Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes by underwater shock waves

Underwater shock waves are pressure discontinuities generated by means of high voltage electric discharges in water. Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes were exposed to shock waves. The influence of the pulse of light produced by the electric discharge, acoustic cavitation produced by the shock waves, the phase of growth and shock wave dosage on bacteria inactivation was evaluated. Inactivation of bacteria by shock waves ranged from 0 to 3.18 log₁₀ CFU/ml. L. monocytogenes was the most susceptible microorganism, 3.17 log₁₀ CFU/ml inactivation was achieved with 350 shock waves. At the same shock wave dosage, 1.68 log₁₀ CFU/ml and 0.56 log₁₀ CFU/ml inactivation was achieved for S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. Even if the achieved inactivation still is of little practical value, higher shock wave energy may enhance bactericidal activity. The analysis of variance revealed that synergy between light and the other factors contributed to bacterial inactivation. Differences in the response of bacteria, along with data analysis, suggest different mechanisms of inactivation by shock waves.Industrial relevance: Underwater shock waves generated via high voltage electric discharge or the use of explosives have been reported for microbial inactivation and for softening of animal tissue. The current paper deals with the interaction of underwater shock waves, the associated cavitation and pulse of light generated in the UV and visible spectra. Although the data generated don't show spectacular microbial inactivation, systematic studies like this can lead to the development of new combination processes with specific applications (e.g., microbial inactivation within containers).     

A new 7-plex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella Enteritidis in meat products

A 7-plex PCR assay was developed to achieve an effective detection and identification of serotype Enteritidis of Salmonella spp. and shiga toxin-producing type of Escherichia coli O157 in meat products. Six DNA sequences in the invA and sdfI genes of Salmonella Enteritidis as well as rfbE, eae, stx1, and stx2 genes of E. coli O157:H7 were employed to design primers. The multiplex PCR assay could specifically and sensitively detect and identify target pathogens. Applying the assay to meat samples, the multiplex PCR assay was able to simultaneously detect and identify the two pathogens at a sensitivity of three CFU/10 g raw meats after simple 16 h enrichment in buffered peptone water. Further applying in 21 retail meat samples revealed that two samples were positive for non-shiga toxin producing E. coli O157, one sample was positive for Stx2 producing E. coli O157 and five samples were positive for Salmonella enterica Enteritidis. Taken together, the 7-plex PCR assay is a rapid and reliable method for effectively screening single or multiple pathogens occurrences in various meat products, and could also identify the Salmonella enterica Enteritidis from all Salmonella spp. and shiga toxin producing type from all E. coli strains. Considering as a non expensive screening tool, the multiplex PCR assay has a great potential in complement for food stuff analysis by conventional microbiological tests.     

Behavior of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium in teewurst, a raw spreadable sausage

The fate of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, or Escherichia coli O157:H7 were separately monitored both in and on teewurst, a traditional raw and spreadable sausage of Germanic origin. Multi-strain cocktails of each pathogen (ca. 5.0 log CFU/g) were used to separately inoculate teewurst that was subsequently stored at 1.5, 4, 10, and 21 °C. When inoculated into commercially-prepared batter just prior to stuffing, in general, the higher the storage temperature, the greater the lethality. Depending on the storage temperature, pathogen levels in the batter decreased by 2.3 to 3.4, ca. 3.8, and 2.2 to 3.6 log CFU/g for E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes, respectively, during storage for 30 days. When inoculated onto both the top and bottom faces of sliced commercially-prepared finished product, the results for all four temperatures showed a decrease of 0.9 to 1.4, 1.4 to 1.8, and 2.2 to 3.0 log CFU/g for E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes, respectively, over the course of 21 days. With the possible exceptions for salt and carbohydrate levels, chemical analyses of teewurst purchased from five commercial manufacturers revealed only subtle differences in proximate composition for this product type. Our data establish that teewurst does not provide a favourable environment for the survival of E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, or L. monocytogenes inoculated either into or onto the product.     

食品中单核细胞增生李斯特菌微滴数字PCR定量检测方法建立

目的 建立食品中单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌的微滴式数字聚合酶链式反应（ddPCR）快速定量检测方法。方法 筛选单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌的特异性引物和探针,通过对目标菌纯菌液及人工污染样品的检测,比较ddPCR方法和平板计数法的定值效果,对ddPCR结果进行特异性、灵敏性和重复性分析。结果 本研究建立的单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌ddPCR检测方法具有良好的特异性、灵敏性和重复性。单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌纯菌液中定量限（LOQ）和检出限（LOD）均为136 CFU/mL,在鱿鱼圈和香肠样品中定量限分别为240 CFU/g和155 CFU/g。ddPCR在各梯度水平上变异系数均小于25%,ddPCR和平板计数定值对数值相对偏差均小于30%。结论 本研究建立的ddPCR方法能够快速、准确、灵敏、特异地定量检测食品中单核细胞增生李斯特氏菌。     

Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter jejuni after exposure to repetitive cycles of mild bactericidal treatments

While maintaining nutritional and sensorial attributes of fresh foods mild processing technologies generally deliver microbiologically perishable food products. Currently little information exists on possible increase in the resistance of pathogens after repetitive exposure to mild (sub-lethal) treatments. Multiple strain-cocktails of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter jejuni were exposed to 20 consecutive cycles of sub-lethal inactivation by three different techniques. Used techniques comprised inactivation with lactic acid (LA), chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) and intense light pulses (ILP). Results showed that the selection of resistant cells was both species and technique dependent. While repetitive cycles of ClO₂ treatment did not result in increased resistance, repetitive inactivation with LA yielded L. monocytogenes culture of higher resistance in comparison to the parental culture. The increased resistance, expressed as decreased level of reduction in bacterial counts in subsequent inactivation cycles, was also observed with ILP for both L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 strains. Visual trend observations were confirmed through statistical linear regression analysis. No such effects were noted for C. jejuni which became undetectable after first 2–5 cycles. Current findings indicate the ability of foodborne pathogens to adapt to mild bactericidal treatments creating new challenges in risk assessment and more specifically in hazard analysis.     

Magnetic nano-beads based separation combined with propidium monoazide treatment and multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of viable Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in food products

We developed a rapid and reliable technique for simultaneous detection of Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes that can be used in food products. Magnetic nano-beads (MNBs) based immunomagnetic separation (IMS) was used to separate the target bacterial cells while multiplex PCR (mPCR) was used to amplify the target genes. To detect only the viable bacteria, propidium monoazide (PMA) was applied to selectively suppress the DNA detection from dead cells. The results showed the detection limit of IMS-PMA-mPCR assay was about 10² CFU/ml (1.2 × 10² CFU/ml for S. Typhimurium, 4.0 × 10² CFU/ml for E. coli O157:H7 and 5.4 × 10² CFU/ml for L. monocytogenes) in pure culture and 10³ CFU/g (5.1 × 10³ CFU/g for S. Typhimurium, 7.5 × 10³ CFU/g for E. coli O157:H7 and 8.4 × 10³ CFU/g for L. monocytogenes) in spiking food products samples (lettuce, tomato and ground beef). This report has demonstrated for the first time, the effective use of rapid and reliable IMS combined with PMA treatment and mPCR assay for simultaneous detection of viable S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes in spiked food samples. It is anticipated that the present approach will be applicable to simultaneous detection of the three target microorganisms for practical use.     

Simultaneous detection of cow and buffalo milk in mozzarella cheese by Real-Time PCR assay

A Real-Time PCR Allelic Discrimination TaqMan assay based on the analysis of one diagnosis position enabling the identification of cows’ and buffalo milk in dairy products was developed. Specific primers and probes were designed on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. In particular, primers were designed upstream and downstream the chosen diagnosis site in a well conserved region for both Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis. Two probes were designed to specifically hybridise to B. taurus and B. bubalis sequences.     

Effects of supercritical carbon dioxide treatment against generic Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and E. coli O157:H7 in marinades and marinated pork

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) treatment on soy sauce and hot-pepper paste marinades, as well as in marinated pork products, for the inhibition of generic Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and E. coli O157:H7. SC-CO₂ was more effective at destroying foodborne pathogens when it was applied to the marinades than the marinated products. SC-CO₂ treatment at 14 MPa and 45 °C for 40 min resulted in a greater reduction in soy sauce (2.52–3.47 log CFU/cm²) than in hot-pepper paste marinade (2.12–2.72 log CFU/cm²). In the case of the marinated pork, when SC-CO₂ was applied at 14 MPa and 45 °C for 40 min, the reduction levels of L. monocytogenes were 2.49 and 1.92 log CFU/cm² in soy sauce and hot-pepper paste marinated pork, respectively. The results should be useful in the meat industry to help increase microbial safety and assure the microbial stability of marinades and marinated products.     

Inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Campylobacter jejuni in ready-to-eat sliced ham using UV-C irradiation

To investigate the applicability of UV-C irradiation on the inactivation of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in ready-to-eat sliced ham, UV-C treatment was evaluated. Irradiation dose required for 90% reduction of the populations of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Campylobacter jejuni were determined to be 2.48, 2.39, and 2.18 J/m². Ready-to-eat sliced hams were inoculated with the pathogens and irradiated with UV-C light of 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 J/m². Microbiological data indicated that foodborne pathogen populations significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with increasing UV-C irradiation. In particular, UV-C irradiation at 8000 J/m² reduced the populations of L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium, and C. jejuni in the ham by 2.74, 2.02, and 1.72 log CFU/g. The results indicate that UV-C irradiation can be used as a microbial inactivation method for ready-to-eat sliced ham, and inactivation kinetics of the foodborne pathogens fit the Weibull model better than the first-order kinetics model.     

The prevalence of Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and E. coli O157:H7 on bison carcasses during processing

Bison meat is a relatively new, emerging meat species gaining increased popularity in the US and European meat markets, but little is known of its microflora or pathogens that may be present. This study was carried out to determine the incidence of the foodborne pathogens Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia coli/E. coli O157:H7 on slaughtered bison and to evaluate the bison slaughter process. Bison carcass sampling was carried out at monthly intervals over a period of 1 year at a Bison processing facility in the Midwestern United States. A total of 355 Bison carcasses were sampled by surface swabbing the carcasses at five points on the production line: pre-dehiding, post-evisceration, post-USDA inspection, post-washing and 24 h chilled carcass. Overall, the prevalence of Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 was 18.3%, 3.94%, 38.3% and 1.13%, respectively. The prevalence of Listeria spp. at each sampling point tested was 42.24%, 18.1%, 6.03%, 1.72% and 3.77% while the prevalence of E. coli at each sampling point was: 88.79%, 73.28%, 52.59%, 56.89% and 11.3%, respectively. The data obtained suggests that current antimicrobial intervention strategies used at the plant are relatively effective in reducing Listeria and E. coli contamination on bison carcasses to some extent, however further study is required to determine the influence of current slaughter practices on carcass contamination. The data reported in this study to the authors’ knowledge is some of the first information reporting on the bacteriological status of Bison, and provides some useful baseline information for future research.     

Survey of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in raw ingredients and ready-to-eat products by commercial real-time PCR kits

Real-time PCR (RTiPCR) assays including enrichment stage were evaluated for the rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in raw ingredients and ready-to-eat products using molecular beacon probes available as commercial kits (WARNEX Genevision, Canada & AES Chemunex detection system, France). The accuracy of the assays was evaluated analyzing 1032 naturally contaminated food samples in combination to the conventional cultural methods. Presence/absence testing of the above pathogens was performed in 25 g samples of each product. In case of L. monocytogenes of 39 positive RTiPCR samples, 37 were confirmed by the cultural method (based on McNemar's test the difference between the two methods is insignificant). The highest incidence of L. monocytogenes in food products was found in desserts and the second highest in frozen pastries. None of the samples were cultural positive but negative in the RTiPCR test. One among the 343 investigated samples was positive for Salmonella spp. by RTiPCR and the cultural method. Out of 333 samples analyzed for E. coli O157:H7 no positive sample was detected. RTiPCR-based methods proved to be powerful tools for fast, sensitive and accurate pathogen detection in raw food ingredients and ready-to-eat products.     

Survival characteristics of Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in minimally processed lettuce during storage at different temperatures

Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains were inoculated in minimally processed lettuce samples and survival characteristics of these pathogens during storage at two different temperatures. One group of samples was kept at refrigerator at +4 °C, another group was kept at ambient temperature (+25 °C). According to data obtained, the factor “temperature” significantly affected the pathogen bacteria counts of the samples (P < 0.05). Counts of these two pathogen bacteria were decreased in minimally processed lettuce during storage at +4 °C.     

基于dsDNA-CuNCs的荧光ELISA检测牛奶中的E.coli O157:H7

目的:建立了一种灵敏检测牛奶中大肠杆菌O157:H7的新型荧光酶联免疫吸附方法。方法:以碱性磷酸酶水解焦磷酸盐-Cu²⁺配位复合物,释放出Cu²⁺形成铜纳米簇作为信号报告探针,通过对关键因素Cu²⁺浓度、焦磷酸盐浓度、DNA模板的浓度和长度进行优化。结果:在最优条件下,大肠杆菌O157:H7的菌数为5×10⁴～1×10⁸ CFU/mL时,与荧光信号值有较好的线性关系(R²=0.980 8),最低检出限为2.4×10⁴ CFU/mL。结论:该方法成功地应用于低脂牛奶和脱脂牛奶样本中大肠杆菌O157:H7的测定,平均回收率为92.2%～108.5%,相对标准偏差为4.9%～10.4%。     

Re-evaluation of Enhanced qPCR Prevalidated Method for Next-day Detection of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Escherichia coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes

The current study was conducted in order to reduce the overall time needed in a previously validated qPCR method, and extend the procedure for the simultaneous detection of an additional pathogen (Shigella spp.).The original method was modified by extending the primary enrichment and eliminating the secondary enrichment. Additionally, a rapid commercial DNA extraction kit was evaluated against our reference protocol taking into consideration DNA concentration obtained, purity of the DNA extracts evaluating two absorbance ratios (260/280 and 260/230), and Cq and final fluorescence after qPCR analysis. Comparable results were obtained with both DNA extraction methods, but the commercial kit performed worse with low bacterial concentrations. A total of 84 spiked and blind samples were analyzed with the rapid protocol without finding significant differences with respect to the original method regarding qPCR efficiency (90–103%), and all the method’s parameters that were previously analyzed (above 91%). Additionally, a very low limit of detection was still obtained after the method optimization (below 10 cfu/25 g). The modified method represents a significant advance in detection of foodborne pathogens because it can provide accurate and reliable results for producers and health authorities in less than 27 h including the enrichment step. This protocol implementation resulted in an overall 5 h reduction, with less hands-on work, and without any loss in the quality of the method. In addition the inclusion of an additional pathogen extends the method’s applicability to 4 pathogens of interest.     

A multiplex magnetic capture hybridisation and multiplex Real-Time PCR protocol for pathogen detection in seafood

Seafood could become a source of bacterial pathogens by exposure to contaminated water or through processing practices, thus representing a public health hazard. Conventional culture-based analytical methods take several days to be completed, while the molecular rapid identification of bacterial pathogens is crucial for effective disease control. The developed application consist of a multiplex magnetic capture hybridisation (mMCH) assay for the simultaneous isolation of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes DNA from seafood, using paramagnetic amino-modified nanoparticles with capture oligonucleotides, and a triplex Real-Time PCR with an Internal Amplification Control (IAC), in accordance with ISO 22174. The detection probability was 100% with 10 genome equivalents of each target species co-amplified in the same reaction. The complete molecular procedure was tested on raw and smoked salmon fillets artificially contaminated with known amounts of one or both target bacteria (1–10³ cfu/g), directly or after culture enrichment, and compared for equivalence with the standard methods. Results revealed a complete agreement between the two approaches, with a sensitivity of 1 cfu/g, in enriched samples, and higher sensitivity (10²–10³ cfu/g) of the molecular method in samples examined before culture enrichment. The proposed procedure was also able to identify a natural contamination by L. monocytogenes in smoked salmon with a considerable shortening of time.     

Simultaneous quantitative detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7, Cronobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. using sodium deoxycholate-propidium monoazide with multiplex real-time PCR

Escherichia coli O157:H7, Cronobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. are common food-borne pathogens in milk that may cause serious diseases. In the present study, we established a simple, rapid, and specific method to simultaneously detect viable E. coli O157:H7, Cronobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. in milk. Three specific genes, fliC from E. coli O157:H7, cgcA from Cronobacter spp., and invA from Salmonella spp., were selected and used to design primers and probes. False-positive results were eliminated with the use of a combined sodium deoxycholate (SD) and propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment. Using the optimized parameters, this SD-PMA treatment combined with multiplex real-time PCR (SD-PMA-mRT-PCR) detected E. coli O157:H7, Cronobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. respectively, at 10² cfu/mL in pure culture or artificially spiked skim milk samples. A reasonable recovery rate (from 100 to 107%) for detection of viable bacteria using the SD-PMA-mRT-PCR assay was obtained in the presence of dead bacteria at 10⁷ cfu/mL. The SD-PMA-mRT-PCR method developed in this study can accurately detect and monitor combined contamination with E. coli O157:H7, Cronobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. in milk and milk products.     

Inactivation of Escherichia coli K-12 and Listeria innocua in milk using radio frequency (RF) heating

Using a 2 kW, 27.12 MHz RF heater, studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of RF heating in inactivating surrogates of both Listeria and Escherichia coli cells in milk under continuous flow conditions. Depending on product residence time and RF power level, RF heating was found to be capable of inactivating both Listeria and E. coli in milk, with E. coli being the more heat sensitive of the two. For a total residence time of 55.5 s (i.e., 29.5 and 26 s in the applicator and holding tube, respectively), up to 5- and 7-log reductions were found for heating Listeria and E. coli, respectively at 1200 W, and an applicator tube exit temperature of approximately 65 °C. This study demonstrates that RF heating could be used to effectively pasteurize milk by manipulating incident power levels and flow rate. While these studies have been conducted under mild fluid flow (laminar) conditions, further studies are necessary to justify its industrial application using more realistic flow conditions.

Industrial relevance

Radio frequency (RF) heating can provide rapid heating. Compared to the microwave, RF has the added advantage of higher penetration depth. These advantages could be harnessed for pasteurizing large volume liquid foods and, most importantly, RF heating could potentially replace traditional heat exchangers that are easily fouled by products such as milk. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using RF heating under mild flow conditions to inactivate microorganisms that could contaminate milk.     

A filtration-based real-time PCR method for the quantitative detection of viable Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in food samples

We developed a novel filtration-based method that can eliminate dead or severally damaged Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in food samples. This new method can recover all viable bacteria in less than 30 min, and can be coupled with a subsequent bacterial DNA extraction and real-time PCR. No statically significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between real-time PCR results obtained separately from S. enterica and L. monocytogenes when different ratios of living and dead cells were used. The analytical sensitivity in both cases was 1 genome equivalent (GE), and the quantification was linear (R² > 0.9969) over a 5-log dynamic range with PCR efficiencies >0.9754. When compared with the standard microbiological methods for the detection of these foodborne pathogens, the relative accuracy was excellent ranging from 95.72% to 104.48%. Finally, we applied the pre-treatment method to the direct detection of viable forms of these foodborne pathogens in food samples using yogurt as a model, the results being similar to those obtained using pure cultures.     

Development and application of a new multiplex real‐time PCR assay for simultaneous identification of Brucella melitensis,Cronobacter sakazakii and Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk and cheese

Brucella melitensis, Cronobacter sakazakii and Listeria monocytogenes are important foodborne pathogens in milk and milk products, which are responsible for a variety of diseases that pose serious hazards to public health and food safety. The objective of this study was to develop a novel multiplex RTi‐PCR for the detection of B. melitensis, C. sakazakii and L. monocytogenes and to characterise the potential risk of these pathogens in raw milk and cheese. The raw milk (n = 25) and cheese samples (n = 20) were analysed by multiplex RTi‐PCR assay and detected for quantification of the three pathogens. In this study, B. melitensis, C. sakazakii and L. monocytogenes were simultaneously identified using BMEII0466, mms operon and hly as target genes, respectively. The multiplex RTi‐PCR assay that was developed showed good sensitivity and selectivity for the pathogenic microorganisms (r² = 0.986–0.997). Multiplex RTi‐PCR results showed that most of the samples were contaminated with the pathogens screened.     

Multiplex PCR coupled with propidium monoazide for the detection of viable Cronobacter sakazakii,Bacillus cereus,and Salmonella spp. in milk and milk products

Cronobacter sakazakii, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella spp. are common food-borne pathogens. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive, specific, and rapid method for the simultaneous detection of these 3 pathogens in milk and milk products. Three specific primers were designed based on ompA, invA, and cesB of C. sakazakii, Salmonella spp. and B. cereus, respectively, for use in a multiplex PCR (mPCR). To eliminate false-positive results, cells were pretreated with propidium monoazide (PMA) for the selective elimination of the genomic DNA of dead cells. An internal amplification control was applied as an indicator of false-negative results from the interference of inhibitors in the food matrix. Results showed that, in pure culture, the limits of detection of the assay for C. sakazakii, Salmonella Enteritidis, and B. cereus were 9.5 × 10⁴, 7.4 × 10², and 7.5 × 10² cfu/mL, respectively. Moreover, 8 cfu/mL of viable B. cereus cells were detected after 5 h of enrichment, and 9 cfu/mL of viable C. sakazakii and 7 cfu/mL of Salmonella Enteritidis were detected after 7 h of enrichment in spiked pure milk, walnut peanut milk, and whole-wheat milk. To validate the PMA-mPCR assay, the PMA-mPCR assay and the traditional culture method were performed to detect the 3 bacterial strains in 1,165 milk product samples. The PMA-mPCR assay obtained the same results as the culture-based method. Results demonstrated that the PMA-mPCR assay has excellent sensitivity and specificity for the simultaneous detection of viable C. sakazakii, Salmonella Enteritidis, and B. cereus in milk and milk products.