making E. coli O157 an important target for microbiological interventions.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
  15. Improved Genomic Identification, Clustering, and Serotyping of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Using Cluster/Serotype-Specific Gene Markers

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have more than 470 serotypes. The well-known STEC O157:H7 serotype is a leading cause of STEC infections in humans. However, the incidence of non-O157:H7 STEC serotypes associated with foodborne outbreaks and human infections has increased in recent years. Current detection and serotyping assays are focusing on O157 and top six (“Big six”) non-O157 STEC serogroups.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  16. Molecular Characteristics and Virulence Gene Analysis of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli from Cattle in Xinjiang

    • Foodborne Pathogens and Disease
    • Non-O157 Shiga toxin (stx)–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is recognized as an important human diarrheal pathogen. Cattle are the principal reservoirs of STEC, although other animals can be carriers. Humans are mainly infected by consuming contaminated drinking water or food. This study aimed to evaluate the virulence potential of isolated bovine non-O157 STEC to humans in Xinjiang.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
  17. Occurrence of the seven most common serotypes of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in beef cuts produced in meat-processing plants in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

    • Healthy cattle are considered the main reservoir of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains, so in some places in the world, products derived from beef are the most common source for disease outbreaks caused by these bacteria. Therefore, in order to guarantee that the beef produced by our slaughterhouses is safe, there is a need for continuous monitoring of these bacteria.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  18. An assessment of the microbiological quality and safety of unpasteurised milk cheese for sale in England during 2019 – 2020

    • Cheese made with unpasteurised milk has been associated with outbreaks of illness. However, there are limited data on the prevalence of shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in these products, and a lack of clarity over the significance of E. coli as general indicators of hygiene in raw milk cheeses. The aim of this study was to provide further data to address both of these issues as well as assessing the overall microbiological quality of raw milk cheeses available to consumers in England.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Listeria monocytogenes
  19. Desiccation survival in Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium related to initial cell concentration and cellular components

    • Salmonella enterica is well-known for its ability to survive and persist in low-moisture environments.

      • Bacterial pathogens
      • Salmonella
  20. Nanobody-Based Bispecific Neutralizer for Shiga Toxin-Producing E.coli

    • ACS Infectious Diseases
    • Currently, no specific therapeutics are available for foodborne Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections that cause severe gastroenteritis and life-threatening complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). As STEC attachment to intestinal epithelium might increase the host absorption of Shiga toxins and severity of the disease, we were inspired to develop a bispecific neutralizer capable of blocking its Shiga toxin and adhesin intimin simultaneously.

      • Bacterial pathogens
  21. Improved Genomic Identification, Clustering, and Serotyping of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Using Cluster/Serotype-Specific Gene Markers

    • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
    • Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have more than 470 serotypes. The well-known STEC O157:H7 serotype is a leading cause of STEC infections in humans. However, the incidence of non-O157:H7 STEC serotypes associated with foodborne outbreaks and human infections has increased in recent years. Current detection and serotyping assays are focusing on O157 and top six (“Big six”) non-O157 STEC serogroups.

      • Bacterial pathogens
  22. Prevalence and patterns of fecal shedding of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli by cattle at a commercial feedlot in South Africa

    • Journal of Food Safety
    • Journal of Food Safety, EarlyView. Healthy colonized cattle are the major reservoir of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and play a key role in the entry point of the pathogen into the beef chain. Excretion rates and the concentration of the pathogen in feces influence the epidemiology and transmission of the pathogen within herds and to humans. This study evaluated the prevalence and dynamics of fecal shedding of STEC by cattle in a commercial feedlot in Gauteng, South Africa.

      • Bacterial pathogens
  23. Added Value of Genomic Surveillance of Virulence Factors in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in New South Wales, Australia

    • Frontiers in Microbiology
    • The disease caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) remains a significant public health challenge globally, but the incidence of human STEC infections in Australia remains relatively low. This study examined the virulence characteristics and diversity of STEC isolates in the state of New South Wales between December 2017 and May 2020.

      • Bacterial pathogens
  24. The global population structure and evolutionary history of the acquisition of major virulence factor-encoding genetic elements in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121:H19

    • Microbiology
    • Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing (STEC) are foodborne pathogens causing serious diseases, such as haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Although O157:H7 STEC strains have been the most prevalent, incidences of STEC infections by several other serotypes have recently increased.

      • Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
      • Bacterial pathogens
  25. Prevalence of genotypic antimicrobial resistance in clinical Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Norway, 2018 to 2020

    • Microbiology
    • Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) can cause severe to fatal disease in humans. Antimicrobial treatment is sometimes necessary, but contraindicated due to undesirable clinical outcome. However, recent studies have shown promising outcomes following antimicrobial treatment.

      • Bacterial pathogens