Search Results (262)

Proteus vulgaris is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) foodborne pathogen that poses a significant threat to food safety and public health, particularly in aquaculture systems where antibiotic use may drive resistance development. Despite its increasing clinical importance, the genomic mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence transmission in foodborne Proteus vulgaris remain poorly understood, representing a critical knowledge gap in One Health frameworks. To investigate its AMR and virulence transmission mechanisms, we analyzed strain P3M from Penaeus vannamei intestines through genomic island (GI) prediction and comparative genomics. Our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of mobile genetic elements in aquaculture-derived Proteus vulgaris, identifying two virulence-associated GIs (GI12/GI15 containing 25/6 virulence genes) and three AMR-linked GIs (GI7/GI13/GI16 carrying 1/1/5 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)), along with a potentially mobile ARG cluster flanked by IS elements (tnpA-tnpB), suggesting horizontal gene transfer capability. These findings elucidate previously undocumented genomic mechanisms of AMR and virulence dissemination in Proteus vulgaris, establishing critical insights for developing One Health strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance and virulence in foodborne pathogens. Full article

Botulism is a severe muscle paralysis disease mediated by the botulinum toxin. Here, we reported a foodborne botulism case caused by Clostridium botulinum subtype A5(b3) from self-packaged vacuum spicy rabbit heads. Treatment for this case was delayed due to misdiagnosis and insufficient diagnostic capacity in three hospitals, which resulted in progressive clinical deterioration, and eventually, the patient was transferred to Shandong Public Health Clinical Center for specialized therapy. The case was suspected as foodborne botulism by the Qilu Medical-Prevention Innovation Integration pathway and multi-disciplinary consultation. An epidemiological investigation and laboratory confirmation revealed that the botulinum neurotoxin originated from vacuum-packaged spicy rabbit heads distributed via interprovincial cold chain logistics. After treatment with botulism antiserum, the patient’s condition significantly improved, and they were discharged after recovery. We revealed that this foodborne botulism outbreak was caused by the Clostridium botulinum A5(b3) subtype from food by whole-genome sequencing and SNP typing. All the strains belonged to Group I carrying the botulinum neurotoxin gene classified as the ha cluster. Toxin A was confirmed by MBA and other methods, while toxin B was non-functional due to the truncated bont/B gene. Other virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes were also detected. Our findings indicate that self-packaged vacuum meat products represent an emerging risk factor for botulism transmission when stored improperly. Importantly, the recurrent misdiagnosis in this case underscored the urgent need to enhance the training of healthcare professionals in medical institutions to improve the diagnostic accuracy and clinical management of botulism. Full article

The consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables is essential for a healthy diet as they contain a diverse composition of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and bioactive compounds. However, cross-contamination during harvest and post-harvest poses a high risk of microbial contamination. Therefore, handling fruit and vegetables during processing and contact with wet equipment and utensil surfaces is an ideal environment for microbial contamination and foodborne illness. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to some emerging pathogens that are now increasingly recognised as transmissible to humans through contaminated fruit and vegetables, such as Arcobacter and Cronobacter species in various products, which are the main risk in fruit and vegetables. Cronobacter and Arcobacter spp. are recognised food-safety hazards because they pose a risk of foodborne disease, especially in vulnerable groups such as newborns and immunocompromised individuals. Cronobacter spp. have been linked to severe infant conditions—notably meningitis and sepsis—most often traced to contaminated powdered infant formula. Although Arcobacter spp. have been less extensively studied, they have also been associated with foodborne disease, chiefly from dairy products and meat. With this in mind, this review provides an overview of the main chemical and physical sanitisation methods in terms of their ability to reduce the contamination of fresh fruit and vegetable products caused by two emerging pathogens: Arcobacter and Cronobacter. Emerging chemical (organic acid compounds, extracts, and essential oils) and physical methods (combination of UV-C with electrolysed water, ultrasound, and cold atmospheric plasma) offer innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional approaches. These methods often utilise natural materials, less toxic solvents, and novel techniques, resulting in more sustainable processes compared with traditional methods that may use harsh chemicals and environmentally harmful processes. This review provides the fruit and vegetable industry with a general overview of possible decontamination alternatives to develop optimal and efficient processes that ensure food safety. Full article

Recent studies have detected microplastics (MPs) in seafood and various food products worldwide, including poultry, fish, salt, beverages, fruits, and vegetables. This widespread contamination makes human exposure through consumption unavoidable and raises concerns for food safety and human health. MPs provide physical support to microorganisms for biofilm formation, protecting them from extreme conditions and facilitating their persistence in the environment. However, little is known about the impact of MPs in the transmission of foodborne pathogens and subsequent spread of infectious diseases like campylobacteriosis, the most common foodborne illness caused by a bacterium, Campylobacter. This review explores the sources of MP contamination in the food chain and offers a comprehensive overview of MP presence in animals, food products, and beverages. Moreover, we compile the available studies linking MPs and Campylobacter and examine the potential impact of these particles on the transmission of Campylobacter along the food chain with a particular focus on poultry, the main source and reservoir for the pathogen. While the environmental and toxicological effects of MPs are increasingly understood, their influence on the virulence of Campylobacter and the spread of antimicrobial resistance remains underexplored. Further studies are needed to develop standardized methods for isolating and identifying MPs, enabling comprehensive investigations and more effective monitoring and risk mitigation strategies. Full article

Background/Objective: Non-typhoidal Salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide and presents a significant One Health concern due to zoonotic transmission. Although antibiotic therapy remains a standard approach for treating salmonellosis in severe cases in animals, the widespread misuse of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains. This study provides insights into the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics among Salmonella isolates from necropsied cattle. Methods: A total of 1008 samples were collected from necropsied cattle. Salmonella enterica subspecies were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and subsequently confirmed by serotyping. The biofilm-forming ability of the isolated bacteria was assessed using a crystal violet assay. The motility of the isolates was assessed on soft agar plates. Additionally, the antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence genes were investigated. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were investigated against 19 antibiotics representing 9 different classes. Results:Salmonella species were isolated and identified in 27 necropsied cattle. Salmonella Dublin was the most prevalent serotype (29.6%). Additionally, all the isolates were biofilm producers at different levels of intensity, and 96.3% of the isolates exhibited both swarming and swimming motility. Furthermore, virulence genes, including invA, hilA, fimA, and csgA, were detected in all the isolates. The highest resistance was observed to macrolides (azithromycin and clindamycin) (100%), followed by imipenem (92.6%), and chloramphenicol (85.2%). All isolates were multidrug-resistant, with a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging between 0.32 and 0.74. The aminoglycoside resistance gene aac(6′)-Ib was detected in all the isolates (100%), whereas the distribution of other antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) varied among the isolates. Conclusions: The increasing prevalence of MDR Salmonella poses a significant public health risk. These resistant strains can reduce the effectiveness of standard treatments and elevate outbreak risks. Strengthening surveillance and regulating antibiotic use in livestock are essential to mitigating these threats. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and virulence characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) isolated from olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) sashimi samples sold in South Korea from 2021 to 2022. A total of 500 fish samples were analyzed, from which 17 V. parahaemolyticus isolates were obtained. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using the minimum inhibitory concentration method revealed that 58.8% (10/17) of the isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin, indicating the potential for AMR transmission in seafood-associated pathogens. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and a polymerase chain reaction detected the presence of tlh and trh virulence genes in all isolates, suggesting their pathogenic potential. Although the overall isolation rate of V. parahaemolyticus was low, the presence of virulence and AMR genes indicates public health relevance associated with raw seafood consumption. The increasing consumer demand for raw fish, coupled with environmental changes such as rising ocean temperatures, underscores the necessity of continuous surveillance to prevent foodborne outbreaks. These findings emphasize the need for targeted AMR monitoring and further research to mitigate the dissemination of resistant V. parahaemolyticus strains and enhance seafood safety. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) poses a significant threat to public health and safety, and enhancing the monitoring of S. aureus in food is essential to curb and prevent foodborne transmission. In order to obtain strains for more convenient and rapid use in quality control or quantitative analysis, this study designed a ready-to-use “ball-in-ball” microsphere based on a novel cryoprotectant combined with drop freeze-drying technology. When using a cryoprotectant that contains 1.5% bovine serum albumin, 4.5% trehalose, 8.2% polyethylene glycol 8000, and 4.1% D-mannitol, the survival rate of S. aureus can reach 98.2 ± 2.6%. This cryoprotectant effectively prevents S. aureus from shrinking, deforming, and damaging cell walls. Additionally, it shows desirable protective efficiency for other Gram-positive bacteria. The molding of microspheres is efficient and cost-effective, demonstrating good uniformity and stability without the need for pre-freezing. The moisture content and the count of S. aureus showed no significant changes over 90 days at −20 °C. In the simulated contaminated sample, the recovery rate of S. aureus in milk and green tea was 83.1–93.7%. This study could provide a practical approach to improve the monitoring efficiency of S. aureus and shows potential as a generalized strategy for preparing ready-to-use strains related to food safety. Full article

Paslahepevirus balayani (hepatitis E virus), a zoonotic pathogen transmitted primarily via the fecal–oral route, has undergone shifting transmission dynamics in China, with foodborne and zoonotic routes becoming increasingly significant. To assess the potential risk of HEV transmission through dairy products, this study investigated HEV RNA presence in raw milk from cows, sheep, and goats in Hebei Province, China. From March 2024 to April 2025, we collected 102 cow milk, 18 sheep milk, and 59 goat milk samples, analyzing them using RT-qPCR, with positive samples confirmed by RT-Nested PCR and partial ORF2 sequencing. While no HEV RNA was detected in cow milk, 3/18 (16.67%) sheep milk and 1/59 (1.69%) goat milk samples tested positive. Phylogenetic analysis of two sheep-derived and one goat-derived HEV isolate showed 99.43–100% nucleotide identity to local swine HEV strains (HEV/HB-SJZ158/CHN/2021 and HEV/HB-CD28/CHN/2021), all clustering within genotype 4d, the dominant subtype in the region. This study provided the first evidence of HEV RNA in sheep and goat milk in Hebei Province, suggesting possible cross-species transmission from pigs to ruminants. These findings highlighted the need for further research on HEV transmission risks through dairy products and emphasize the importance of monitoring zoonotic HEV strains in food safety assessments. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global public health threat, exacerbating healthcare burdens and imposing substantial economic costs. Currently, AMR contributes to nearly five million deaths annually worldwide, surpassing mortality rates of any single infectious disease. The economic burden associated with AMR-related disease management is estimated at approximately $730 billion per year. This review synthesizes current research on the mechanisms and multifaceted drivers of AMR development and dissemination through the lens of the One Health framework, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives. Intrinsic factors, including antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), enable bacteria to evolve adaptive resistance mechanisms such as enzymatic inactivation, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation. Extrinsic drivers span environmental stressors (e.g., antimicrobials, heavy metals, disinfectants), socioeconomic practices, healthcare policies, and climate change, collectively accelerating AMR proliferation. Horizontal gene transfer and ecological pressures further facilitate the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria across ecosystems. The cascading impacts of AMR threaten human health and agricultural productivity, elevate foodborne infection risks, and impose substantial economic burdens, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this complex issue, the review advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, robust policy implementation (e.g., antimicrobial stewardship), and innovative technologies (e.g., genomic surveillance, predictive modeling) under the One Health paradigm. Such integrated strategies are essential to mitigate AMR transmission, safeguard global health, and ensure sustainable development. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens represents a critical global health challenge, with food handlers serving as key contributors in their transmission. This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of three major pathogens, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp., among food handlers worldwide. Analysis of studies across diverse geographical regions reveals considerable variation in colonization rates, with Staphylococcus spp. prevalence ranging from 19.5% to 95.0%, Escherichia coli from 2.8% to 89.3%, and Salmonella spp. from 0.07% to 9.1%. Resistance profiles demonstrate alarming trends, including widespread β-lactam resistance and emerging resistance to last-resort antibiotics like carbapenems. Particularly concerning is the high occurrence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers in low- and middle-income countries. This review identified inadequate handwashing, poor hygiene infrastructure, and asymptomatic carriage as critical factors facilitating the transmission of antimicrobial resistant strains. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance systems, targeted decolonization strategies, improved hygiene protocols, and food handler education to mitigate the spread of resistant pathogens through the food chain. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multi-sectoral, systemic, and global issue worldwide. Antimicrobial use (AMU) is a key factor in the selection of resistant bacteria within different ecological niches, from agriculture to food-producing animals to humans. There is a question regarding the extent to which the use of antibiotics in livestock production and the primary food production sector influences the selection and transmission of resistant bacteria and/or resistant genes throughout the food chain and thus contributes to the complexity in the development of AMR in humans. Although the trends in the prevalence of foodborne pathogens have changed over time, the burden of ecological niches with resistance genes, primarily in commensal microorganisms, is of concern. The implementation of the harmonized surveillance of AMU and AMR would provide comprehensive insights into the actual status of resistance and further interventions leading to its reduction. Tracking AMR in different ecological niches by applying advanced genome-based techniques and developing shared AMR data repositories would strengthen the One Health concept. 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

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic, foodborne infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The infection can be transmitted through various routes, including the following: (i) the consumption of vegetables, fruits, or drinking water containing sporulated oocysts; (ii) the consumption of raw or undercooked meat; (iii) transmission from mother to fetus; (iv) through blood transfusion; and (v) transplantation of solid organs, bone marrow, or hematopoietic stem cells. Infection is generally asymptomatic or exhibits a mild clinical presentation in those with adequate immune function; however, the clinical outcomes becomes more severe in both fetal and immunocompromised individuals. In this work, we reviewed the current literature, primarily focusing on epidemiological and neurobiological aspects. Using the PubMed database, we conducted a search by combining the following terms: “Toxoplasma gondii” or “Toxoplasmosis” and “neuropsychiatric” “diseases” or “disorders” or “psychiatric” “diseases” or “disorders” or “neurological” “diseases” or “disorders” or “neurobehavioral disorders” or “behavioral disorders” or “schizophrenia” or “bipolar disorder” or “autism spectrum disorder” or “Parkinson’s disease” or “Alzheimer’s disease”. No language or time restrictions were applied in the literature review, which was concluded in April 2024. Although the literature does not yet provide definitive answers, current data should be considered sufficient to change attitudes toward toxoplasmosis prevention and treatment measures. The focus should be not only with regard to seronegative pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, but also to people particularly prone to developing neuropsychiatric diseases. Full article

This paper aims to present the phenotypic characteristics, such as length, width, circular diameter, volume, surface area to cross-sectional area ratio, surface uniformity, and surface texture, of the foodborne pathogens Salmonella enterica serovar Agona, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni. It is a novel “field-guide” presentation of the observable morphological characteristics of these four species in the form of a Dichotomous Key. Phenotypic values of the pathogens were measured using a high-accuracy, nano-level-resolution 3D laser confocal scanning microscope. All samples were fixed with glutaraldehyde and stained with methylene blue, ensuring morphological preservation. The images of the pathogens were captured under various imaging modes, including 3D, laser, and transmission electron microscopy resolutions. Results show that these pathogens exhibit distinct morphological and surface properties, with Campylobacter jejuni showing unique features. The dichotomous key shows a simplified way of classifying selected foodborne pathogens from their morphometric properties. The morphometric measurements, in many instances first reported in the literature, and images provide a readily observable way to identify and classify microorganisms, allowing researchers to potentially study evolutionary relationships, assess species diversity, and understand how organisms interact with their environment, especially when genetic information is limited or difficult to obtain. Full article

Background/Objectives: Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne illnesses, with multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains posing significant threats to public health worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Salmonella, focusing on extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella in retail poultry meat in Korea. Methods: A total of 300 poultry meat samples were collected nationwide from retail markets. Multi-locus sequence typing, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was conducted against 28 representative ESBL-producing S. Infantis isolates to identify the genetic characteristics and phylogenetic relationship. Results: Salmonella was detected in 81.3% of raw poultry meat samples, with S. Infantis ST32 being the dominant serotype in chicken (53.0%) and S. Typhimurium ST19 predominant in duck (39.0%). MDR was identified in 58.2% of samples, with a significantly higher rate in chicken isolates than in duck isolates (p < 0.001). Notably, 75.3% of chicken MDR isolates were ESBL-producing S. Infantis carrying bla_CTX-M-65. WGS of 28 geographically and phenotypically representative ESBL-producing S. Infantis revealed five clonal clusters, suggesting the widespread dissemination of ESBL-producing S. Infantis across Korea’s poultry supply chain. All 28 ESBL-producing S. Infantis isolates contained a pESI-like megaplasmid, carrying multiple resistance and virulence genes, with sequences highly identical to plasmids reported in the United States, indicating potential international transmission. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the urgent need for continuous surveillance and responsible antibiotic use in livestock under a One Health framework. WGS can provide an effective tool for tracking AMR evolution and clonal spread within and across regions. Full article