Chicken Juice Enhances C. jejuni NCTC 11168 Biofilm Formation with Distinct Morphological Features and Altered Protein Expression.

Campylobacter jejuni is the foodborne pathogen causing most gastrointestinal infections. Understanding its ability to form biofilms is crucial for devising effective control strategies in food processing environments. In this study, we investigated the growth dynamics and biofilm formation of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 in various culture media, including chicken juice (CJ), brain heart infusion (BHI), and Mueller Hinton (MH) broth. Our results demonstrated that C. jejuni exhibited a higher growth rate and enhanced biofilm formation in CJ and in 1:1 mixtures of CJ with BHI or MH broth compared to these measures in BHI or MH broth alone. Electron microscopy unveiled distinct morphological attributes of late-stage biofilm cells in CJ, including the presence of elongated spiral-shaped cells, thinner stretched structures compared to regular cells, and extended thread-like structures within the biofilms. Proteomic analysis identified significant alterations in protein expression profiles in C. jejuni biofilms, with a predominance of downregulated proteins associated with vital functions like metabolism, energy production, and amino acid and protein biosynthesis. Additionally, a significant proportion of proteins linked to biofilm formation, virulence, and iron uptake were suppressed. This shift toward a predominantly coccoid morphology echoed the reduced energy demands of these biofilm communities. Our study unlocks valuable insights into C. jejuni's biofilm in CJ, demonstrating its adaptation and survival.

Phenotypic, genotypic and proteomic variations between poor and robust colonizing Campylobacter jejuni strains.

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the major causes of bacterial gastrointestinal disease in humans worldwide. This foodborne pathogen colonizes the intestinal tracts of chickens, and consumption of chicken and poultry products is identified as a common route of transmission. We analyzed two C. jejuni strains after oral challenge with 105 CFU/ml of C. jejuni per chick; one strain was a robust colonizer (A74/C) and the other a poor colonizer (A74/O). We also found extensive phenotypic differences in growth rate, biofilm production, and in vitro adherence, invasion, intracellular survival, and transcytosis. Strains A74/C and A74/O were genotypically similar with respect to their whole genome alignment, core genome, and ribosomal MLST, MLST, flaA, porA, and PFGE typing. The global proteomes of the two congenic strains were quantitatively analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and 618 and 453 proteins were identified from A74/C and A74/O isolates, respectively. Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses showed that carbon metabolism and motility proteins were distinctively overexpressed in strain A74/C. The robust colonizer also exhibited a unique proteome profile characterized by significantly increased expression of proteins linked to adhesion, invasion, chemotaxis, energy, protein synthesis, heat shock proteins, iron regulation, two-component regulatory systems, and multidrug efflux pump. Our study underlines phenotypic, genotypic, and proteomic variations of the poor and robust colonizing C. jejuni strains, suggesting that several factors may contribute to mediating the different colonization potentials of the isogenic isolates.

Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance, Virulence, and Plasmid Dynamics in Multidrug-Resistant E. coli Isolates from Imported Shrimp.

We analyzed antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits in multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli isolates obtained from imported shrimp using whole-genome sequences (WGSs). Antibiotic resistance profiles were determined phenotypically. WGSs identified key characteristics, including their multilocus sequence type (MLST), serotype, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile elements. Most of the isolates exhibited resistance to gentamicin, streptomycin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Multilocus sequence type (MLST), serotype, average nucleotide identity (ANI), and pangenome analysis showed high genomic similarity among isolates, except for EC15 and ECV01. The EC119 plasmid contained a variety of efflux pump genes, including those encoding the acid resistance transcriptional activators (gadE, gadW, and gadX), resistance-nodulation-division-type efflux pumps (mdtE and mdtF), and a metabolite, H1 symporter (MHS) family major facilitator superfamily transporter (MNZ41_23075). Virulence genes displayed diversity, particularly EC15, whose plasmids carried genes for adherence (faeA and faeC-I), invasion (ipaH and virB), and capsule (caf1A and caf1M). This comprehensive analysis illuminates antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and plasmid dynamics in E. coli from imported shrimp and has profound implications for public health, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and research into the evolution of these important bacterial pathogens.

Unraveling the molecular dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms at the air-liquid interface.

Aim: The aim of this study was to probe the dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 air-liquid interface (ALI) biofilms over time through global proteomic analysis. Materials & methods: P. aeruginosa PA14 ALI biofilm samples, collected over 48-144 h, underwent differential expression analysis to identify varying proteins at each time point. Results: A consistent set of 778 proteins was identified, with variable expression over time. Upregulated proteins were mainly linked to 'amino acid transport and metabolism'. Biofilm-related pathways, including cAMP/Vfr and QS, underwent significant changes. Flagella were more influential than pili, especially in early biofilm development. Proteins associated with virulence, transporters and iron showed differential expression throughout. Conclusion: The findings enhance our understanding of ALI biofilm development.

This study looks at how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms a community called a biofilm at the air­liquid interface (ALI), an important environment for bacterial growth. Biofilms at the ALI are resistant to external forces and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Over 48­144 h, we observed a noticeable increase in biofilm thickness. Our data suggested that the flagella, a sort of propeller of the bacterium, plays a crucial role, especially in the initial stages of ALI biofilm formation. Proteins associated with virulence, transporters and iron also showed their significance in ALI biofilms. These findings offer valuable insights into the protein changes and functions involved in P. aeruginosa ALI biofilms, improving our understanding of biofilm development.

Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Enterococcus isolates using MALDI-TOF MS and VITEK 2.

The bacterial genus Enterococcus encompasses 38 species. Two of the most common species are E. faecalis and E. faecium. Recently, however, there has been an increase in clinical reports concerning less prevalent Enterococcus species, such as E. durans, E. hirae, and E. gallinarum. Rapid and accurate laboratory methods are needed to facilitate the identification of all these bacterial species. In the present study, we compared the relative accuracy of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), VITEK 2, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing using 39 enterococci isolates from dairy samples, and compared the resultant phylogenetic trees. We found that MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified all isolates at the species level except for one, whereas the VITEK 2 system, which is an automated identification system using biochemical characteristics of species, misidentified ten isolates. However, phylogenetic trees constructed from both methods showed all isolates in similar positions. Our results clearly showed that MALDI-TOF MS is a reliable and rapid tool for identifying Enterococcus species with greater discriminatory power than the biochemical assay method of VITEK 2.

Gold Nanoparticle and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Colorimetric Assay for the Identification of Campylobacter spp. in Chicken Carcass.

Campylobacteriosis is a common cause of gastrointestinal disease. In this study, we suggest a general strategy of applying gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in colorimetric biosensors to detect Campylobacter in chicken carcass. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized for the amplification of the target genes, and the thiolated PCR products were collected. Following the blending of colloid AuNPs with PCR products, the thiol bound to the surface of AuNPs, forming AuNP-PCR products. The PCR products had a sufficient negative charge, which enabled AuNPs to maintain a dispersed formation under electrostatic repulsion. This platform presented a color change as AuNPs aggregate. It did not need additional time and optimization of pH for PCR amplicons to adhere to the AuNPs. The specificity of AuNPs of modified primer pairs for mapA from Campylobacter jejuni and ceuE from Campylobacter coli was activated perfectly (C. jejuni, p-value: 0.0085; C. coli, p-value: 0.0239) when compared to Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli as non-Campylobacter species. Likewise, C. jejuni was successfully detected from artificially contaminated chicken carcass samples. According to the sensitivity test, at least 15 ng/µL of Campylobacter PCR products or 1×103 CFU/mL of cells in the broth was needed for the detection using the optical method.

Distribution and Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens in a Pig Farm, Slaughterhouse, Meat Processing Plant, and in Retail Stores.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens isolated from meat pro-ducts and their producing environment has been an increasing and leading threat to public health. The aim of the study was to identify pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance isolated from pig production to pork meat distribution phases. Through this study, food spoilage and foodborne or clinical pathogenic bacteria were isolated and identified from pork (belly and neck) meat product and its related environmental samples that include pig swabs, diets, feces, liquid manure, workers' gloves, dust fan swabs, carcass swabs, floor swabs, and drain water in the affiliated farm, slaughterhouse, meat processing plant, and in retail stores. All carcasses at the slaughterhouse and meat products at the meat processing plant were tracked from pigs at a targeted farm. Nine different selective media agars were used to effectively isolate various pathogenic bacteria. A total of 283 presumptive pathogenic bacteria isolated from 126 samples were selected and identified using MALDI-ToF MS. Twenty-three important foodborne pathogens were identified, and some of them, Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Yersinia enterocolitica, were further confirmed using PCR. The PFGE patterns of 12 STEC isolates were grouped by sample source or site. All the foodborne pathogens used in the study were not resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin, whereas some of the STEC, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus isolates were resistant to various antibiotics, including ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and vancomycin. The most common antimicrobial resistance pattern in the pathogenic STEC isolates was AMP-KAN-STR-SXT-TET. Consequently, this study provides valuable information for the distribution of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens along the pork meat production chain and can assist farmers and stakeholders to develop a systematic strategy for reducing the current emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in the different phases of pig production and distribution.

Concentration-Dependent Global Quantitative Proteome Response of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A Biofilms to Subinhibitory Tigecycline.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading cause of biofilm-associated infections on implanted medical devices. During the treatment of an infection, bacterial cells inside biofilms may be exposed to sublethal concentrations of the antimicrobial agents. In the present study, the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of tigecycline (TC) on biofilms formed by S. epidermidis strain RP62A was investigated using a quantitative global proteomic technique. Sublethal concentrations of TC [1/8 (T1) and 1/4 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (T2)] promoted biofilm production in strain RP62A, but 1/2 MIC TC (T3) significantly inhibited biofilm production. Overall, 413, 429, and 518 proteins were differentially expressed in biofilms grown with 1/8 (T1), 1/4 (T2), and 1/2 (T3) MIC of TC, respectively. As the TC concentration increased, the number of induced proteins in each Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway increased. The TC concentration dependence of the proteome response highlights the diverse mechanisms of adaptive responses in strain RP62A biofilms. In both COG and KEGG functional analyses, most upregulated proteins belong to the metabolism pathway, suggesting that it may play an important role in the defense of strain RP62A biofilm cells against TC stress. Sub-MIC TC treatment of strain RP62A biofilms led to significant changes of protein expression related to biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, quorum sensing, ABC transporters, protein export, purine/pyrimidine biosynthesis, ribosomes, and essential proteins. Interestingly, in addition to tetracycline resistance, proteins involved in resistance of various antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, antimicrobial peptides, ß-lactams, erythromycin, fluoroquinolones, fusidic acid, glycopeptides, lipopeptides, mupirocin, rifampicin and trimethoprim were differentially expressed. Our study demonstrates that global protein expression profiling of biofilm cells to antibiotic pressure may improve our understanding of the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in biofilms.

Properties of broiler breast meat with pale color and a new approach for evaluating meat freshness in poultry processing plants.

The current trend in monitoring meat quality is to move the quality measurements from the laboratory to the processing line. To provide better meat quality control in the commercial poultry processing plants, we evaluated the quality of broiler breast meat samples, observing different colors, and assessed their freshness using a Torrymeter. Different colors were classified based on the mean ± standard deviation of lightness (L*) values in 1,499 broiler breast fillets: Dark (L* < 56), normal (56 ≤ L* ≤ 62), and pale (L* > 62). To characterize the differences between the pale and normal color groups, we evaluated additional fillets for meat quality traits. Changes in meat quality during storage were also evaluated. The L* and Torrymeter values (freshness values) allowed us to distinguish between the pale and normal meat samples. Normal and pale fillets showed a significant difference in pH, Torrymeter values, and water-holding capacity (P < 0.001). The L* values were significantly correlated with cook and drip loss (P < 0.01) and were higher (paler, +1.2 L* unit) at 72-h postmortem than at 4-h postmortem. Torrymeter values were correlated with cook loss (P < 0.05) and pH (P < 0.001), and significantly decreased with the increase in storage period (P < 0.001). These results suggest the applicability of the Torrymeter, a fast and non-destructive device, in distinguishing stale and fresh breast fillets. With its portability and simplicity, the Torrymeter is expected to be a valuable tool to estimate meat freshness. Especially, the use of Torrymeter for evaluating pale breast fillets may allow easy identification and separation of fillets according to their pale, soft, and exudative properties in commercial poultry processing lines.

Whole-Genome Sequences of Nine Hospital-Associated Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Strains.

We present the draft genome sequences of nine hospital-associated methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MSSA) strains. All strains were from Minnesota (eight from blood and one from bone), harbored various virulence genes, and showed diverse multilocus sequence typing and spa types.

Draft Genome Sequences of 27 Hospital-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated in Minnesota.

Infections caused by hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) strains have higher morbidity and mortality rates and require longer hospital stays than do those caused by hospital-associated methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus strains. To gain insight into their genomic makeup, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence potentials, here we present the draft whole-genome sequences of 27 HA-MRSA strains isolated in Minnesota.

Draft Genome Sequences of 12 Panton-Valentine Leucocidin-Positive and Multidrug-Resistant Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from an Intensive Care Unit in Pakistan.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for difficult-to-treat staphylococcal infections due to multidrug resistance. Twelve Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive and multidrug-resistant clinical MRSA isolates from hospitals in Pakistan were sequenced and annotated to investigate genetic markers associated with antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and biofilm formation.

Effect of folic acid supplementation on proliferation and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells.

Folic acid (FA) is known to be an important micronutrient in humans; however, information regarding the effect of FA supplementation on bovine mammary epithelial (BME) cells is insufficient. FA supplementation is reported to increase milk production in dairy cows, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. This study examined the effects of FA supplementation on the proliferation and apoptosis of a BME cell line (MAC-T). MAC-T cells were treated with various concentrations (deficient in FA (DF) < 0.01 ng/mL; low-level FA (LF) 3.1 ng/mL; normal FA (NF) 15.4 ng/mL; and high-level FA (HF) 30.8 ng/mL) based on serum folate (10-20 ng/mL) in milking cows. HF treatment significantly increased the proliferation of MAC-T cells. Cellular apoptosis was observed mainly in the DF group. The number of apoptotic cells in DF media was significantly higher than that in NF media. The bcl-2/bax mRNA expression ratio was significantly increased in the HF group compared to that in the DF group. FA supplementation significantly increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein levels in MAC-T cells. FA supplementation increases proliferation and decreases apoptosis in these cells. This study might provide information regarding the molecular mechanism through which FA supplementation is associated with increased milk yield.

Dynamic Adaptive Response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Clindamycin/Rifampicin-Impregnated Catheters.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common Gram-negative pathogen causing nosocomial multidrug resistant infections. It is a good biofilm producer and has the potential for contaminating medical devices. Despite the widespread use of antibacterial-impregnated catheters, little is known about the impacts of antibacterial coating on the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa. In this study, we investigated the adaptive resistance potential of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 in response to continuous antibiotic exposure from clindamycin/rifampicin-impregnated catheters (CR-IC). During exposure for 144 h to clindamycin and rifampicin released from CR-IC, strain PAO1 formed biofilms featuring elongated and swollen cells. There were 545 and 372 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) identified in the planktonic and biofilm cells, respectively, by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Both Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that the planktonic cells responded to the released antibiotics more actively than the biofilm cells, with metabolism and ribosomal biosynthesis-associated proteins being significantly over-expressed. Exposure to CR-IC increased the invasion capability of P. aeruginosa for Hela cells and upregulated the expression of certain groups of virulence proteins in both planktonic and biofilm cells, including the outer membrane associated (flagella, type IV pili and type III secretion system) and extracellular (pyoverdine) virulence proteins. Continuous exposure of P. aeruginosa to CR-IC also induced the overexpression of antibiotic resistance proteins, including porins, efflux pumps, translation and transcription proteins. However, these upregulations did not change phenotypic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) during the experimental timeframe. The concerning association between CR-IC and overexpression of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa suggests the need for additional investigation to determine if it results in adverse clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of Ceftazidime as an Antibiotic Supplement in Mannitol-Yolk-Polymyxin B Agar Used for Enumeration of Bacillus cereus in Ready-to-Eat Vegetables.

ABSTRACT: The Bacillus cereus group of bacteria, which causes foodborne diseases, can be detected by culture on selective media. However, the presence of competing flora is the most common factor preventing the accurate enumeration of B. cereus on selective agars. In this study, we improved the selectivity of mannitol-yolk-polymyxin B agar (MYPA) and its modified version containing trimethoprim (mMYPA) developed in our previous study by supplementation with ceftazidime (16 µg/mL). Ceftazidime-supplemented MYPA (C-MYPA16) and mMYPA (C-mMYPA16) were evaluated for bacteria recovery and selectivity with three types of ready-to-eat vegetables. Four B. cereus and one Bacillus thuringiensis strains were mixed and artificially inoculated into vegetable salad, radish sprouts, and sprout mix and then recovered on MYPA, mMYPA, C-MYPA16, and C-mMYPA16. In all tested vegetables, mMYPA, C-MYPA16, and C-mMYPA16 culture resulted in similar recovery of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis (P > 0.05), whereas radish sprout and sprout mix colonies grown on MYPA were undistinguishable. C-mMYPA16 was the most selective medium because it eliminated most of the competing flora, especially that in sprouts, without negatively affecting the recovery of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis. Our results indicate that supplementation of mMYPA with ceftazidime may improve the selectivity of this medium for B. cereus and B. thuringiensis in food testing.

Detection of Campylobacter jejuni from Fresh Produce: Comparison of Culture- and PCR-based Techniques, and Metagenomic Approach for Analyses of the Microbiome before and after Enrichment.

ABSTRACT: In this study, we compared the efficiency of culture-based methods with or without membrane filtration, real-time PCR, and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) for the detection of Campylobacter in fresh produce. Alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts, coleslaw, and lettuce salad spiked with Campylobacter jejuni were enriched in Bolton broth for 48 h, and enrichment cultures were either directly inoculated onto modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar or applied on membrane filters placed on the surface of plating media. In parallel, 2-mL Bolton broth cultures were taken to extract DNA for real-time PCR and ddPCR assays and bacterial community analysis. A developed primer set for ddPCR and real-time PCR was evaluated for its inclusivity and exclusivity using pure culture of C. jejuni and non-C. jejuni strains, respectively. In pure culture, the primer set reacted only with C. jejuni strains and showed negative reaction to non-C. jejuni strains. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the detection efficiency of positive Campylobacter isolates from coleslaw and lettuce salad using four detection methods. However, for sprout samples, the detection efficiency of the culture method was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the two PCR assays and the filtration method. The analysis also revealed the presence of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter as the most prevalent competing microbiota in enriched culture and only Acinetobacter on agar plates in the selective culture step.

Synergistic effects of the early administration of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens DN1 and Kluyveromyces marxianus KU140723-05 on the inhibition of Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in young chickens.

In this study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens DN1 (LKF_DN1) and the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus KU140723-05 (KMA5), recently isolated from kefir, as probiotics. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of early administration of these 2 microbes on the inhibition of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) colonization in neonatal chicks. We also examined the effects of exposure of chicks to probiotics before SE exposure on the reduction in the number of gut SE. A total of 108 1-day-old specific-pathogen-free male layer chicks were used for 3 independent experiments. The experimental chicks were randomly divided into 6 groups (negative control: basal diet [BD] without probiotics and SE; positive control: BD; probiotic group [PG] 1: BD + LKF_DN1; PG2: BD + KMA5; PG3: BD + LKF_DN1 + KMA5; and PG4: BD+ a commercial product IDF-7), all of which, except negative control, were coadministered with SE strain resistant to rifampicin (SERR). We found that the administration of LKF_DN1 and/or KMA5 reduced the number of viable cells of the SERR strain in chicks by up to 1.90 log10, relative to positive control chicks. Compared with late administration (day [D] 10 and D11), early administration (D1 and D2) of the probiotics was more effective in reducing SERR cell numbers in the gut. Furthermore, we detected no significant difference in the reduction of gut SERR cell numbers in chicks from the same groups exposed to the probiotics at D10 and D11 before and after administration with SERR. Collectively, our findings indicate that, as dietary additives, LKF_DN1 and KMA5 showed potential probiotic activity in chicks. Moreover, the combination of the lactic acid bacteria and/or yeast strain was found to rapidly reduce SE numbers in the chick gut and showed a prolonged inhibitory effect against SE colonization. We, thus, propose that the administration of these 2 probiotics, as early as possible after hatching, would be considerably effective in controlling SE colonization in the guts of chicks.

Influence of sodium reduction and storage temperature on the growth of total microbes and Bacillus cereus in naturally contaminated hamburger patty and loaf bread.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of sodium reduction and storage temperature on the growth of total microbes and Bacillus cereus in naturally contaminated hamburger patty and loaf bread, respectively. The sodium reduction rate of hamburger patty and loaf bread was 20% and 30%, respectively, and experimental samples were kept at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C for 60 h. The microbiological analysis included the colony count of total microbes and B. cereus. The water activity (Aw), titratable acidity (TA), and pH were assessed as factors that inhibit microbial growth. In this study, Aw, TA, and pH of all samples were affected by the growth of total microbes and B. cereus during the storage period. Hence, these results suggested that sodium reduction in processed foods should be preferentially applied as a potent inhibition strategy after accurate assessment of inhibitors for different food types.

Prevalence, toxin-typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridium perfringens from retail meats in Seoul, Korea.

Clostridium perfringens is a ubiquitous, Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium. It can contaminate many types of retail meat products and cause food poisoning by producing enterotoxins in the small intestines of humans and domestic animals. We investigated the prevalence, toxin-encoding gene profile, and antimicrobial resistance of C. perfringens in beef, chicken, and pork meat purchased from retail markets in Seoul, Korea. C. perfringens was detected according to the International Organization for Standardization 7937, with some modifications, and confirmed using the Vitek 2 system. In total, 38 C. perfringens strains were isolated from 200 meat samples (38/200, 19%; thirty-three from chicken, and five from beef). Among the six toxins evaluated, including alpha, beta, epsilon, iota, enterotoxin (encoded in the cpe gene), and netB, only the cpa gene was detected in all isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The antimicrobial resistance of the isolates was evaluated using the agar dilution method and resistance to ampicillin (12/38, 31.6%), tetracycline (38/38, 100%), chloramphenicol (26/38, 68.4%), metronidazole (13/38, 34.2%), and imipenem (27/38, 71%) was observed. Interestingly, 30 of the 38 isolates (78.9%) were multiple-drug resistant, showing resistance to more than three different antimicrobial classes.

Virulence Characteristics of mecA-Positive Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are an important group of opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms that cause infections in hospital settings and are generally resistant to many antimicrobial agents. We report on phenotypic and genotypic virulence characteristics of a select group of clinical, mecA-positive (encoding penicillin-binding protein 2a) CoNS isolates. All CoNS were resistant to two or more antimicrobials with S. epidermidis strain 214EP, showing resistance to fifteen of the sixteen antimicrobial agents tested. Aminoglycoside-resistance genes were the ones most commonly detected. The presence of megaplasmids containing both horizontal gene transfer and antimicrobial resistance genetic determinants indicates that CoNS may disseminate antibiotic resistance to other bacteria. Staphylococcus sciuri species produced six virulence enzymes, including a DNase, gelatinase, lipase, phosphatase, and protease that are suspected to degrade tissues into nutrients for bacterial growth and contribute to the pathogenicity of CoNS. The PCR assay for the detection of biofilm-associated genes found the eno (encoding laminin-binding protein) gene in all isolates. Measurement of their biofilm-forming ability and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analyses revealed that the results of crystal violet (CV) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) assays were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.9153, P = 3.612e-12). The presence of virulence factors, biofilm-formation capability, extracellular enzymes, multidrug resistance, and gene transfer markers in mecA-positive CoNS clinical strains used in this study makes them powerful opportunistic pathogens. The study also warrants a careful evaluation of nosocomial infections caused by CoNS and may be useful in studying the mechanism of virulence and factors associated with their pathogenicity in vivo and developing effective strategies for mitigation.