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Foods
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Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens
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Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 11413

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Antonello Paparella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Interests: food-borne pathogens; shelf life; essential oils; biofilm; food preservation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesca Maggio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Interests: food science; food safety; natural compounds; Listeria monocytogene; biofilm control; antimicrobial resistance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Albeit the progress achieved in food preservation, significant outbreaks due to food-borne pathogens still occur worldwide. On one side, food safety as a public health challenge is correlated with market globalization and an increasing shift from stable foods to fresh convenience foods with extended durability. On the other side, the extensive application of whole-genome sequencing in food control has improved the detection of pathogens, advancing our knowledge of microbial diversity and genome biology. The increasing amount of genomic data, produced both in the research domain and in food control, offers the opportunity to develop food safety strategies based on precision microbiology. Thus, by focusing food preservation on specific microbial targets, future foods are going to benefit from higher food safety standards, with the minimum impact on food quality and price. In this respect, a significant role is going to be played by control methods based on minimal processing, and especially by strategies based on the use of natural preservatives and microbial cultures, compatible with the concept of clean labels.

Prof. Antonello Paparella
Dr. Francesca Maggio
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. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • food-borne pathogens
  • detection
  • control
  • food preservation
  • minimal processing
  • whole-genome sequencing
  • omics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 193 KiB  
Editorial
Detection and Control of Foodborne Pathogens
by Antonello Paparella and Francesca Maggio
Foods 2023, 12(19), 3521; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12193521 - 22 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2432
Abstract
The globalization of food trade and the emergence of disease outbreaks involving several foodborne pathogens and foods has focused the attention of both the research community and consumers on food safety [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

16 pages, 4515 KiB  
Article
Development and Application of a Multiplex Reverse Transcription–Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus in Bivalve Shellfish
by Maolin Wei, Jinfeng Wang, Yan Wang, Libing Liu, Xiangdong Xu and Jianchang Wang
Foods 2025, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010002 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1022
Abstract
Foodborne viruses are significant contributors to global food safety incidents, posing a serious burden on human health and food safety. In this study, a multiplex reverse transcription–droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) assay based on the MS2 phage as a process control virus (PCV) was [...] Read more.
Foodborne viruses are significant contributors to global food safety incidents, posing a serious burden on human health and food safety. In this study, a multiplex reverse transcription–droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) assay based on the MS2 phage as a process control virus (PCV) was developed to achieve the simultaneous detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in bivalve shellfish. By optimizing the reaction system and procedures, the best reaction conditions were selected, and the specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the method were assessed. Additionally, the MS2 phage’s recovery rate was utilized as an indicator to evaluate the optimal sample nucleic acid enrichment method. The results indicated that the RT-ddPCR assay exhibited optimal amplification efficiency with primer concentrations of 900 nmol/L, probe concentrations of 350 nmol/L for HAV and HEV, and 500 nmol/L for MS2, an annealing temperature of 53.1 °C, an extension time of 90 s, and 45 cycles. Additionally, the developed multiplex RT-ddPCR assay demonstrated high specificity, with quantitation limits of 12.6, 8.9, and 7.8 copies/reaction being observed for HAV, HEV, and the MS2 phage, respectively. A total of 240 bivalve samples were analyzed, of which 4 were positive for HAV and 12 for HEV. The viral loads for HAV ranged from 3048 to 6528 copies/2 g, while those for HEV ranged from 3312 to 20,350 copies/2 g. This assay provides a vital tool for enhancing food safety monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens)
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30 pages, 9406 KiB  
Article
Potential Use and Chemical Analysis of Some Natural Plant Extracts for Controlling Listeria spp. Growth In Vitro and in Food
by Abdul-Raouf Al-Mohammadi, Seham Abdel-Shafi, Ahmed H. Moustafa, Nehal Fouad, Gamal Enan and Rehab A. Ibrahim
Foods 2024, 13(18), 2915; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182915 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1332
Abstract
Listeria are Gram-negative intracellular foodborne pathogens that can cause invasive infections with high mortality rates. In this work, the antibacterial activity of ten essential oils, infusion extracts, and decoction extracts of some medicinal plants was tested against Listeria monocytogenes and listeria ivanovii strains. [...] Read more.
Listeria are Gram-negative intracellular foodborne pathogens that can cause invasive infections with high mortality rates. In this work, the antibacterial activity of ten essential oils, infusion extracts, and decoction extracts of some medicinal plants was tested against Listeria monocytogenes and listeria ivanovii strains. The effects of different physical conditions including temperature, pH, sodium chloride, and some organic acids were studied. The results showed that the water extracts gave the maximum bacterial inhibition, while ethanolic extract was inactive against the tested Listeria spp. The antibiotic sensitivity of L. monocytogenes LMG10470 and L. ivanovii LMZ11352 was tested against five antibiotics including imipenem, levofloxacin, amikacin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin. Imipenem was the most effective antibiotic, resulting in inhibition zones of 40 mm and 31 mm for L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii, respectively. When imipenem mixed with Syzygium aromaticum oil, Salvia officinalis oil, Pimpinella anisum infusion, and Mentha piperita infusion each, the water extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds against LMG10470 and LMZ11352 resulted in broader antibacterial activity. The antimicrobial activity of both Pimpinella anisum and Mentha piperita plant extracts is related to a variety of bioactive compounds indicated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of these two plant extracts. These two plant extracts seemed to contain many chemical compounds elucidated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and infrared radiation spectra. These compounds could be classified into different chemical groups such as ethers, heterocyclic compounds, aromatic aldehydes, condensed heterocyclic compounds, ketones, alicyclic compounds, aromatics, esters, herbicides, saturated fatty acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. The use of these natural compounds seems to be a useful technological adjuvant for the control of Listeria spp. in foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens)
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11 pages, 3196 KiB  
Article
Contamination of Streptococcus suis and S. suis Serotype 2 in Raw Pork and Edible Pig Organs: A Public Health Concern in Chiang Mai, Thailand
by Ratchadakorn Guntala, Likhitphorn Khamai, Nattawara Srisai, Sakaewan Ounjaijean, Woottichai Khamduang and Sayamon Hongjaisee
Foods 2024, 13(13), 2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132119 - 3 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1831
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens causing serious diseases in both pigs and humans, especially serotype 2. In northern Thailand, there is a notable prevalence of S. suis infection in humans and transmission has occurred mainly through the consumption [...] Read more.
Streptococcus suis is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens causing serious diseases in both pigs and humans, especially serotype 2. In northern Thailand, there is a notable prevalence of S. suis infection in humans and transmission has occurred mainly through the consumption of raw pork products. Despite the continued practice of consuming raw pork in this region, limited data exist regarding S. suis contamination in such products. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of S. suis and S. suis serotype 2 in retail raw pork meat and edible pig organs sold in Chiang Mai city, Thailand. A total of 200 samples, comprising raw pork meat and edible pig organs, were collected from nine fresh markets in Chiang Mai city between May and July 2023. Samples were prepared and cultured in Todd-Hewitt broth. Bacterial DNA was extracted and tested for any serotypes of S. suis and serotype 2 using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) techniques. The study revealed contaminations of S. suis and serotype 2 at rates of 84% and 34%, respectively, with a higher prevalence observed in pig organs compared to raw pork. Both S. suis and serotype 2 were detected across all nine fresh markets investigated. The prevalence of S. suis remained consistently high throughout the study period, whereas serotype 2 showed peaks in May and July. These high rates of contamination indicate that people who consume or work in close contact with raw pork or edible pig organs are at a high risk of S. suis infection. Urgent implementation and maintenance of food safety campaigns and public health interventions are crucial for disease prevention and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens)
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12 pages, 721 KiB  
Article
Antilisterial Effectiveness of Origanum vulgare var. hirtum and Coridothymus capitatus Essential Oils and Hydrolates Alone and in Combination
by Serena D’Amato, Chiara Rossi, Francesca Maggio, Luca Valbonetti, Vincenzo Savini, Antonello Paparella and Annalisa Serio
Foods 2024, 13(6), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13060860 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1691
Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare var. hirtum (O) and Coridothymus capitatus (C) essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (HYs) of the same botanical species was evaluated on sixteen L. monocytogenes strains from food and clinical origins. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by Minimum [...] Read more.
The antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare var. hirtum (O) and Coridothymus capitatus (C) essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (HYs) of the same botanical species was evaluated on sixteen L. monocytogenes strains from food and clinical origins. The antimicrobial activity was assessed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination, viable cell enumeration over time up to 60 min, and evaluation of the cellular damage through Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) analysis. EOs exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.3125 to 10 µL/mL. In contrast, HYs demonstrated antimicrobial effectiveness at higher concentrations (125–500 µL/mL). The effect of HYs was rapid after the contact with the cells, and the cell count reduction over 60 min of HY treatment was about 1.2–1.7 Log CFU/mL. L. monocytogenes cells were stressed by HY treatment, and red cell aggregates were revealed through CLSM observation. Moreover, the combinations of EOs and HYs had an additive antilisterial effect in most cases and allowed the concentration of use to be reduced, while maintaining or improving the antimicrobial effectiveness. The combined use of EOs and HYs can offer novel opportunities for applications, thereby enhancing the antimicrobial effectiveness and diminishing the concentration of use. This provides the added benefit of reducing toxicity and mitigating any undesirable sensory effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens)
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17 pages, 657 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Comparison of Microbial Hygiene Indicators in Raw and Pasteurized Milk and Cottage Cheese Collected across Dairy Value Chain in Three Regions of Ethiopia
by Henok Nahusenay, Alganesh Tola, Tesfaye Sisay Tessema, Jessie Vipham and Ashagrie Zewdu Woldegiorgis
Foods 2023, 12(24), 4377; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12244377 - 5 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1808
Abstract
A longitudinal design with a simple random sampling method was used to collect and compare microbial hygiene levels between the dry season (January to April) and wet season (June to August). A total of 456 milk and cottage cheese samples were collected from [...] Read more.
A longitudinal design with a simple random sampling method was used to collect and compare microbial hygiene levels between the dry season (January to April) and wet season (June to August). A total of 456 milk and cottage cheese samples were collected from each site along the dairy value chain from three regions. Enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (APC), total coliforms (TCC), and Escherichia coli (EC) was performed according to standard methods. Independent t-tests were employed to assess the significant variation at (p < 0.05) between the two seasons. The cumulative result of APC of 7.61 log cfu/mL and g and TCC of 3.50 log cfu/mL in the dry season were significantly higher than the wet season of 7.15 log cfu/mL and 2.49 log cfu/mL, respectively, whereas generic E. coli count (EC) was significantly higher in the wet season (0.70 log cfu/mL and g) than that in the dry season (0.40 log cfu/mL and g). The results of hygienic indicator microbial load significantly varied with season. Hence, hygienic milk production and handling practices that comprehend seasonal influence should be implemented to improve the safety of milk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Control of Food-Borne Pathogens)
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