Incidencia de las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos en Ecuador / Incidence of foodborne diseases in Ecuador

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de describir las tasas de incidencia por cada 100 000 habitantes de los casos de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos (ETA) durante el periodo 2015-2020 en Ecuador se realizó un análisis secundario de los registros de vigilancia epidemiológica y de las proyecciones poblacionales del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos. Se reportaron 113 695 casos con una incidencia superior a los 100 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes (2015-2019). En el 2020 los registros son considerablemente inferiores a los reportes de años anteriores. La mayoría de los casos se reportaron como «otras intoxicaciones alimentarias¼. Las tasas de incidencia de ETA más altas se observaron en la región amazónica. En general existe una marcada variabilidad anual en la incidencia de las ETA según las regiones geográficas del Ecuador. En conclusión, las ETA representan un problema de salud pública en el Ecuador. Se deben diseñar estrategias preventivas integrales con especial énfasis en la región amazónica.

ABSTRACT In order to describe the incidence rates per 100 000 population of foodborne disease (FBD) cases during the period 2015-2020 in Ecuador, we carried out a secondary analysis of epidemiological surveillance records and population projections from the National Institute of Statistics and Census. A total of 113,695 cases were reported with an incidence of more than 100 cases per 100 000 population (2015-2019). In 2020, the records are considerably lower than those reported in previous years. Most cases were reported as "other food poisoning". The highest incidence rates of FBD were found in the Amazon region. In general, there is a marked annual variability in the incidence of FBD according to the geographic regions of Ecuador. In conclusion, FBD represent a public health problem in Ecuador. Comprehensive preventive strategies should be designed with special emphasis on the Amazon region.

Contribution of the Type III Secretion System (T3SS2) of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Mitochondrial Stress in Human Intestinal Cells.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important human pathogen that is currently the leading cause of shellfish-borne gastroenteritis in the world. Particularly, the pandemic strain has the capacity to induce cytotoxicity and enterotoxicity through its Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS2) that leads to massive cell death. However, the specific mechanism by which the T3SS2 induces cell death remains unclear and its contribution to mitochondrial stress is not fully understood. In this work, we evaluated the contribution of the T3SS2 of V. parahaemolyticus in generating mitochondrial stress during infection in human intestinal HT-29 cells. To evaluate the contribution of the T3SS2 of V. parahaemolyticus in mitochondrial stress, infection assays were carried out to evaluate mitochondrial transition pore opening, mitochondrial fragmentation, ATP quantification, and cell viability during infection. Our results showed that the Δvscn1 (T3SS2+) mutant strain contributes to generating the sustained opening of the mitochondrial transition pore. Furthermore, it generates perturbations in the ATP production in infected cells, leading to a significant decrease in cell viability and loss of membrane integrity. Our results suggest that the T3SS2 from V. parahaemolyticus plays a role in generating mitochondrial stress that leads to cell death in human intestinal HT-29 cells. It is important to highlight that this study represents the first report indicating the possible role of the V. parahaemolyticus T3SS2 and its effector proteins involvement in generating mitochondrial stress, its impact on the mitochondrial pore, and its effect on ATP production in human cells.

Caracterización higiénico-sanitaria de la leche bovina del departamento de Nariño

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar la calidad higiénico-sanitaria de la leche bovina de Nariño mediante los recuentos de mesófilos aerobios y de células somáticas y determinar presencia de microorganismos ambientales importantes en salud pública como Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus y Yersinia enterocolítica y evaluar las variaciones de los parámetros de calidad en dos periodos lluviosos diferentes. Materiales y métodos. Se tomaron muestras de leche en 180 predios de cuatro subregiones naturales, en épocas de diferente precipitación. A cada muestra se le realizó recuento de aerobios mesófilos, y el recuento de células somáticas por citometría de flujo, y el de Coliformes totales mediante lectura en placa. La detección de Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7 y Listeria monocytogenes por el sistema de detección molecular MDS 3M, Staphylococcus aureus y Yersinia enterocolitica por microbiología convencional. Resultados. Los recuentos de células somáticas fueron superiores en la época de altas precipitaciones. La mediana de los recuentos de mesófilos y coliformes totales fue de 20.085 UFC/ml, 265 UFC/ml respectivamente sin diferencias significativas en los dos periodos. No se detectó Salmonella spp. ni E. coli O157/H7. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de presentación de Listeria sp., L. monocytogenes, Y. enterocolítica, Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa entre los dos periodos de lluvia evaluados". Conclusiones. Se observó que el 80% de las muestras de leche analizadas en este estudio cumplen con los estándares de calidad higiénico-sanitaria y no se observó influencia de la época de muestreo sobre la calidad higiénica de la leche.

ABSTRACT Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hygienic and sanitary quality of bovine milk from dairy farms of Nariño, Colombia by determining the presence of environmental microorganisms of public health importance such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica and to evaluate the impact that the rainy seasons have on milk quality Materials and methods. Milk samples were taken in 180 farms located in four natural subregions, both in the high rainfall season and in the low rainfall season. Mesophilic aerobic count, a somatic cell count by automated methods, and a total coliform count in 3M Petrifilm® plates were done to each milk sample. Detection of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes was done by the 3M MDS system, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica were isolated by conventional microbiology techniques. Results. The highest somatic cell counts were found during the high rain season. The median of the mesophilic, total coliform and somatic cell counts were 20,085 CFU/ml, 265 CFU/ml and 219,170 cells/ml, respectively, with no significant differences in the two rainy periods. Neither Salmonella spp. nor E. coli O157/H7 were detected. There was no significant difference among the presence of Listeria sp., L. monocytogenes, Y. enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococcus between the two rainy seasons. Conclusions. 80% of the milk samples met the hygienic and sanitary quality standards and no influence of the sampling period on the hygienic quality of the milk was observed.

An Edible Biopolymeric Microcapsular Wrapping Integrating Lytic Bacteriophage Particles for Salmonella enterica: Potential for Integration into Poultry Feed.

This research work aimed at developing an edible biopolymeric microcapsular wrapping (EBMW) integrating lytic bacteriophage particles for Salmonella enterica, with potential application in poultry feed for biocontrol of that pathogen. This pathogen is known as one of the main microorganisms responsible for contamination in the food industry and in foodstuff. The current techniques for decontamination and pathogen control in the food industry can be very expensive, not very selective, and even outdated, such as the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that end up selecting resistant bacteria. Hence, there is a need for new technologies for pathogen biocontrol. In this context, bacteriophage-based biocontrol appears as a potential alternative. As a cocktail, both phages were able to significantly reduce the bacterial load after 12 h of treatment, at either multiplicity of infection (MOI) 1 and 10, by 84.3% and 87.6%, respectively. Entrapment of the phage virions within the EBMW matrix did not exert any deleterious effect upon their lytic activity. The results obtained showed high promise for integration in poultry feed aiming at controlling Salmonella enterica, since the edible biopolymeric microcapsular wrapping integrating lytic bacteriophage particles developed was successful in maintaining lytic phage viability while fully stabilizing the phage particles.

Minimally Processed Vegetables in Brazil: An Overview of Marketing, Processing, and Microbiological Aspects.

The global demand for minimally processed vegetables (MPVs) has grown, driven by changes in the population's lifestyle. MPVs are fresh vegetables that undergo several processing steps, resulting in ready-to-eat products, providing convenience for consumers and food companies. Among the processing steps, washing-disinfection plays an important role in reducing the microbial load and eliminating pathogens that may be present. However, poor hygiene practices can jeopardize the microbiological quality and safety of these products, thereby posing potential risks to consumer health. This study provides an overview of minimally processed vegetables (MPVs), with a specific focus on the Brazilian market. It includes information on the pricing of fresh vegetables and MPVs, as well as an examination of the various processing steps involved, and the microbiological aspects associated with MPVs. Data on the occurrence of hygiene indicators and pathogenic microorganisms in these products are presented. The focus of most studies has been on the detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.7% to 100%, 0.6% to 26.7%, and 0.2% to 33.3%, respectively. Foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh vegetables in Brazil between 2000 and 2021 were also addressed. Although there is no information about whether these vegetables were consumed as fresh vegetables or MPVs, these data highlight the need for control measures to guarantee products with quality and safety to consumers.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Nanoemulsion-Based Natural Compound Delivery Systems Compared with Non-Nanoemulsified Versions.

This study aimed to develop nanoemulsions with a focus on improving the bioactivity of oregano essential oil (OEO), carvacrol and thymol for possible food applications. Nanoemulsions were prepared with acoustic cavitation using ultrasound. The nanodroplets had average diameters of 54.47, 81.66 and 84.07 nm for OEO, thymol and carvacrol, respectively. The main compound in OEO was carvacrol (74%), and the concentration in the nanoemulsions was 9.46 mg/mL for OEO and the isolated compounds. The effects of droplet size reduction on antioxidant, antibacterial and antibiofilm activity were evaluated. Regarding antioxidant activity, the nanoemulsions performed better at the same concentration, with inhibitions >45% of the DPPH radical and significant differences compared with their non-nanoemulsified versions (p < 0.05). The nanoemulsions' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and non-nanoemulsified compounds were evaluated against foodborne pathogens with inhibition ranges between 0.147 and 2.36 mg/mL. All evaluated pathogens were more sensitive to nanoemulsions, with reductions of up to four times in MIC compared with non-nanoemulsified versions. E. coli and S. Enteritidis were the most sensitive bacteria to the carvacrol nanoemulsion with MICs of 0.147 mg/mL. Concerning antibiofilm activity, nanoemulsions at concentrations up to four times lower than non-nanoemulsified versions showed inhibition of bacterial adhesion >67.2% and removal of adhered cells >57.7%. Overall, the observed effects indicate that droplet size reduction improved the bioactivity of OEO, carvacrol and thymol, suggesting that nanoemulsion-based delivery systems for natural compounds may be alternatives for food applications compared with free natural compounds.

An Outbreak Investigation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Infections in the United States Linked to Crabmeat Imported from Venezuela: 2018.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the leading cause of seafood-related foodborne illness globally. In 2018, the U.S. federal, state, and local public health and regulatory partners investigated a multistate outbreak of V. parahaemolyticus infections linked to crabmeat that resulted in 26 ill people and nine hospitalizations. State and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laboratories recovered V. parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes isolates from crabmeat samples collected from various points of distribution and conducted phylogenetic analyses of whole-genome sequencing data. Federal, state, and local partners conducted traceback investigations to determine the source of crabmeat. Multiple Venezuelan processors that supplied various brands of crabmeat were identified, but a sole firm was not confirmed as the source of the outbreak. Travel restrictions between the United States and Venezuela prevented FDA officials from conducting on-site inspections of cooked crabmeat processors. Based on investigation findings, partners developed public communications advising consumers not to eat crabmeat imported from Venezuela and placed potentially implicated firms on import alerts. While some challenges limited the scope of the investigation, epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory evidence identified the contaminated food and country of origin, and contributed to public health and regulatory actions, preventing additional illnesses. This multistate outbreak illustrates the importance of adhering to appropriate food safety practices and regulations for imported seafood.

Manejo higiénico de los alimentos y enfermedades de transmisión alimentaria / Hygienic handling of food and foodborne diseases

Las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos (ETA) constituyen un importante problema de salud pública debido a su alta incidencia a nivel mundial, las directrices para la higiene de los alimentos deben ser aplicadas, no solo por la población en general, sino también por los servicios médicos y sistemas hospitalarios. Por tal razón, esta investigación tiene como objetivo conocer las condiciones de higiene de los alimentos y determinar enfermedades de transmisión alimentaria en una clínica de especialidades médicas en la ciudad de Ambato, Ecuador. La investigación fue observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, con una muestra de 117 personas de tres turnos de trabajo, a quienes se le aplicó un cuestionario de higiene alimentaria compuesto por 24 ítems distribuido en cinco (5) categorías, el análisis de los datos fue mediante la estadística descriptiva, aplicando el cálculo porcentual y análisis de distribución de frecuencias. Como resultado se evindeció mayor existencia de protocolo/norma para el lavado de manos (76,65%) y menor para la prohibición de uso de joyas y accesorios (29,91%), a pesar de esto, el cumplimiento de protocolo fue 100,00% en equipo de protección personal, prohibición de uso de joyas y accesorios, uso de uñas cortas, limpias y sin esmalte, accidentes cortopunzantes y manejo higiénico de personal con enfermedades dermatológicas, respiratorias y diarreicas. Por otra parte, se encontró un (1) caso de una intoxicación alimentaria causada por una cepa de la bacteria Scherichia coli enterotoxigénica (ETEC) sin identificación de nexo epidemiológico. Concluyendo, la higiene correcta de alimentos podría evitar la propagación de múltiplies enfermedades(AU)

Foodborne illnessare a major public health problem due to their high incidence worldwide, the guidelines for food hygiene must be applied, not only by the general population, but also by medical services and hospital systems. For this reason, this research aims to know the hygiene conditions of food and determine foodborne illness in a medical specialty clinic in the city of Ambato, Ecuador. The research was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, with a sample of 117 people from three work shifts, to whom a food hygiene questionnaire composed of 24 items distributed in five (5) categories was applied, the data analysis was through descriptive statistics, applying the percentage calculation and frequency distribution analysis. As a result, there was a greater existence of protocol/norm for hand washing (76.65%) and less for the prohibition of the use of jewelry and accessories (29.91%), despite this, compliance with the protocol was 100.00% in personal protection equipment, prohibition of the use of jewelry and accessories, use of short, clean nails without polish, sharps accidents and hygienic handling of personal with dermatological, respiratory and diarrheal diseases. On the other hand, one (1) case of food poisoning caused by a strain of enterotoxigenic Scherichia coli (ETEC) bacteria without identification of an epidemiological link was found. In conclusion, correct food hygiene could prevent the spread of multiple diseases(AU)

Prevalence, detection of virulence genes and antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogen Vibrio species isolated from different types of seafood samples at "La Nueva Viga" market in Mexico City.

Some Vibrio species are important human pathogens owing to they cause infectious diseases such as gastroenteritis, wound infections, septicemia or even death. Many of these illnesses are associated with consumption of contaminated seafood. In the present study, we evaluated the presence of pathogenic Vibrio species, their virulence and antimicrobial susceptibility from 285 different kind of seafood samples from "La Nueva Viga" market in Mexico City. The PCR assay was used for amplification the vppC (collagenase), vmh (hemolysin), tlh (thermolabile hemolysin), and vvhA (hemolytic cytolysin) genes that are specific to Vibrio alginolyticus (detected in 27%), Vibrio mimicus (23.2%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (28.8%) and Vibrio vulnificus (21.1%), respectively. Several genes encoding virulence factors were amplified. These included V. alginolyticus: pvuA (17.9%), pvsA (50%), wza and lafA (100%); V. mimicus: iut A (60%), toxR (100%); V. parahaemolyticus: pvuA (58.7%), pvsA (26.1%), wza (2.2%), and lafA (100%); and V. vulnificus: wcrA (77.5%), gmhD (57.5%), lafA (100%) and motA (30%). The antibiotic susceptibility of the Vibrio species isolates revealed that most of them were resistant to ampicillin, cephalothin and carbenicillin but susceptible to pefloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Our results indicated a high prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio species in seafood, a high presence of virulence genes and that Vibrio species continuously exposed to antibiotics, therefore, consumption of these kind of seafood carries a potential risk for foodborne illness.

An outbreak of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Give associated with foodborne illness in the department of Vichada, Colombia, 2015 / Brote de Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Give asociado con enfermedad transmitida por alimentos en Vichada, Colombia, 2015.

Introduction: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Give is found in ruminants, pigs, poultry, and aquatic environments, but rarely in humans. In Colombia, this serotype was ranked 11th. in the laboratory surveillance of acute diarrheal disease between 2000 and 2013. Objective: To characterize phenotypic and genotypic isolates of Salmonella related to an outbreak of foodborne Illness in the department Vichada in the fifth epidemiological week of 2015. Materials and methods: Following the Instituto Nacional de Salud method, we tested 37 fecal samples for Salmonella spp. while the sample of canned sardines was processed according to the ISO 6579:2002 Cor.1:2004 standard. The isolates were confirmed by serology and/or real-time PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with the XbaI and BlnI enzymes. Results: All human isolates (11) and that from food (1) were identified as S. Give. The food isolate exhibited tetracycline resistance. PFGE analysis with XbaI grouped ten isolates from samples of human origin in pattern COIN15JEXX01.0005 and the remaining isolates in COIN15JEXX01.0006 with 96.3% similarity. All isolates were confirmed with the BlnI enzyme, and four (three human isolates and the one from food) were matched to the pattern COIN15JEXA26.002 with 95.65% similarity. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that canned sardines were related to the transmission of S. Give in the outbreak, which is the third one caused by this serotype in Colombia.

Introducción. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Give se encuentra en mamíferos rumiantes, cerdos, aves y ambientes acuáticos, pero rara vez en humanos. En Colombia este serotipo ocupó el decimoprimer lugar en frecuencia en la vigilancia por laboratorio de la enfermedad diarreica aguda entre el 2000 y el 2013. Objetivo. Caracterizar el fenotipo y el genotipo de S. Give en aislamientos relacionados con un brote de enfermedad transmitida por alimentos en el departamento de Vichada en la quinta semana epidemiológica del 2015. Materiales y métodos. Se buscó Salmonella spp. en 37 muestras de materia fecal con el método de estudio del Instituto Nacional de Salud. La muestra de sardinas enlatadas fue procesada según la norma ISO6579:2002 Cor.1:2004. Se determinó el serotipo en los aislamientos confirmados mediante serología o PCR en tiempo real, y se hicieron pruebas de sensibilidad a antimicrobianos y electroforesis en gel de campo pulsado con las enzimas Xbal y BlnI. Resultados. Todos los aislamientos de origen humano (11) y el aislamiento del alimento (1), se identificaron como S. Give y este último presentó resistencia a la tetraciclina. El análisis por PFGE-XbaI agrupó bajo el patrón COIN15JEXX01.0005 diez aislamientos de origen humano y a los restantes bajo el COIN15JEXX01.0006, con un 96,3 % de similitud. Los resultados de todos los aislamientos se confirmaron con la enzima BlnI; cuatro de ellos (tres humanos y el del alimento) se agruparon bajo el patrón COIN15JEXA26.002, con un porcentaje de similitud del 95,65 %. Conclusión. El estudio confirmó que las sardinas enlatadas se relacionaron con la transmisión de S. Give en el brote, que es el tercero ocasionado por este serotipo en Colombia.

Brote de Salmonella entérica subsp. entérica serovar Give asociado con enfermedad transmitida por alimentos en Vichada, Colombia, 2015 / An outbreak of Salmonella entérica subsp. entérica serovar Give associated with foodborne illness in the department of Vichada, Colombia, 2015

Resumen | Introducción. Salmonella entérica subsp. entérica serovar Give se encuentra en mamíferos rumiantes, cerdos, aves y ambientes acuáticos, pero rara vez en humanos. En Colombia este serotipo ocupó el decimoprimer lugar en frecuencia en la vigilancia por laboratorio de la enfermedad diarreica aguda entre el 2000 y el 2013. Objetivo. Caracterizar el fenotipo y el genotipo de S. Give en aislamientos relacionados con un brote de enfermedad transmitida por alimentos en el departamento de Vichada en la quinta semana epidemiológica del 2015. Materiales y métodos. Se buscó Salmonella spp. en 37 muestras de materia fecal con el método de estudio del Instituto Nacional de Salud. La muestra de sardinas enlatadas fue procesada según la norma ISO6579:2002 Cor.1:2004. Se determinó el serotipo en los aislamientos confirmados mediante serología o PCR en tiempo real, y se hicieron pruebas de sensibilidad a antimicrobianos y electroforesis en gel de campo pulsado con las enzimas Xbal y BlnI. Resultados. Todos los aislamientos de origen humano (11) y el aislamiento del alimento (1), se identificaron como S. Give y este último presentó resistencia a la tetraciclina. El análisis por PFGE-XbaI agrupó bajo el patrón COIN15JEXX01.0005 diez aislamientos de origen humano y a los restantes bajo el COIN15JEXX01.0006, con un 96,3 % de similitud. Los resultados de todos los aislamientos se confirmaron con la enzima BlnI; cuatro de ellos (tres humanos y el del alimento) se agruparon bajo el patrón COIN15JEXA26.002, con un porcentaje de similitud del 95,65 %. Conclusión. El estudio confirmó que las sardinas enlatadas se relacionaron con la transmisión de S. Give en el brote, que es el tercero ocasionado por este serotipo en Colombia.

Abstract | Introduction: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Give is found in ruminants, pigs, poultry, and aquatic environments, but rarely in humans. In Colombia, this serotype was ranked 11th. in the laboratory surveillance of acute diarrheal disease between 2000 and 2013. Objective: To characterize phenotypic and genotypic isolates of Salmonella related to an outbreak of foodborne Illness in the department Vichada in the fifth epidemiological week of 2015. Materials and methods: Following the Instituto Nacional de Salud method, we tested 37 fecal samples for Salmonella spp. while the sample of canned sardines was processed according to the ISO 6579:2002 Cor.1:2004 standard. The isolates were confirmed by serology and/or real-time PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with the XbaI and BlnI enzymes. Results: All human isolates (11) and that from food (1) were identified as S. Give. The food isolate exhibited tetracycline resistance. PFGE analysis with XbaI grouped ten isolates from samples of human origin in pattern COIN15JEXX01.0005 and the remaining isolates in COIN15JEXX01.0006 with 96.3% similarity. All isolates were confirmed with the BlnI enzyme, and four (three human isolates and the one from food) were matched to the pattern COIN15JEXA26.002 with 95.65% similarity. Conclusion: Our study confirmed that canned sardines were related to the transmission of S. Give in the outbreak, which is the third one caused by this serotype in Colombia.

Genotypical characterization of thermotolerant coliforms isolated from food produced by a Solidarity Economic Venture of Bahia (Brazil) / Caracterização genotípica de coliformes termotolerantes isolados de alimentos produzidos por um Empreendimento Econômico Solidário

Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.(AU)

Muitos Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários (EES) são formados por agricultores familiares que buscam agregar valor à produção por meio do beneficiamento artesanal, que pode ocasionar a contaminação dos alimentos. Desta forma, este estudo objetivou caracterizar genotipicamente coliformes termotolerantes (CT) isolados em alimentos produzidos por agroindústrias de um EES no período de janeiro a abril de 2019. Então, foi realizada análise microbiológica de coliformes termotolerantes (AFNOR 3M1/2 09/89), utilizando um método contagem de contagem rápida em placas Petrifilm, em amostras de alimentos de treze Unidades de Produção (UP) do EES. Foram coletadas assepticamente cinco amostras de cada UP, totalizando 65 amostras. Utilizou-se a técnica de Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) para verificação dos seguintes genes de virulência de Escherichia coli: stx, característico de E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC), bfpA, característico de E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC) e elt e stI, característicos de E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC). Os resultados demonstraram que duas amostras de queijadinha e uma amostra do bolo de aipim apresentaram colônias características de coliformes termotolerantes. Desta forma, foram isoladas três cepas para a realização da PCR, no entanto os genes utilizados nas reações não foram identificados nas cepas isoladas. Portanto, sugere-se que as cepas isoladas sejam de patótipos de E. coli com genes de virulência diferentes dos analisados ou de outro membro dos CT, como Enterobacter e Klebsiella. Apesar de não serem confirmados os genes de virulência analisados, a detecção dos CT nos alimentos indica falhas na higiene durante a produção, portanto medidas para controlar e prevenir a contaminação dos produtos devem ser tomadas.(AU)

Genotypical characterization of thermotolerant coliforms isolated from food produced by a Solidarity Economic Venture of Bahia (Brazil) / Caracterização genotípica de coliformes termotolerantes isolados de alimentos produzidos por um Empreendimento Econômico Solidário

Abstract Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm™ dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.

Resumo Muitos Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários (EES) são formados por agricultores familiares que buscam agregar valor à produção por meio do beneficiamento artesanal, que pode ocasionar a contaminação dos alimentos. Desta forma, este estudo objetivou caracterizar genotipicamente coliformes termotolerantes (CT) isolados em alimentos produzidos por agroindústrias de um EES no período de janeiro a abril de 2019. Então, foi realizada análise microbiológica de coliformes termotolerantes (AFNOR 3M1/2 - 09/89), utilizando um método contagem de contagem rápida em placas Petrifilm™, em amostras de alimentos de treze Unidades de Produção (UP) do EES. Foram coletadas assepticamente cinco amostras de cada UP, totalizando 65 amostras. Utilizou-se a técnica de Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) para verificação dos seguintes genes de virulência de Escherichia coli: stx, característico de E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC), bfpA, característico de E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC) e elt e stI, característicos de E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC). Os resultados demonstraram que duas amostras de queijadinha e uma amostra do bolo de aipim apresentaram colônias características de coliformes termotolerantes. Desta forma, foram isoladas três cepas para a realização da PCR, no entanto os genes utilizados nas reações não foram identificados nas cepas isoladas. Portanto, sugere-se que as cepas isoladas sejam de patótipos de E. coli com genes de virulência diferentes dos analisados ou de outro membro dos CT, como Enterobacter e Klebsiella. Apesar de não serem confirmados os genes de virulência analisados, a detecção dos CT nos alimentos indica falhas na higiene durante a produção, portanto medidas para controlar e prevenir a contaminação dos produtos devem ser tomadas.

Salmonella Schwarzengrund, Akuafo, and O:16 isolated from vacuum-packaged beef produced in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Salmonella spp. is a pathogen associated with foodborne infections, mainly in foods of animal origin. In this context, the present study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella serotypes, genotypes and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of strains in fresh beef produced in Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: A total of 107 samples from 13 different slaughterhouses in the Mato Grosso were analyzed. Suggestive Salmonella spp. colonies detected during the biochemical screening were submitted to DNA extraction, and hilA gene amplification was used for the PCR reaction. Antimicrobial resistance analyses were performed using 17 antimicrobial agents from eight different classes by the disk diffusion method. Strains exhibiting multiple drug resistances were submitted to PCR genotyping based on repetitive sequences (rep-PCR), using a commercial semiautomatic DiversiLab® system. RESULTS: A total of 5.6% (6/107) of the samples tested positive by the conventional method and were confirmed by PCR, namely two S. Akuafo, two non-typable Salmonella enterica strains, one Salmonella O:16 serovar, and one S. Schwarzengrund. The antimicrobial resistance profiles indicated resistance to gentamicin (30%), tetracycline, nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (16%). Genotyping indicated a 70% difference between S. Schwarzengrund and the non-typable Salmonella strains. No genetic similarities were observed between the six Salmonella isolates based on rep-PCR, including two S. Akuafo. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained herein corroborate that Salmonella serovar Schwarzengrund is commonly isolated in animal products in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, also highlighting the presence of two unusual Salmonella serovars in beef (Akuafo and O:16).

Contaminación bacteriana de esponja de lavado y bachas de cocina de Cantinas de Escuelas de Asunción y Gran Asunción

RESUMEN Introducción: Las esponjas y el fregadero constituyen un medio favorable para el crecimiento de microorganismos. Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de microorganismos en esponjas de lavado y bachas de cocina de cantinas de escuelas y colegios de Asunción y gran Asunción. Materiales y Métodos: estudio fue observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Se tomó muestras de esponjas de lavado e hisopado de bachas de cocina de 25 cantinas de escuelas y colegios públicos y privados de Asunción y gran Asunción. Se utilizo medios de cultivo para bacterias aerobias mesófilas y coliformes fecales, Staphylococcus aureus y Salmonella spp. Se considero contaminación la presencia de ≥100UFC para las bacterias aerobias mesófilas y cualquier crecimiento de bacterias patógenas. El análisis se realizó en Micorsoft Excell utilizando estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: Fueron incluidas 11 instituciones privadas y 14 públicas. El 88% (22/25 de las esponjas presentaron alta contaminación con bacterias aerobias mesófilas; 20 (80%) con coliformes fecales y 1 (4%) estéril. Hisopados de bachas, 21 (84%) presentaron alta contaminación las mesófilas y 20 (80%) con coliformes fecales, 1 (4%). No se aisló Salmonella spp. ni Staphylococcus aureus. No hubo diferencias en la contaminación de bachas entre instituciones públicas o privadas, pero si en las esponjas 14/14 vs 6/11 en las públicas y privadas respectivamente p=0.008 (T Fisher). Conclusión: esponjas de cocina y las bachas de las escuelas de Asunción y gran Asunción estudiadas, presentaron alto porcentaje de contaminación bacteriana tanto con bacterias aerobias mesófilas como con coliformes fecales. No se aisló Staphylococcus aureus ni Salmonella spp.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sponges and the sink are a favorable medium for microorganism growth. Objective: To evaluate the presence of microorganisms in washing sponges and kitchen sinks in school cafeterias in Asunción and Greater Asunción. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Samples were taken by swabbing from washing sponges and kitchen sinks from 25 public and private school cafeterias in Asunción and the Greater Asunción area. Culture media were used for aerobic mesophilic and fecal coliform bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella species. The presence of ≥100 CFU for mesophilic aerobic bacteria and any growth of pathogenic bacteria was considered contamination. The analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel using descriptive statistics. Results: 11 private and 14 public institutions were included. 88% (22/25 of the sponges presented high contamination with aerobic mesophilic bacteria; 20 (80%) with fecal coliforms and 1 (4%) was sterile. Sink swabs: 21 (84%) presented high contamination with mesophylls and 20 (80%) with fecal coliforms, 1 (4%) was sterile. No Salmonella species or Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. There were no differences in the contamination of sinks between public or private institutions, but in sponges, 14/14 (public) were contaminated vs 6/11 (private), p = 0.008 (T Fisher). Conclusions: kitchen sponges and sinks from the schools of Asuncion and Greater Asuncion area in this study presented a high percentage of bacterial contamination with both aerobic mesophilic bacteria and fecal coliforms. No Staphylococcus aureus or Salmonella species were isolated.

Antibacterial activity of Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens) against Staphylococcus aureus: in vitro and in silico studies.

We evaluated the activity of the aqueous fraction and the ethyl acetate fraction of Stryphnodendron adstringens against Staphylococcus aureus and proposed their mechanism of action. The antibacterial activity of S. adstringens fractions was evaluated against S. aureus and the cell targets were rated by docking. The fractions showed moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus without toxicity on two mammalian cell lines. They also showed synergistic antibacterial activity with tannic acid (TA). In silico assays indicated FabG, FabZ and FabI as probable targets. The metabolic pathway for fatty acid biosynthesis in S. aureus was affected by components of S. adstringens. The synergistic effect when combining TA with S. adstringens fractions suggests a natural alternative to S. aureus control. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study describing the possible targets of action of Stryphnodendron adstringens on Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the components of S. adstringens affected the metabolic pathway for fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS II) in S. aureus, inhibiting the FabI, FabG and FabZ enzymes. As tannic acid (TA) is a known inhibitor of some targets identified, we showed synergistic antibacterial activity of S. adstringens in combination with TA. This combination did not show toxicity against HaCaT and Vero cells and based on all these results we suggest that S. adstringens can be a natural and sustainable alternative to S. aureus control.

Microbiological safety of ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables in Brazil: an overview.

The market of ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables (RTE-MPV) is increasing in Brazil and many other countries. During processing, these vegetables go through several steps that modify their natural structure while maintaining the same nutritional and sensory attributes as the fresh produce. One of the most important steps is washing-disinfection, which aims to reduce the microbial load, prevent cross-contamination and inactivate pathogenic microorganisms that may be present. Nonetheless, the presence of pathogens and occurrence of foodborne illnesses associated with consumption of RTE-MPV concern consumers, governments and the food industry. This review brings an overview on the microbiological safety of RTE-MPV, focusing on Brazilian findings. Most of the published data are on detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, indicating that their prevalence may range from 0.4% to 12.5% and from 0.6% to 3.1%, respectively. The presence of these pathogens in fresh produce is unacceptable and risky, mainly in RTE-MPV, because consumers expect them to be clean and sanitized and consequently safe for consumption without any additional care. Therefore, proper control during the production of RTE-MPV is mandatory to guarantee products with quality and safety to consumers. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Contaminação por Salmonella spp. durante o processamento de aves em abatedouros frigoríficos / Salmonella spp. contamination during poultry processing in slaughterhouses

A carne de aves e seus derivados estão entre os principais alimentos incriminados nos surtos de doenças veiculadas por alimentos (DVA) devido ao risco de veiculação de Salmonella spp. O controle é complexo porque existem inúmeras vias pelas quais essa bactéria pode contaminar a carne de aves e derivados, com várias possibilidades ao longo da cadeia produtiva. Falhas nas condições de manejo durante a criação de frangos de corte e nos procedimentos higiênicosanitários durante as operações de abate e manipulação das carcaças influenciam na contaminação por esse microrganismo nas indústrias. Abatedouros frigoríficos de aves são altamente automatizados e, apesar dos avanços tecnológicos, a carne de frango ainda é passível de contaminação, uma vez que lotes negativos podem se tornar positivos para Salmonella spp. devido a contaminação cruzada provocada por lotes infectados abatidos no mesmo dia ou devido à utilização de equipamentos e utensílios compartilhados. O extravasamento de conteúdo gastrointestinal durante a evisceração é a principal fonte de contaminação das carcaças por Salmonella spp. nos abatedouros. Na presente revisão, foram abordados aspectos gerais sobre o gênero Salmonella spp., com ênfase nas etapas do processamento de aves que propiciam contaminação de carcaças e nas respectivas estratégias que visam à mitigação do risco de veiculação desse microrganismo, considerando também a legislação pertinente.(AU)

Poultry meat and its derivatives are the main food involved in foodborne outbreaks due to the risk of transmitting Salmonella spp. The control is complex because there are several routes in which this bacterium can contaminate poultry meat, with several possibilities along the production chain. Failures in handling conditions during the rearing of broilers and in hygienic-sanitary procedures during slaughter steps and handling of carcasses in industries influence the contamination by this microorganism. Poultry slaughterhouses are highly automated and, despite technological advances, poultry meat is still susceptible to contamination mainly due the fact that negative animals can become contaminated with Salmonella spp. due cross contamination with infected animals when slaughtered at the same day or due the use of contaminated equipment and utensils. The extravasation of gastrointestinal content during evisceration is the main source of contamination of carcasses with Salmonella spp. in poultry slaughterhouses. In this review, general aspects about the genus Salmonella spp. were addressed, with emphasis on the stages of poultry processing that allow contamination of carcasses and the respective strategies used to mitigate the risk of transmitting this microorganism considering the relevant legislation.(AU)

Genotypical characterization of thermotolerant coliforms isolated from food produced by a Solidarity Economic Venture of Bahia (Brazil)

Abstract Many Solidarity Economic Venture (SEV) are family farmers who seek to add value to production through artisanal processing, which can lead to food contamination. Thus, this study aimed to genotypically characterize thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) strains from food produced by local agribusinesses of SEV during January to April 2019. Samples from thirteen production units (PU) from the SEV were submitted to a microbiological analysis of thermotolerant coliforms (AFNOR 3M1/2 09/89), using a fast count method in Petrifilm dishes. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to verify the following virulence genes (VGs) associated with Escherichia coli: stx, typical from enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC); bfpA typical from entheropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and elt and slt, typical from entherotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC). The results showed that two samples of queijadinha (typical Brazilian candy made with eggs and coconut) and one sample of cassava cake presented characteristic colonies TtC. This way, three strains were isolated in order to perform the PCR technique. However, the genes used in the reaction were not detected in the isolated strains. Therefore, it is suggested that the isolated strains are from E. coli pathotypes with different virulence genes than the ones analyzed belong other types of TtC, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Although the virulence of genes has not been confirmed, the presence of TtC on food indicates hygiene flaws during production and, therefore, measurements to control and prevent contamination should be taken.

Resumo Muitos Empreendimentos Econômicos Solidários (EES) são formados por agricultores familiares que buscam agregar valor à produção por meio do beneficiamento artesanal, que pode ocasionar a contaminação dos alimentos. Desta forma, este estudo objetivou caracterizar genotipicamente coliformes termotolerantes (CT) isolados em alimentos produzidos por agroindústrias de um EES no período de janeiro a abril de 2019. Então, foi realizada análise microbiológica de coliformes termotolerantes (AFNOR 3M1/2 09/89), utilizando um método contagem de contagem rápida em placas Petrifilm, em amostras de alimentos de treze Unidades de Produção (UP) do EES. Foram coletadas assepticamente cinco amostras de cada UP, totalizando 65 amostras. Utilizou-se a técnica de Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) para verificação dos seguintes genes de virulência de Escherichia coli: stx, característico de E. coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC), bfpA, característico de E. coli enteropatogênica (EPEC) e elt e stI, característicos de E. coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC). Os resultados demonstraram que duas amostras de queijadinha e uma amostra do bolo de aipim apresentaram colônias características de coliformes termotolerantes. Desta forma, foram isoladas três cepas para a realização da PCR, no entanto os genes utilizados nas reações não foram identificados nas cepas isoladas. Portanto, sugere-se que as cepas isoladas sejam de patótipos de E. coli com genes de virulência diferentes dos analisados ou de outro membro dos CT, como Enterobacter e Klebsiella. Apesar de não serem confirmados os genes de virulência analisados, a detecção dos CT nos alimentos indica falhas na higiene durante a produção, portanto medidas para controlar e prevenir a contaminação dos produtos devem ser tomadas.

Contaminação por Salmonella spp. durante o processamento de aves em abatedouros frigoríficos / Salmonella spp. contamination during poultry processing in slaughterhouses

A carne de aves e seus derivados estão entre os principais alimentos incriminados nos surtos de doenças veiculadas por alimentos (DVA) devido ao risco de veiculação de Salmonella spp. O controle é complexo porque existem inúmeras vias pelas quais essa bactéria pode contaminar a carne de aves e derivados, com várias possibilidades ao longo da cadeia produtiva. Falhas nas condições de manejo durante a criação de frangos de corte e nos procedimentos higiênicosanitários durante as operações de abate e manipulação das carcaças influenciam na contaminação por esse microrganismo nas indústrias. Abatedouros frigoríficos de aves são altamente automatizados e, apesar dos avanços tecnológicos, a carne de frango ainda é passível de contaminação, uma vez que lotes negativos podem se tornar positivos para Salmonella spp. devido a contaminação cruzada provocada por lotes infectados abatidos no mesmo dia ou devido à utilização de equipamentos e utensílios compartilhados. O extravasamento de conteúdo gastrointestinal durante a evisceração é a principal fonte de contaminação das carcaças por Salmonella spp. nos abatedouros. Na presente revisão, foram abordados aspectos gerais sobre o gênero Salmonella spp., com ênfase nas etapas do processamento de aves que propiciam contaminação de carcaças e nas respectivas estratégias que visam à mitigação do risco de veiculação desse microrganismo, considerando também a legislação pertinente.

Poultry meat and its derivatives are the main food involved in foodborne outbreaks due to the risk of transmitting Salmonella spp. The control is complex because there are several routes in which this bacterium can contaminate poultry meat, with several possibilities along the production chain. Failures in handling conditions during the rearing of broilers and in hygienic-sanitary procedures during slaughter steps and handling of carcasses in industries influence the contamination by this microorganism. Poultry slaughterhouses are highly automated and, despite technological advances, poultry meat is still susceptible to contamination mainly due the fact that negative animals can become contaminated with Salmonella spp. due cross contamination with infected animals when slaughtered at the same day or due the use of contaminated equipment and utensils. The extravasation of gastrointestinal content during evisceration is the main source of contamination of carcasses with Salmonella spp. in poultry slaughterhouses. In this review, general aspects about the genus Salmonella spp. were addressed, with emphasis on the stages of poultry processing that allow contamination of carcasses and the respective strategies used to mitigate the risk of transmitting this microorganism considering the relevant legislation.