Foodborne Pathogens: Detection, Resistance Mechanisms, and Control Strategies

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 565

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: pathogens and opportunistic microorganisms; antimicrobial resistance/tolerance; molecular epidemiology; typing methods; food safety; One Health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Foodborne pathogens represent a serious global threat to human health, animal welfare, and food systems. Therefore, the prompt identification of these pathogens, including the emerging ones, is crucial for an effective outbreak prevention and response. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among foodborne pathogens highlights the need for innovative solutions. Thus, a Farm to Fork strategy is crucial to control the presence and spread of these pathogens. However, their prevention and control are complex challenges that require ongoing research. Hence, comprehensive insights to tackle foodborne pathogens and mitigate their impact on public health and ecosystems are currently of the utmost importance.

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of novel and rapid diagnostic methods, and a characterization of resistance mechanisms and control strategies for foodborne pathogens, including from a One Health perspective. We welcome articles featuring emerging pathogens, high-resolution genomics, breakthrough technologies, novel antimicrobials, food safety strategies, and integrated policy approaches. The integration of advanced technologies, coupled with global surveillance and policy coordination, is essential to limit the spread of these pathogens and safeguard public health.

Prof. Dr. Joana Campos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • foodborne pathogens
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • rapid detection methods
  • control strategies
  • food safety interventions
  • One Health

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

14 pages, 2465 KiB  
Article
Polymerase Chain Reaction-Lateral Flow Strip for Detecting Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica Harboring blaCTX-M
by Rujirat Hatrongjit, Sumontha Chaisaeng, Kulsatree Sitthichotthumrong, Parichart Boueroy, Peechanika Chopjitt, Ratchadaporn Ungcharoen and Anusak Kerdsin
Antibiotics 2025, 14(8), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14080745 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 278
Abstract
Background: Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli are common foodborne pathogens of global concern, particularly due to their antimicrobial resistance, notably to cephalosporins. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate a polymerase chain reaction-based lateral flow strip (PCR-LFS) assay for the detection of Salmonella [...] Read more.
Background: Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli are common foodborne pathogens of global concern, particularly due to their antimicrobial resistance, notably to cephalosporins. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate a polymerase chain reaction-based lateral flow strip (PCR-LFS) assay for the detection of Salmonella spp. and E. coli harboring the blaCTX-M gene, which confers resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Methods: Two duplex PCRs (dPCR) were established to detect E. coli-harboring blaCTX-M (set 1) and Salmonella-harboring blaCTX-M (set 2). 600 bacterial isolates and raw pork mince spiked with blaCTX-M-harboring E. coli and Salmonella were used to evaluated. Results: Both dPCR assays successfully detected blaCTX-M-positive E. coli or Salmonella strains, while strains lacking the gene showed no amplification. Non-E. coli and non-Salmonella strains were PCR-negative unless they carried blaCTX-M. The dPCR-LFS showed 100% validity including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for both E. coli or Salmonella spp. harboring or lacking blaCTX-M. The assay accurately detected target strains without cross-reactivity with other bacteria or antimicrobial resistance genes. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient indicated perfect agreement (κ = 1), reflecting the high reliability of the dPCR-LFS. The assay could detect as low as 25 CFU/mL for blaCTX-M-positive E. coli and 40 CFU/mL for blaCTX-M-positive Salmonella in spiked raw pork mince. Conclusions: This assay is rapid, easy to interpret, and suitable for large-scale screening in surveillance programs. Full article
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