Search Results (201)

Bacterial zoonoses pose a serious threat to the development of animal husbandry, food safety, and public health. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major infectious and food-borne pathogen worldwide, and there was an urgent need to develop relevant methodologies for the control of bacterial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) produced by selected strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), Streptococcus thermophilus (S. thermophilus), and Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis) to inhibit in vitrogrown S. aureus BNCC 186335. CFSs of S. thermophilus, B. infantis, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus not only showed good antibacterial activity against S. aureus but also have strong stability and tolerance, which could destroy the integrity of cell membrane, lead to changes in cell morphology, and then strongly and rapidly kill bacteria. Notably, the primary antimicrobial substances in the CFSs of L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus were organic acids and protein components, whereas the main antimicrobial substances in the CFSs of S. thermophilus and B. infantis were organic acids. Meanwhile, four CFSs achieved substantial removal of biofilms and inhibited decreased ATP content. These findings suggest that the CFSs of S. thermophilus, B. infantis, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus may have potential applications as biological preservatives to control the contamination of S. aureus in the food industry and animal husbandry. Full article

Milk-borne outbreaks remain a significant issue in low-income countries due to unhygienic practices. Currently, there are no known easily accessible and low-cost diagnostic tests that can detect Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, in raw milk samples at high specificity, sensitivity, and speed without preprocessing. Early detection of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi in food matrices is critical for preventing infection prior to consumption and reducing disease burden. Using colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification, we screened 15 novel and two previously published primer sets. We identified one novel primer set capable of detecting the STY2879 gene in as few as 2000 genomes in 2% v/v raw milk reactions and 1000 genomes in 1% v/v raw milk reactions of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi after 30 minutes of incubation in a 65° C water bath. The colorimetric readout offers promising potential applications for on-site detection in remote and low-resource settings where infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi remains a public health concern. Full article

Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), are among the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens and remain a major food-borne hazard in parts of Asia and Africa. China has generated a uniquely cohesive body of evidence connecting aflatoxin contamination to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in settings where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent and acts synergistically with aflatoxin exposure. Over five decades, field investigations and laboratory innovations—exemplified by long-term work in Qidong—have assembled a multi-layered causal chain spanning the following: (i) contamination monitoring in staple foods; (ii) quantification of internal dose and biologically effective dose using validated biomarkers (e.g., urinary AFB₁–N⁷–guanine, AFM₁, and serum AFB₁–lysine albumin adducts); (iii) a characteristic molecular fingerprint in tumors and circulation (TP53 R249S); (iv) reversibility demonstrated through randomized intervention trials and policy-driven natural experiments. Chemoprevention and dietary interception studies (e.g., oltipraz, chlorophyllin, and broccoli sprout beverages) showed that enhancing detoxication pathways can lower biomarker burdens in exposed populations. At the population level, a sustained dietary transition from maize to rice, together with strengthened food governance, was accompanied by marked decreases in biomarker distributions and subsequent declines in HCC mortality in endemic regions. Nevertheless, regional heterogeneity, multi-mycotoxin co-exposure, and climate variability are expected to increase exposure volatility and complicate surveillance. Here, we translate and synthesize the Chinese evidence base, highlight biomarker-enabled monitoring and policy evaluation, and propose an integrated “5+1” prevention framework spanning source control, process detoxification, tiered governance, short-course interception, precision follow-up of high-risk individuals, and climate-sensitive early warning along the climate–agriculture–storage–processing–population (CAT–CSPP) chain. Full article

Spirometra mansoni is a zoonotic parasite that inhabits the intestines of dogs and cats. The plerocercoids (spargana) parasitize several vertebrates, including humans, resulting in a food-borne zoonosis known as sparganosis. In this study, it has been established that a LAMP assay can detect S. mansoni eggs in dog feces. A total of 97 fecal samples were collected from Changsha City, Hunan Province. The fecal DNA was extracted before designing primers for LAMP based on the S. mansoni cox1 gene. The specificity of this method was verified by PCR using LAMP outer primers or inner primers and nested PCR with S. mansoni-specific cox1 primers. DNA samples from five control dog worms were analyzed using the LAMP assay to evaluate the specificity. The detection rate of LAMP for S. mansoni eggs was 70.21% in stray dogs. PCR and nested PCR produced specific bands on agarose gel electrophoresis consistent with the expected length. When the LAMP assay was conducted using S. mansoni-infected samples, negative samples, and genomic DNA from control worms, only the S. mansoni-infected samples showed a typical ladder pattern. The samples were stained with SYBR Green I, and only the S. mansoni-infected samples had a fluorescent signal. In addition, compared with PCR and microscope, LAMP method can detect eggs in the shortest infection days, and its detection rate was higher than that of PCR. These results suggest that the established LAMP method have many advantages in detecting Spirometra mansoni. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is a non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy. Although tolerance to the culprit food is usually achieved within the first year of life, late acquisition occurs and remains poorly predictable. This study aimed to analyze clinical characteristics and explore factors that may potentially function as predictors of late tolerance acquisition to cow’s milk (CM). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at two Italian pediatric clinics (2020–2024), including infants diagnosed with FPIAP. Clinical, dietary, and immunological variables; onset and duration of rectal bleeding (visible blood in the stools); and time to CM tolerance were analyzed. Late tolerance was defined as acquisition after 19 months according to the distribution of tolerance achievement in our population. Statistical analyses included χ², Mann–Whitney U, Spearman’s correlation, and logistic regression. Results: Ninety-four infants were included (median age at onset 2.9 months [IQR 1.9–4.7]); 58 (62%) were exclusively breastfed and 18 (19%) were born preterm (<37 completed weeks of gestation). CM was the culprit food in all cases; tolerance was achieved in all infants at a median age of 12 months. Family history of atopy and atopic dermatitis were reported in 44% and 19% of infants, respectively. Late CM tolerance was associated with preterm birth, fortification of human milk, early antibiotic exposure, growth faltering, and recurrent infections. Logistic regression identified family history of atopy (OR 5.4 [95% CI 1.2–25.4]; p = 0.031), atopic dermatitis (OR 8.2 [1.7–40.7]; p = 0.010), rectal bleeding >18 days before elimination diet (OR 5.9 [1.3–27.7]; p = 0.023), and IgE sensitization (OR 6.4 [1.2–35.0]; p = 0.034) as factors that may potentially function as predictors of late tolerance acquisition to CM. Conclusions: Identification of factors that may potentially function as predictors of late tolerance acquisition to CM in infants with FPIAP may help providing a personalized clinical management for these patients. Full article

Paragonimus westermani is a food-borne zoonotic trematode transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked crustaceans. Freshwater crabs act as the second intermediate host for the encysted metacercariae stage. However, accurate identification of intermediate hosts remains a challenge. Here, we aimed to detect and identify P. westermani in randomly collected freshwater crabs and determine the species of infected crabs in Davao Oriental through molecular methods. Specifically, Sanger and next-generation sequencing were conducted for species identification through BLASTn, followed by phylogenetic analyses to understand geographic and taxonomic relationships. Results showed P. westermani DNA was detected in five out of eleven crab samples and these sequences were closely grouped to the Philippine reference sequence. Through a similar approach, the infected crabs showed high sequence similarity and formed tight clustering to Isolapotamon sp. Overall, the results provided evidence that P. westermani DNA was detected in Isolapotamon sp., a genus endemic to Mindanao, and can be a potential intermediate host. This expands our current understanding of transmission ecology beyond the only known intermediate host in the Philippines, Sundathelphusa philippina. Full article

The ecological role and overlap with urban environments make wild carnivores useful epidemiological sentinels for several pathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Central and Southern Italy. Sera from 120 foxes were analyzed using IFAT with a 1:20 cut-off value. Overall, seropositivity was highest for T. gondii (68.5%), followed by E. cuniculi (15.0%) and N. caninum (3.3%). Multivariable logistic regression models with stepwise selection identified age class and location as significant predictor factors for T. gondii exposure, with adults and red foxes from Southern Italy showing higher levels of prevalence. No significant associations with epidemiological risk factors were detected for E. cuniculi or N. caninum. Co-infections were detected in 15% of red foxes with a statistically significant positive association between T. gondii and E. cuniculi. These findings highlight that red foxes, being scavengers, are particularly exposed to food-borne pathogens, especially to T. gondii, and prove once again that they are reliable epidemiological sentinels for parasites that circulate at the wild–domestic interface. Full article

Campylobacter spp. remain among the most common pathogens causing acute diarrhea worldwide. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are the main species that cause gastroenteritis. Campylobacteriosis is a food-borne disease, although this Gram-negative bacterium may be transmitted via water-borne outbreaks as well as direct contact with animals, emphasizing its zoonotic potential. Campylobacterisosis does not usually require hospitalization. Antimicrobials are warranted only for patients with severe disease, as well as patients who are at risk for severe disease, such as the elderly, pregnant women or immunocompromised patients. Nonetheless, the irrational use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine enhances antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Resistance of Campylobacter spp. to fluoroquinolones, macrolides and tetracyclines is a significant concern to the scientific community. Point mutations, horizontal gene transfer and efflux pumps are the main mechanisms for the development and transmission of AMR in Campylobacter spp. Emerging evidence suggests that climate change may indirectly contribute to the spread of AMR in Campylobacter, particularly through its influence on bacterial ecology, transmission pathways and antibiotic use patterns. Higher temperatures and extreme weather events accelerate bacterial growth, amplify the transfer of AMR genes and magnify disease transmission, including drug-resistant infections. Horizontal gene transfer, especially in the context of biofilm formation, may further perplex the situation. Excessive farming and overuse of antibiotics as growth promoters in animals may also contribute to increased AMR rates. Climate change and AMR are interconnected and pose a significant threat to global public health. Multidisciplinary strategies mitigating both phenomena are crucial in order to contain the spread of Campylobacter-related AMR. The aim of this review is to describe the molecular mechanisms that result in AMR of Campylobacter spp. and underscore the association between climate change and Campylobacteriosis. Novel methods to mitigate Campylobacter-related AMR will also be discussed. Full article

The increasing reliance on imported fish products in Kazakhstan raises concerns about the presence of fish-borne parasitic infections, particularly zoonotic helminths that pose risks to public health. This study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of helminths in commercially imported marine fish using both traditional and molecular diagnostic methods. A total of 670 specimens representing 17 fish species were collected from retail markets in Astana, Almaty, and Karaganda. Macroscopic inspection and muscle compression techniques were used to detect larval parasites, followed by DNA extraction and PCR amplification targeting the ITS-2, 5.8S, 18S rRNA, and mitochondrial COX gene regions. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of cestodes (Eubothrium crassum, Hepatoxylon trichiuri, Nybelinia surmenicola), acanthocephalans (Echinorhynchus gadi), and nematodes, with a predominance of zoonotic species from the Anisakidae family, including Anisakis simplex, A. pegreffii, Pseudoterranova decipiens, and Contracaecum osculatum. The highest levels of infection were detected in Atka mackerel (97.1%), herring (96.0%), mackerel (92.0%), and blue whiting (88.1%), while the lowest rates were recorded in smelt (6.8%), flounder (10.2%), and haddock (16.0%). This is the first molecular-based survey of fish helminths in Kazakhstan and highlights the need to integrate genetic screening into food safety control systems to better protect consumers and improve parasite monitoring of imported seafood. Full article

Food-borne zoonoses, particularly anisakiosis caused by Anisakis spp., are an increasing public health concern due to the rising consumption of raw fish. Anisakiosis results from the ingestion of third-stage larvae of Anisakidae nematodes, with the genus Anisakis re-sponsible for approximately 97% of human cases. While regulatory protocols exist to minimize infection risk in commercial settings, domestic food preparation often lacks such safeguards, creating a gap in public health protection. In the Canary Islands, a major Spanish aquaculture region, farmed fish exhibit a low Anisakis prevalence, suggesting minimal risk from aquaculture products. In contrast, wild-caught fish demonstrate varia-ble parasitism, with recent studies reporting a 25% prevalence among commercial species. Methods: This study assessed Anisakis exposure in the Canary Islands by measuring specific IgG and IgE antibodies in 1043 serum samples collected from all seven islands between March 2014 and October 2015. ELISA assays detected anti-Anisakis antibodies, and the results were analyzed by age, sex, island, and isoclimatic zone. Results: Overall, 16.9% of samples were IgG-positive and 6.8% were IgE-positive. Seroprevalence was significantly higher in indi-viduals aged 60 years and above. Geographic heterogeneity was notable: La Palma had the highest IgG seroprevalence (35.3%), while El Hierro showed the highest IgE prevalence (16.3%). Temperate isoclimatic zones exhibited higher antibody prevalence than dry zones. These findings indicate variable Anisakis exposure across the Canary Islands, likely influenced by environmental and behavioral factors. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce the anisakiosis risk, particularly in regions and populations with elevated exposure. Full article

Zoonotic viral diseases have continued to threaten global public health in recent decades, with rodent-borne viruses being significant contributors. Infection by rodent-carried hantaviruses (HV) can result in hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in humans, with varying degrees of morbidity and mortality. However, no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vaccines or therapeutics have been approved for the treatment of these diseases. In an effort to identify antiviral bioactive molecules, we isolated four oligomeric phloroglucinols from Callistemon rigidus leaves, including two new phloroglucinol trimers, callistemontrimer A and B, along with two previously characterized phloroglucinol dimers, rhodomyrtosone B and rhodomyrtone. We evaluated the anti-Hantaan virus (HTNV) activity of these compounds. Notably, callistemontrimer A demonstrated higher anti-HTNV activity compared to ribavirin. Mechanistic studies revealed that callistemontrimer A exerted its antiviral effects by inhibiting viral replication, likely through interaction with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of HTNV, as supported by molecular docking analysis. These results highlight oligomeric phloroglucinols as promising lead candidates for the development of anti-HV therapeutics. Full article

The rapid growth of world population and increase in living standards have led to an increase in the demand for high-quality, safe food. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that by 2050 the demand for food will increase by 60%, and production of animal protein will increase by 1.7% a year, with meat production to increase by nearly 70%, dairy products by 55%, and aquaculture by as much as 90%. Microbial contamination of food is a significant problem for the accessibility of safe food which does not pose a threat to the life and health of consumers. Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia are responsible for thousands of food-borne infections in humans. Currently, numerous programs are being developed to combat pathogenic bacteria in the food supply chain, especially at the primary production stage. These approaches include physical, chemical, biological, and other strategies and methods used to inhibit the bacterial growth of bacteria or completely eliminate the pathogens from the food chain. Therefore, an extremely important goal is to provide safe food and control its quality by eliminating pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. However, the use of chemicals in food preservation has negative effects for both the consumption values of food and the natural environment. Therefore, it seems absolutely necessary to implement measures utilizing the most environmentally friendly and effective techniques for controlling microbial contamination in food. There is a great need to develop ecological methods in food production which guarantee adequate safety. One of these methods is the use of bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) naturally occurring in the environment. Given the above, the aim of this study was to present the most natural, ecological, and alternative methods of food preservation with regard to the most common foodborne zoonotic bacteria. We also present methods for reducing the occurrence of microbial contamination in food, thus to produce maximally safe food for consumers. Full article

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) appears mainly as nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and community-acquired infection is increasingly being recognized. The threshold of asymptomatic colonization and the clinical manifestation of CDI need further elucidation. Community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI) should be considered when the disease commences within 48 h of admission to hospital or more than 12 weeks after discharge. Although CDI is not established as a food-borne or zoonotic disease, some data support that direction. The spores’ ability to survive standard cooking procedures and on abiotic surfaces, the formation of biofilms, and their survival within biofilms of other bacteria render even a low number of spores capable of food contamination and spread. Adequate enumeration methods for detecting a low number of spores in food have not been developed. Primary care physicians should take CA-CDI into consideration in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea, as there is a thin line between colonization and infection. In patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and other comorbidities, C. difficile can be the cause of recurrent disease and should be included in the estimation of diarrhea and worsening colitis symptoms. In the community setting, it is difficult to distinguish asymptomatic carriage from true infection. For asymptomatic carriage, antibiotic therapy is not suggested but contact isolation and hand-washing practices are required. Primary healthcare providers should be vigilant and implement infection control policies for the prevention of C. difficile spread. Full article

The poultry industry is a critical source of affordable protein worldwide; however, it faces continuous threats from various poultry diseases that significantly impact public health, economic stability, and food security. Knowledge of and examination of the transmission routes, risk factors, and environmental survival characteristics of the most important pathogens affecting poultry populations, as well as the importance of strict biosecurity, are pivotal. Transmission routes are split into direct and vector-borne pathways, and indirect ways, which include infections via contaminated surfaces and vector-borne pathways, including insects and rodents. Avian influenza virus and Newcastle disease virus spread through respiratory droplets, and their transmission risk increases with increasing stocking density. While other pathogens (e.g., infectious bursal disease virus and Salmonella spp.), to persist long-term in the environments, for example, feed and litter, increasing the probability to persist long-term in the environments, for example, feed and litter, increasing the probability of infection. The long-term resilience of pathogens in multiple pathogens in various environmental conditions highlights the role of biosecurity, sanitation, and hygiene controls in preventing disease outbreaks. High stocking density in production systems, suboptimal ventilation, and inadequate biosecurity controls further increase transmission risks. This paper summarizes important disease transmissions and reinforces the need for strict biosecurity protocols and routine health monitoring to prevent the spread of pathogens within and beyond poultry facilities. These strategies can support safe poultry production, address growing global demand, and ensure food safety and public health. Full article

Viral hepatitis E represents an important global health problem caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Cases of HEV infection are increasingly associated with food-borne transmissions after the consumption of raw or undercooked food products from infected animals in high-income regions. Although most cases of infection are asymptomatic, severe courses of infection have been reported in specific groups of people, predominantly among pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The viral nucleic acid of HEV is increasingly being reported in food-producing animals and different products of an animal origin. Even though the incubation period for HEV infection is long, several direct epidemiological links between human cases and the consumption of HEV-contaminated meat and meat products have been described. In this article, we review the current knowledge on human HEV infections, HEV in different food-producing animals and products of an animal origin, as well as the accumulation and resistance to HEV in farm and slaughterhouse environments. We also provide preventive measures to help eliminate HEV from animals, the human population, and the environment. Full article