Antimicrobial Resistance of Foodborne Bacteria and Food Safety

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 11866

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Marine Industry, Department of Seafood Science and Technology, Gyeong-sang National University, Tongyeong 53064, Republic of Korea
Interests: biofilm; bacteriophages; antimicrobial resistance; mechanisms; food safety; gene related to biofilm and AMR; foodborne pathogenic bacteria and virus; public health

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
Interests: postbiotics; probiotics; biofilm; food safety; foodborne pathogens including bacteria and virus

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Foodborne microbes have a substantial impact on food safety and are the worldwide source of many infectious diseases that affect humans, having a negative effect on both public health and the economy. Bacteria have many benefits for surviving in biofilm growth under a wide range of circumstances. These include host immunological systems, desiccation, UV degradation, and nutritional and mechanical stresses. They also include defenses against antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs. Many of these defense strategies are emerging characteristics that are unique to the biofilm phenotype. The use of commercially available antimicrobial drugs has recently assisted in the management of infectious diseases and microbial pathogenicity. Thus, in recent years, antimicrobial drug resistance has been recognized as posing a serious threat to global health.

In order to adapt to their living habitat, particularly in a hostile environment, bacteria and fungus produce biofilms. As a result of biofilm protection, microbial cells in biofilm develop tolerance to antibiotics and immunological responses, which makes it more challenging to treat biofilm infections clinically. Many biofilm pathogenesis processes remain unsolved despite the huge efforts of academic researchers, doctors, and industry in recent years. Therefore, it is essential to create innovative methods to manage biofilm infections.

This Special Issue will explore the diagnosis and treatment of various biofilm diseases, outline recent advancements in scientific research, and introduce new laboratory developments that may help with the prevention or treatment of biofilm infections.

Dr. Pantu Kumar Roy
Dr. Md. Iqbal Hossain
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Dr. Pantu Kumar Roy
Dr. Md. Iqbal Hossain
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biofilm
  • bacteriophages
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • mechanisms
  • food safety
  • gene related to biofilm and AMR
  • foodborne pathogenic bacteria and virus
  • postbiotics
  • probiotics
  • public health

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

24 pages, 7251 KiB  
Article
Deciphering Microbiome, Transcriptome, and Metabolic Interactions in the Presence of Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus against Salmonella Typhimurium in a Murine Model
by Muhammad Junaid, Hongyu Lu, Ahmad Ud Din, Bin Yu, Yu Liu, Yixiang Li, Kefei Liu, Jianhua Yan and Zhongquan Qi
Antibiotics 2024, 13(4), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13040352 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2389
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), a foodborne pathogen that poses significant public health risks to humans and animals, presents a formidable challenge due to its antibiotic resistance. This study explores the potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus 1.3251) probiotics [...] Read more.
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), a foodborne pathogen that poses significant public health risks to humans and animals, presents a formidable challenge due to its antibiotic resistance. This study explores the potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus 1.3251) probiotics as an alternative strategy to combat antibiotic resistance associated with S. Typhimurium infection. In this investigation, twenty-four BALB/c mice were assigned to four groups: a non-infected, non-treated group (CNG); an infected, non-treated group (CPG); a group fed with L. acidophilus but not infected (LAG); and a group fed with L. acidophilus and challenged with Salmonella (LAST). The results revealed a reduction in Salmonella levels in the feces of mice, along with restored weight and improved overall health in the LAST compared to the CPG. The feeding of L. acidophilus was found to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA induced by Salmonella while upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, it influenced the expression of mRNA transcript, encoding tight junction protein, oxidative stress-induced enzymes, and apoptosis-related mRNA expression. Furthermore, the LEfSe analysis demonstrated a significant shift in the abundance of critical commensal genera in the LAST, essential for maintaining gut homeostasis, metabolic reactions, anti-inflammatory responses, and butyrate production. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 2173 upregulated and 506 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the LAST vs. the CPG. Functional analysis of these DEGs highlighted their involvement in immunity, metabolism, and cellular development. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated their role in tumor necrosis factor (TNF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), chemokine, Forkhead box O (FOXO), and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Moreover, the fecal metabolomic analysis identified 929 differential metabolites, with enrichment observed in valine, leucine, isoleucine, taurine, glycine, and other metabolites. These findings suggest that supplementation with L. acidophilus promotes the growth of beneficial commensal genera while mitigating Salmonella-induced intestinal disruption by modulating immunity, gut homeostasis, gut barrier integrity, and metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance of Foodborne Bacteria and Food Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1140 KiB  
Article
Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli from Raw Cow Milk in Namwala District, Zambia: Public Health Implications
by Wizaso Mwasinga, Misheck Shawa, Patrick Katemangwe, Herman Chambaro, Prudence Mpundu, Ethel M’kandawire, Chisoni Mumba and Musso Munyeme
Antibiotics 2023, 12(9), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12091421 - 8 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2068
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli), a major foodborne disease-causing pathogen found in raw cow milk, has even far more reaching public health ramifications as it encodes for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to identify multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli from raw cow’s [...] Read more.
Escherichia coli (E. coli), a major foodborne disease-causing pathogen found in raw cow milk, has even far more reaching public health ramifications as it encodes for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to identify multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli from raw cow’s milk and evaluate their antimicrobial-resistant profiles. In total, 418 pooled raw cow milk samples were collected from milk collection centers and analysed using standard culture methods to isolate E. coli. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) was conducted using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and PCR was used to identify cefotaxime (CTX) resistant genes. Overall isolation of E. coli was 51.2% (214/418) with MDR observed in 21% (45/214) of isolates across different antibiotic combinations. Resistance was observed towards ampicillin (107/214, 50%), tetracycline (86/214, 40.1%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (61/214, 28.5%), and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (CTX) (50/214, 23.4%). Notably, 15% (32/214) resistance to CTX was observed, while 12.6% (27/214) exhibited resistance to imipenem. The blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes were detected in CTX-resistant isolates. The findings of MDR E. coli that harbour blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes in raw cow’s milk indicate serious public health risks for consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance of Foodborne Bacteria and Food Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 8766 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence Determinants in Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Cultured and Wild Fish
by Md. Liton Rana, Zannatul Firdous, Farhana Binte Ferdous, Md. Ashek Ullah, Mahbubul Pratik Siddique and Md. Tanvir Rahman
Antibiotics 2023, 12(9), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12091375 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2628
Abstract
Fish has always been an integral part of Bengali cuisine and economy. Fish could also be a potential reservoir of pathogens. This study aimed to inquisite the distribution of virulence, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from wild and cultivated [...] Read more.
Fish has always been an integral part of Bengali cuisine and economy. Fish could also be a potential reservoir of pathogens. This study aimed to inquisite the distribution of virulence, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from wild and cultivated fish in Bangladesh. A total of 132 koi fish (Anabas scandens) and catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) were collected from different markets in the Mymensingh district and analyzed to detect E. faecalis. E. faecalis was detected by conventional culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by the detection of virulence genes by PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion method, and biofilm-forming ability was investigated by crystal violet microtiter plate (CVMP) methods. A total of 47 wild and 40 cultured fish samples were confirmed positive for E. faecalis by PCR. The CVMP method revealed four per cent of isolates from cultured fish as strong biofilm formers, but no strong producers were found from the wild fish. In the PCR test, 45% of the isolates from the wild and cultivated fish samples were found to be positive for at least one biofilm-producing virulence gene, where agg, ace, gelE, pil, and fsrC genes were detected in 80, 95, 100, 93, and 100% of the isolates, respectively. Many of the isolates from both types of samples were multidrug resistant (MDR) (73% in local fish and 100% in cultured fish), with 100% resistance to erythromycin, linezolid, penicillin, and rifampicin in E. faecalis from cultured fish and 73.08, 69.23, 69.23, and 76.92%, respectively, in E. faecalis from wild fish. This study shows that E. faecalis from wild fish have a higher frequency of virulence genes and biofilm-forming genes than cultivated fish. However, compared to wild fish, cultured fish were found to carry E. faecalis that was more highly multidrug resistant. Present findings suggest that both wild and cultured fish could be potential sources for MDR E. faecalis, having potential public health implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance of Foodborne Bacteria and Food Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 4379 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes Cocktail Culture Biofilms on Crab and Shrimp Coupons and the Expression of Biofilm-Related Genes
by Pantu Kumar Roy, So Hee Kim, Eun Bi Jeon, Eun Hee Park and Shin Young Park
Antibiotics 2023, 12(6), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12061008 - 4 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1794
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that is transmitted by tainted food, causes the infection listeriosis. In this study, quercetin was tested for its antibacterial properties and effectiveness as a food additive in preventing the growth of L. monocytogenes cocktail (ATCC19117, ATCC19113, and ATCC15313) [...] Read more.
Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that is transmitted by tainted food, causes the infection listeriosis. In this study, quercetin was tested for its antibacterial properties and effectiveness as a food additive in preventing the growth of L. monocytogenes cocktail (ATCC19117, ATCC19113, and ATCC15313) biofilms on crabs and shrimps. Quercetin showed the least bactericidal activity and no discernible microbial growth at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 µg/mL. The biofilm inhibition was performed at sub-MICs (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 MIC). There was no quercetin added to the control group. Additionally, the present work examines the expression of various genes related to biofilm formation and quorum sensing (flaA, fbp, agrA, hlyA, and prfA). The levels of target genes were all significantly down-regulated. Quercetin (0–125 µg/mL) on the surfaces of the crab and shrimp was studied; its inhibitory effects were measured as log reductions at 0.39–2.31 log CFU/cm2 and 0.42–2.36 log CFU/cm2, respectively (p < 0.05). Quercetin reduced the formation of biofilms by disrupting cell-to-cell connections and causing cell lysis, which led to the deformation of the cells, evidenced by FE-SEM (field-emission scanning electron microscopy). These findings emphasize the significance of using natural food agents to target bacteria throughout the entire food production process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance of Foodborne Bacteria and Food Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3951 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma against Listeria monocytogenes Mixed-Culture Biofilms on Food-Contact Surfaces
by Min Gyu Song, Pantu Kumar Roy, Eun Bi Jeon, So Hee Kim, Min Soo Heu, Jung-Suck Lee, Jae-Suk Choi, Jin-Soo Kim and Shin Young Park
Antibiotics 2023, 12(3), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12030609 - 19 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2287
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen. Various methods can be used to control biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens. Recently, the food industry has become interested in plasma, which can be used as a non-thermal technology with minimum changes to product quality. In [...] Read more.
Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen. Various methods can be used to control biofilms formed by foodborne pathogens. Recently, the food industry has become interested in plasma, which can be used as a non-thermal technology with minimum changes to product quality. In this study, the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on L. monocytogenes mixed-culture biofilms formed on stainless steel (SS), latex hand glove (HG), and silicone rubber (SR) were investigated. DBD plasma effectuated reductions of 0.11–1.14, 0.28–1.27 and 0.37–1.55 log CFU/cm2, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) demonstrated that DBD plasma cuts off intercellular contact and induces cell decomposition to prevent the development of biological membranes. It was confirmed that the formed biofilms collapsed and separated into individual bacteria. Our findings suggest that DBD plasma can be used as an alternative non-heating sterilization technology in the food industry to reduce biofilm formation on bacterial targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance of Foodborne Bacteria and Food Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop