Enterotoxin genes, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance of Bacillus cereus isolates from primary producing stages. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hwang, Daekeun; Oh, Tae Young; Baek, Seung-Yeob; Kang, Mi Seon; Hong, Seok-In; Kim, Hyun Jung
• Is Part Of: Food control. Volume 141(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Bacillus cereus -- Microgreen primary producing -- Enterotoxin gene -- Biofilm formation -- Antimicrobial resistance -- Chlorine dioxide; Food -- Quality -- Periodicals; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food handling -- Periodicals; Food industry and trade -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Industrie et commerce -- Qualité -- Contrôle -- Périodiques; Aliments -- Qualité -- Périodiques; Aliments -- Analyse -- Périodiques; Hygiène alimentaire -- Périodiques; Food -- Analysis; Food handling; Food -- Quality; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 664.07
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109196
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-7135

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, we analyzed enterotoxin genes, biofilm formation, and resistance to sixteen antimicrobials and chlorine dioxide (ClO2 ) in Bacillus cereus group isolates ( n = 76) from samples (leaves, seeds, water and nutrients, and soil) from microgreen primary producing farms. Most isolates possessed at least one enterotoxin gene, as well as resistance to β-lactam antimicrobials, and more than half of the isolates showed moderate to strong biofilm-forming ability. Several B. cereus isolates with strong biofilm-forming ability survived ClO2 treatment, thereby preventing their decontamination in samples from microgreen producing farms. When the B. cereus group isolates were treated with ClO2 for 5 min, antimicrobial resistance to rifampin and gentamicin increased. These results provide a useful insight into the development of risk management technologies to ensure the food safety of fresh produce, including microgreens, with a particular focus on the primary production stages. Highlights: Bacillus cereus group isolates from microgreen primary producing farms were studied. Most of the isolates possessed at least one enterotoxin gene. None of the isolates were susceptible to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones. Some B. cereus showed strong biofilm-forming ability and resistance to ClO2 . Resistance to several antimicrobials was increased after exposure to ClO2 .