Research Publications (Food Safety)

With the rapid development of synthetic biology, various whole-cell biosensors have been designed as valuable biological devices for the selective and sensitive detection of toxic heavy metals in environmental water. However, most proposed biosensors are based on fluorescent and bioluminescent signals invisible to the naked eye. The development of visible pigment-based biosensors can address this issue. The pbr operon from Klebsiella pneumoniae is selectively induced by bioavailable Pb(II).

Introduction Pullorum disease is one of the common bacterial infectious diseases caused by Salmonella pullorum (S. pullorum), which can result in a decrease in the reproductive performance of laying hens, thus causing considerable economic losses. However, studies about the characteristics of intestinal microbiota with pullorum and their potential association with reproductive performance in hens are still limited. This study was to identify the gut microbiota associated with S.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are organic supplements that have several advantages for the health of the host. Tibetan chickens are an ancient breed, which evolve unique gut microbiota due to their adaptation to the hypoxic environment of high altitude. However, knowledge of LAB isolated from Tibetan chickens is very limited.

Noroviruses (NoVs) are the leading viral pathogens globally causing acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in humans, posing a significant global health threat and economic burden. Recent investigations revealed that human NoVs had been detected in different animals, which raises concerns about whether NoVs are potential zoonotic diseases. This study developed a novel luciferase immunosorbent assay (LISA) to detect GII.6 NoV IgG based on P protein of VP1.

Macrococcus species have been isolated from a range of mammals and mammal-derived food products. While they are largely considered to be animal commensals, Macrococcus spp. can be opportunistic pathogens in both veterinary and human clinical settings. This study aimed to provide insight into the evolution, population structure, and functional potential of the Macrococcus genus, with an emphasis on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence potential.

Introduction Arecae semen, which is derived from the dried ripe seed of Areca catechu L., has been commonly used as one of the major traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Three types of crude herbal preparations, namely, raw Arecae semen (AS), Arecae semen tostum (SAS), and Arecae semen carbonisata (FAS), are available for different clinical applications in TCMs.

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a foodborne pathogen that poses significant risks to public health and food safety. The present study aimed to identify the presence of Listeria spp. in various samples, including pasteurized milk, chicken fillets, and stool samples from pregnant women in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Additionally, the study identified the serotypes, virulence-associated genes, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and biofilm formation in L. monocytogenes isolates.

The effects of farm management practices and seasonal variation on the microbial community and chemical composition of corn and grass-legume silage are largely understudied due to the advantages of controlled mini-silo experiments. This study aims to investigate the effects that some key farm factors (use of an inoculant, farm region, and bunker or tower silo) and seasonal variations have on corn and grass-legume silage from farms across Ontario, Quebec, and New York.

In this study, genetic variations and characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from enoki mushrooms (23), smoked ducks (7), and processed ground meat products (30) were examined with respect to hemolysis, virulence genes, growth patterns, and heat resistance.

Plant probiotic bacteria enhance growth and yield of crop plants when applied at the appropriate time and dose. Two rice probiotic bacteria, Paraburkholderia fungorum strain BRRh-4 and Delftia sp. strain BTL-M2 promote growth and yield of plants. However, no information is available on application of these two bacteria on growth, yield, and diversity and population of bacteriome in roots and rhizosphere soils of the treated rice plants.

Detecting and identifying the origins of foodborne pathogen outbreaks is a challenging. The Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel method offers a potential solution by enabling efficient screening and identification of various bacteria in one reaction.

Introduction Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a gastrointestinal pathogen causing foodborne outbreaks. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in STEC surveillance holds promise in outbreak prevention and confinement, in broadening STEC epidemiology and in contributing to risk assessment and source attribution.

Shiga toxin-producing strains represent pathogenic group that is of concern in food production. The present study evaluated forty-eight E. coli isolates (11 with intact stx gene, while remaining isolates presented only stx-fragments) for Shiga toxin production. The four most expressive stx-producers (O26, O103, O145, and O157) were selected to evaluate effects of pH (3.5, 4.5, and 7) and temperature (35, 40, and 50°C).

In June 2021, a cluster of seven cases of Campylobacter fetus infections occurred in a rehabilitation center and caused significant morbidity in elderly patients including five with bacteremia and two with osteoarticular medical device infections. The genetic identity identified by whole genome sequencing of the different Campylobacter fetus strains confirms a common source.

Background

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen common to warm waters worldwide. Human V. vulnificus infection is rare and typically affects those residing in coastal areas during the summer months, but it causes rapid deterioration and is fatal.

Methods

Foodborne diseases as well as Foodborne pathogens are a global issue with significant effects on human health and economy. Therefore, several investigators have tried to find new alternative approaches to prevent and control this problem.

Introduction

Aflatoxins (AFT) identified as a Group 1 human carcinogen naturally contaminate various types of food and could increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through dietary intake. Chongqing municipality is located in Southwest China with subtropical monsoon climate which is conducive to AFT contamination in crops. However, the burden of HCC caused by the dietary exposure of the population in Chongqing to AFT has not been quantified.

Methods

Campylobacter hepaticus has re-emerged as an important cause of disease in egg laying birds worldwide, resulting in morbidity, mortality, and significant losses in eggs for the breeding and table egg laying industries. Although birds may appear asymptomatic, the disease is characterized by spots on the liver of birds and histopathological analysis reveals multifocal fibrogranulocytic necrotizing hepatitis microscopically. The re-emergence of C.

Background Vibrio parahaemolyticus is one of the most common foodborne pathogens and poses a significant disease burden.

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) pose unique challenges in microbial community management since they rely on a stable community with key target groups, both in the RAS environment and in the host (in this case, Solea senegalensis).

Ensuring a safe and adequate food supply is a cornerstone of human health and food security. However, a significant portion of the food produced for human consumption is wasted annually on a global scale. Reducing harvest and postharvest food waste, waste during food processing, as well as food waste at the consumer level, have been key objectives of improving and maintaining sustainability.

Introduction By adhering to host cells and colonizing tissues, bacterial pathogens can successfully establish infection. Adhesion is considered the first step of the infection process and bacterial adhesion to anti-adhesive compounds is now seen as a promising strategy to prevent infectious diseases. Among the natural sources of anti-adhesive molecules, the membrane of milk fat globules (MFGs) is of interest because of its compositional diversity of proteins and glycoconjugates.

Probiotics are live microorganisms with various health benefits when consumed in appropriate amounts. Fermented foods are a rich source of these beneficial organisms. This study aimed to investigate the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented papaya (Carica papaya L.) through in vitro methods. The LAB strains were thoroughly characterized, considering their morphological, physiological, fermentative, biochemical, and molecular properties.

Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, an enteric illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, have been associated with consumption of various types of fresh produce. Although a method is in use for genotyping C. cayetanensis from clinical specimens, the very low abundance of C. cayetanensis in food and environmental samples presents a greater challenge.

Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:-, a monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium, has become a global serovar causing animal and human infections since its first emergence in the late 1980's. Several previous studies showed the increasing prevalence of S. 4,[5],12:i:- in China, most of which were from swine with multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles. However, the molecular characteristic and evolution of S. 4,[5],12:i:- in the same swine farm are still unknown. In this study, a total of 54 S.