Antimicrobial activity of enterocin obtained from Enterococcus durans on Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli / Atividade antimicrobiana de enterocina produzida por Enterococcus durans sobre Escherichia coli produtora de toxina Shiga-like

Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important source of food contamination that presents risks to human health. Several industrial food processes eliminate this microorganism; however, these processes can alter the characteristics of the product. Alternative methods of preservation have been identified as an option to control these foodborne pathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the action of bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus durans MF5 in STEC cells. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) containing enterocins from the MF5 isolate was tested over different time points (6, 18, and 24 h). Enterocins present in the crude CFS showed inhibition against STEC at all time points. In the investigation of cell integrity, using propidium iodide and fluorescence microscopy, considerable cell death was observed within 6 h of the cells being in contact with the enterocins, which was also observed at the 18 and 24 h time points. These results showed that the enterocins produced by the MF5 isolate have potential use in the control of STEC.(AU)

Escherichia coli, produtora de toxina Shiga-like (STEC), apresenta riscos à saúde humana, constituindo uma importante fonte de contaminação na indústria de alimentos. Diversos processos industriais eliminam esse microrganismo, contudo podem alterar as características do produto. Métodos alternativos de conservação tem sido uma opção para controlar esse microrganismo de alimentos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a ação de bacteriocinas produzidas por Enterococcus durans MF5 em células de E. coli STEC. Foram utilizados sobrenadante livre de células (CFS) contendo enterocina, nos tempos 6, 18 e 24 horas de incubação. A enterocina presente no CFS bruto apresentou inibição contra E. coli STEC em todos os tempos testados. Na observação da integridade celular utilizando iodeto de propídio e observação em microscópio de fluorescência, observou-se que em 6h da célula em contato com a enterocina, já havia considerável morte celular, estendendo até os tempos de 18 e 24 horas. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a enterocina produzida pelo isolado MF5 apresenta uso potencial no controle de E. coli STEC.(AU)

Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance in aquaculture: a classic method of protein precipitation for a new aplicability / Substância inibidora tipo bacteriocina na aquicultura: método clássico de precipitação de proteínas para novas aplicações

Techniques to decrease losses from bacterial diseases are always important to improve the fish production. The use of antagonistic substances (bacteriocins) has been proven to be a viable option. The aim of this study was to evaluate different methods of purification for bacteriocin like inhibitory substances (BLIS). For the purification process, we isolated and used two Gram-positive bacilli that produce antagonistic substances for pathogens in aquaculture. Tests for detection of interfering factors were also performed. After the confirmation that the antagonistic action was due the BLIS activity, we carried out the purification methods. The methods tested were: cell free supernatant, acid extraction and ammonium sulfate precipitation at two concentrations (20 and 50%). Salmonella Tiphy CFP/IAL1472 and Aeromonas hydrophila (isolated in a tilapia production environment) were used as indicators of the efficiency of extracts in controlling pathogenic potentials. Ammonium sulfate precipitation at 50% was the most appropriate for purifying the antagonistic substance for both indicators. The extracts of the two isolates remained active for 22 days at 25ºC. These are promising results regarding the water and fish health without the use of antibiotics, in this manner being a safer environmental practice.

Técnicas para diminuir as perdas causadas por doenças bacterianas são importantes para melhorar continuamente a produção de pescado. O uso de substâncias antagônicas (bacteriocinas) tem-se mostrado uma opção viável. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar diferentes métodos de purificação de bacteriocinas como substâncias inibidoras (BLIS). Dois bacilos Gram-positivos, produtores de substâncias antagonistas para agentes patogênicos da aquicultura, foram utilizados em processos de purificação. Depois de confirmada a ação antagônica pela atividade de BLIS, os métodos de purificação foram realizados. Os métodos testados foram: células livres de sobrenadante, extração ácida e precipitação por sulfato de amônia em duas concentrações (20 e 50%). Salmonella Typhi PCP/IAL1472 e Aeromonas hydrophila (isolada de um ambiente de tilapicultura) foram utilizadas como indicadores de eficiência dos extratos. O precipitado por sulfato de amônio a 50% foi o mais adequado para purificar a substância antagonista para ambos os isolados indicadores. Os extratos dos dois isolados permaneceram ativos por 22 dias em 25ºC. Estes resultados são promissores do ponto de vista da manutenção da sanidade da água e dos peixes, sem uso de antibióticos, constituindo uma prática ambientalmente mais segura.

Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance in aquaculture: a classic method of protein precipitation for a new aplicability / Substância inibidora tipo bacteriocina na aquicultura: método clássico de precipitação de proteínas para novas aplicações

Techniques to decrease losses from bacterial diseases are always important to improve the fish production. The use of antagonistic substances (bacteriocins) has been proven to be a viable option. The aim of this study was to evaluate different methods of purification for bacteriocin like inhibitory substances (BLIS). For the purification process, we isolated and used two Gram-positive bacilli that produce antagonistic substances for pathogens in aquaculture. Tests for detection of interfering factors were also performed. After the confirmation that the antagonistic action was due the BLIS activity, we carried out the purification methods. The methods tested were: cell free supernatant, acid extraction and ammonium sulfate precipitation at two concentrations (20 and 50%). Salmonella Tiphy CFP/IAL1472 and Aeromonas hydrophila (isolated in a tilapia production environment) were used as indicators of the efficiency of extracts in controlling pathogenic potentials. Ammonium sulfate precipitation at 50% was the most appropriate for purifying the antagonistic substance for both indicators. The extracts of the two isolates remained active for 22 days at 25ºC. These are promising results regarding the water and fish health without the use of antibiotics, in this manner being a safer environmental practice.(AU)

Técnicas para diminuir as perdas causadas por doenças bacterianas são importantes para melhorar continuamente a produção de pescado. O uso de substâncias antagônicas (bacteriocinas) tem-se mostrado uma opção viável. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar diferentes métodos de purificação de bacteriocinas como substâncias inibidoras (BLIS). Dois bacilos Gram-positivos, produtores de substâncias antagonistas para agentes patogênicos da aquicultura, foram utilizados em processos de purificação. Depois de confirmada a ação antagônica pela atividade de BLIS, os métodos de purificação foram realizados. Os métodos testados foram: células livres de sobrenadante, extração ácida e precipitação por sulfato de amônia em duas concentrações (20 e 50%). Salmonella Typhi PCP/IAL1472 e Aeromonas hydrophila (isolada de um ambiente de tilapicultura) foram utilizadas como indicadores de eficiência dos extratos. O precipitado por sulfato de amônio a 50% foi o mais adequado para purificar a substância antagonista para ambos os isolados indicadores. Os extratos dos dois isolados permaneceram ativos por 22 dias em 25ºC. Estes resultados são promissores do ponto de vista da manutenção da sanidade da água e dos peixes, sem uso de antibióticos, constituindo uma prática ambientalmente mais segura.(AU)

Technology and safety assessment for lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional Bulgarian fermented meat product "lukanka"

The present work discusses the technological and new selection criteria that should be included for selecting lactic acid bacteria for production of fermented meat. Lactic acid bacteria isolated from Bulgarian traditional fermented "lulanka" salami was studied regarding some positive technological parameters (growth at different temperature, pH, and proteolytic activity). The presence of genes related to the virulence factors, production of biogenic amines, and vancomycin resistance were presented in low frequency in the studied lactic acid bacteria. On the other hand, production of antimicrobial peptides and high spread of bacteriocin genes were broadly presented. Very strong activity against L. monocytogenes was detected in some of the studied lactic acid bacteria. In addition, the studied strains did not present any antimicrobial activity against tested closely related bacteria such as Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., Enterococcus spp. or Pediococcus spp. To our knowledge this is the first study on the safety and antimicrobial properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Bulgarian lukanka obtained by spontaneous fermentation.(AU)

Considerações sobre o tratamento das mastites / Considerations on the treatment of mastitis

A mastite é considerada o maior problema dos animais destinados à produção de leite. Altera a sua composição e aumenta a contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Os micro-organismos envolvidos na doença podem ser origem infecciosa, como Staphylococcus aureus, ou ambiental, tal como Escherichia coli. A cultura bacteriana é uma ferramenta de diagnóstico e auxilia na detecção do patógeno causador da mastite. No entanto, fatores como fagocitose podem desencadear um resultado negativo. Quando estabelecido um programa de controle de mastite, o diagnóstico precoce e o início do tratamento adequado dos casos clínicos são fundamentais para se atingir os objetivos e seu sucesso, está relacionado com o patógeno envolvido. A indicação do tratamento de longa duração, ou terapia estendida, tem melhorado a resposta ao tratamento em casos de mastite por S. aureus, no entanto, com 30-50% de cura. Do ponto de vista do manejo dos animais, devido a alta contagiosidade deste patógeno, sua persistência no rebanho e custo em função ao tratamento, muitas vezes, o descarte do animal tem sido priorizado a fim de controlar os casos de mastite em propriedades. As medidas de controle são muito importantes para contribuir com a redução de casos de mastite por este patógeno. A indicação do tratamento intramamário associada com sistêmico tem poder efetivo em casos de mastite por E. coli, cujos casos agudos apresentam-se com sepse e toxemia. São abordados ainda aspectos de tratamentos alternativos das mastites, utilizados principalmente no processo orgânico de produção leiteira.(AU)

Mastites are considered a major problem on animals for milk production. Changes the milk composition and increases the somatic cell count (SCC). The microorganism involved in the disease may be infectious origin such as Staphylococcus aureus or environmental such as Escherichia coli. Bacterial culture is a diagnostic tool and aids in the detection of pathogenic causing masitis. However factor such as phagocytosis may result a negative result. When established a mastitis control program early diagnose and the initiation of appropriate treatment of clinical cases are fundamental for achieving the goals and success is related to the pathogen involved. The indication of treatment of long duration, or extended therapy has improved the response to the treatment in cases of matitis by S. aureus, however with 30-50% of cure. From the view point of handling of animals, given the high infectiousness of this pathogen, its persistence in the herd and cost-effective as a function of response to treatment often has prioritized the animal's discard in order to control the mastitis cases in properties. Control measures are very important to contribute the reduction of cases of mastitis symptoms by this pathogen. The indication of intramammary treatment associated with systemic has power effective in cases of mastitis by ­E. coli, whose acute cases present with sepsis and toxemia. Also address aspects of alternative treatments of mastitis, mainly used in the organic process of milk production.(AU)

Considerações sobre o tratamento das mastites / Considerations on the treatment of mastitis

A mastite é considerada o maior problema dos animais destinados à produção de leite. Altera a sua composição e aumenta a contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Os micro-organismos envolvidos na doença podem ser origem infecciosa, como Staphylococcus aureus, ou ambiental, tal como Escherichia coli. A cultura bacteriana é uma ferramenta de diagnóstico e auxilia na detecção do patógeno causador da mastite. No entanto, fatores como fagocitose podem desencadear um resultado negativo. Quando estabelecido um programa de controle de mastite, o diagnóstico precoce e o início do tratamento adequado dos casos clínicos são fundamentais para se atingir os objetivos e seu sucesso, está relacionado com o patógeno envolvido. A indicação do tratamento de longa duração, ou terapia estendida, tem melhorado a resposta ao tratamento em casos de mastite por S. aureus, no entanto, com 30-50% de cura. Do ponto de vista do manejo dos animais, devido a alta contagiosidade deste patógeno, sua persistência no rebanho e custo em função ao tratamento, muitas vezes, o descarte do animal tem sido priorizado a fim de controlar os casos de mastite em propriedades. As medidas de controle são muito importantes para contribuir com a redução de casos de mastite por este patógeno. A indicação do tratamento intramamário associada com sistêmico tem poder efetivo em casos de mastite por E. coli, cujos casos agudos apresentam-se com sepse e toxemia. São abordados ainda aspectos de tratamentos alternativos das mastites, utilizados principalmente no processo orgânico de produção leiteira.(AU)

Mastites are considered a major problem on animals for milk production. Changes the milk composition and increases the somatic cell count (SCC). The microorganism involved in the disease may be infectious origin such as Staphylococcus aureus or environmental such as Escherichia coli. Bacterial culture is a diagnostic tool and aids in the detection of pathogenic causing masitis. However factor such as phagocytosis may result a negative result. When established a mastitis control program early diagnose and the initiation of appropriate treatment of clinical cases are fundamental for achieving the goals and success is related to the pathogen involved. The indication of treatment of long duration, or extended therapy has improved the response to the treatment in cases of matitis by S. aureus, however with 30-50% of cure. From the view point of handling of animals, given the high infectiousness of this pathogen, its persistence in the herd and cost-effective as a function of response to treatment often has prioritized the animal's discard in order to control the mastitis cases in properties. Control measures are very important to contribute the reduction of cases of mastitis symptoms by this pathogen. The indication of intramammary treatment associated with systemic has power effective in cases of mastitis by ­E. coli, whose acute cases present with sepsis and toxemia. Also address aspects of alternative treatments of mastitis, mainly used in the organic process of milk production.(AU)

Inhibition of equine arteritis virus by an antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus sp. P34 / Inibição do vírus da arterite equina por um peptídeo antimicrobiano produzido pelo Bacillus sp. P34

P34 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus sp. P34, isolated from the intestinal contents of a fish from the Amazon basin. This peptide showed antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and was characterized as a bacteriocin like substance. It was demonstrated that the peptide P34 exhibited antiviral activity against feline herpesvirus type 1 in vitro. The aim of this work was to evaluate P34 for its antiviral properties in vitro, using RK 13 cells, against the equine arteritis virus, since it has no specific treatment and a variable proportion of stallions may become persistently infected. The results obtained show that P34 exerts antiviral and virucidal activities against equine arteritis virus, probably in the viral envelope. The antiviral assays performed showed that P34 reduces significantly the viral titers of treated cell cultures. The mechanism of action of P34 seems to be time/temperature-dependent. This peptide tends to be a promising antiviral compound for the prevention and treatment of arteriviral infections since it has a high therapeutic index. However, more detailed studies must be performed to address the exact step of viral infection where P34 acts, in order to use this peptide as an antiviral drug in vivo in the future.(AU)

P34 é um peptídeo antimicrobiano produzido pelo Bacillus sp. P34, isolado do conteúdo intestinal de um peixe na Bacia Amazônica. Esse peptídeo demonstrou propriedades antibacterianas contra bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas e foi caracterizado como uma substância do tipo bacteriocina. Foi demonstrado que o peptídeo P34 exibiu atividade antiviral contra o herpesvírus felino tipo 1 in vitro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o P34 in vitro, em cultivo de células RK 13, contra o vírus da arterite equina, uma vez que não há tratamento específico e uma variável proporção de garanhões pode permanecer persistentemente infectada. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o peptídeo exerce atividade antiviral e virucida contra o vírus da arterite equina, agindo provavelmente no envelope viral. Os ensaios antivirais realizados demonstraram que o P34 reduz significativamente os títulos do vírus nas células infectadas e tratadas. O mecanismo de ação do P34 parece ser tempo/temperatura dependente. Esse peptídeo tende a ser um antiviral promissor para o tratamento e a prevenção das infecções por arterivírus, tendo em vista que ele possui um alto índice terapêutico. Contudo, estudos mais detalhados devem ser realizados para precisar a etapa exata da infecção viral em que o P34 age, para que ele possa ser usado como antiviral in vivo no futuro.(AU)

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE BACTÉRIAS ÁCIDO LÁTICAS (BAL) ISOLADAS DE QUEIJOS FRESCOS NÃO INSPECIONADOS COMERCIALIZADOS EM BOTUCATU, SÃO PAULO

Na produção de alimentos fermentados, as bactérias ácido láticas (BAL) podem ser utilizadas como culturas starters na obtenção de efeitos tecnológicos, sensoriais e funcionais desejáveis. Além disso, algumas BAL possuem a capacidade de produzir metabólitos antimicrobianos denominados bacteriocinas. A utilização de BAL e seus metabólitos como bioconservantes são alternativas promissoras frente à utilização de aditivos químicos na indústria de alimentos. Deste modo, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial biotecnológico de BAL isoladas de 43 queijos frescos comercializados em Botucatu SP. As amostras foram submetidas ao isolamento de BAL, avaliação da capacidade antagonista e a testes confirmatórios para determinar as melhores condições de multiplicação e produção de bacteriocinas à 25°C, 30°C e 37°C/24h; estabilidade das bacteriocinas em diferentes faixas de pH (2, 4, 6, 8 e 10 por 2h) e temperatura (60°C/2h; 80°C/2h; 121°C/15min). Sua atividade contra diferentes microrganismos também foi avaliada, além da especificação das espécies com potencial bacteriocinogênico. Os resultados encontrados na avaliação do potencial antagônico das BAL frente a cepas de referência, mostraram que todas as cepas testadas foram inibidas em algum grau pelas BAL. Na avaliação da atividade bacteriocinogênica, dos 108 isolados testados, 17 possuíam a capacidade de produzir bacteriocinas. Foi observada uma atividade maior das bacteriocinas quando submetidas a temperaturas de 37°C e 30°C e faixa de pH 2 e 6. 88,24% dos isolados foram capazes de inibir Listeria monocytogenes após exposição a diferentes temperaturas. Foram isoladas BAL com capacidade bacteriocinogênica frente a microrganismos patogênicos.

In the production of fermented foods, lactic acid bacteria (BAL) can be used as starter cultures to obtain technological, sensory and desirable effects. In addition, some BALs have the capacity to produce antimicrobial metabolites called bacteriocins. The use of BAL and its metabolites as bioconservatives are promising alternatives to the use of chemical additives in the food industry. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biotechnological potential of BAL corrected for 43 fresh cheeses marketed in Botucatu - SP. As they were subjected to BAL isolation, evaluation of antagonist capacity and confirmatory tests to determine the best conditions for multiplication and production of bacteriocins at 25°C, 30°C and 37°C/24h; The stability of bacteriocins in different pH ranges (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 for 2h) and temperature (60°C/2h; 80°C/2h; 121°C/15min). Its activity against different microorganisms was also evaluated, in addition to specifying species with bacteriocinogenic potential. The results found in the evaluation of the antagonistic potential of BAL against reference strains, essential that all strains tested were inhibited to some degree by BAL. In the evaluation of bacteriocinogenic activity, of the 108 chosen tested, 17 had the ability to produce bacteriocins. Higher bacteriocin activity was observed when subjected to a temperature of 37°C and 30°C and a pH range of 2 and 6. 88.24% of the possible ones were able to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes after exposure to different temperatures. BAL were reinforced with bacteriocinogenic capacity against pathogenic microorganisms.

Biophysicochemical characterization of Pyocin SA189 produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa SA189

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in spite of being a ubiquitous organism (as it is found in soil, water, and humans), is also an opportunistic pathogen. In order to maintain its diversity in the community, it produces various toxic proteins, known as, bacteriocins. In the present study, pyocin SA189, which is a bacteriocin produced by P. aeruginosa SA189 (isolated from a clinical sample) was characterized. P. aeruginosa SA189, as identified by the conventional and 16S rRNA gene amplification, produced pyocin SA189 of molecular weight of 66 k Da. The pyocin showed antimicrobial activity against several clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and was substantially stable for wide ranges of temperature and pH. Furthermore, the pyocin also retained its biological activity upon treatment with metal ions, organic solvents, and various proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes. The data from the growth kinetics indicated that the maximum bacteriocin production occurred in the late log phase. Overall, our results signify the potential of pyocin SA189 as a bio-control agent.(AU)

Bacteriocinogenic Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DF04Mi isolated from goat milk: Application in the control of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh Minas-type goat cheese

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen frequently found in dairy products. Its control in fresh cheeses is difficult, due to the psychrotrophic properties and salt tolerance. Bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with proven in vitro antilisterial activity can be an innovative technological approach but their application needs to be evaluated by means of in situ tests. In this study, a novel bacteriocinogenic Lactococcus lactis strain (Lc. lactis DF4Mi), isolated from raw goat milk, was tested for control of growth of L. monocytogenes in artificially contaminated fresh Minas type goat cheese during storage under refrigeration. A bacteriostatic effect was achieved, and counts after 10 days were 3 log lower than in control cheeses with no added LAB. However, this effect did not differ significantly from that obtained with a non-bacteriocinogenic Lc. lactis strain. Addition of nisin (12.5 mg/kg) caused a rapid decrease in the number of viable L. monocytogenes in the cheeses, suggesting that further studies with the purified bacteriocin DF4Mi may open new possibilities for this strain as biopreservative in dairy products.(AU)

Optimization of growth and bacteriocin production by Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei2a

Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei 2a is a bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacterium isolated from Brazilian pork sausage, capable of inhibiting the growth of microbial pathogens, mainly Listeria monocytogenes. In order to optimize bacteriocin production for industrial applications, this study evaluated the effect of supplementation of MRS broth with glucose, Tween 20, Tween 80, sodium citrate, potassium chloride and cysteine, and effect of the initial pH and temperature of incubation of the medium on production of bacteriocins by L. sakei 2a. Adding glucose and Tween 20 to the medium, an initial pH of 5.0 or 5.5, and incubation temperatures of 25 °C or 30 °C resulted to the highest bacteriocin yields. Thus, a 2⁴ factorial design with the four variables was performed, and statistical analysis showed that it was an adequate model (R² = 0.8296). In the studied range, the four parameters significantly influenced bacteriocin production, with the maximum yield produced at an initial pH between 5.5 and 7.0, a temperature between 25 and 30 °C and supplementation of the MRS broth with glucose from 3.25 to 6.0 g L⁻¹ and Tween 20 from 0.575 to 1.15% (v/v). Response Surface Methodology analysis indicated that the highest bacteriocin production (12800 AU mL⁻¹) occurred in the MRS broth supplemented with 5.5 g L⁻¹ glucose and 1.05% Tween 20 at an initial pH of 6.28 and an incubation temperature of 25 °C. The amount of bacteriocin produced in commercial MRS broths under the same conditions was only 5600AU mL⁻¹..(AU)

Characterization of Bacteriocin like inhibitory substance produced by a new Strain Brevibacillus borstelensis AG1 Isolated from 'Marcha'

In the present study, a bacterium isolated from Marcha- a herbal cake used as traditional starter culture to ferment local wine in North East India, was evaluated for bacteriocin like inhibitory substance production and was tested against six food borne/spoilage causing pathogens viz. Listeria monocytogenes MTCC 839, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121, Clostridium perfringens MTCC 450, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides MTCC 107 by using bit/disc method followed by well diffusion method. The bacterial isolate was identified as Brevibacillus borstelensis on the basis of phenotypic, biochemical and molecular characteristics using 16Sr RNA gene technique. Bacteriocin like inhibitory substance produced by Brevibacillus borstelensis AG1 was purified by gel exclusion chromatography. The molecular mass of the Brevibacillus borstelensis AG1 was found to be 12 kDa. Purified bacteriocin like inhibitory substance of Brevibacillus borstelensis was further characterized by studying the effect of temperature, pH, proteolytic enzyme and stability. Bacteriocin like inhibitory substance was found to be thermostable upto 100 °C, active at neutral pH, sensitive to trypsin, and partially stable till third week of storage thus showing a bright prospective to be used as a potential food biopreservative.

Bacteriocinogenic Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DF04Mi isolated from goat milk: characterization of the bacteriocin

Lactic acid bacteria capable of producing bacteriocins and presenting probiotic potential open innovative technological applications in the dairy industry. In this study, a bacteriocinogenic strain (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DF4Mi) was isolated from goat milk, and studied for its antimicrobial activity. The bacteriocin presented a broad spectrum of activity, was sensitive to proteolytic enzymes, resistant to heat and pH extremes, and not affected by the presence of SDS, Tween 20, Tween 80, EDTA or NaCl. Bacteriocin production was dependent on the components of the culture media, especially nitrogen source and salts. When tested by PCR, the bacteriocin gene presented 100% homology to nisin Z gene. These properties indicate that this L. lactis subsp. lactis DF4Mi can be used for enhancement of dairy foods safety and quality.

Lactato de sódio, nisina e sua combinação na validade comercial da linguiça Toscana embalada a vácuo e estocada a 4°C / Sodium lactate, nisin and their combination in the shelf life of pork sausage vacuum packed and stored at 4°C

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar a validade comercial de quatro formulações de linguiça toscana (Controle - sem adição de aditivo, F1 - adicionada de 3% de lactato de sódio, F2 - adicionada de 0,5% de nisina e F3 - adicionada de 3% de lactato de sódio e 0,5% de nisina). As amostras foram distribuídas em sacos de polietileno contendo 200 gramas para cada formulação e dia de estocagem, para posteriores análises bacteriológicas e físico-químicas. Todas as formulações foram embaladas a vácuo e mantidas sob refrigeração a temperatura de 4°C. Em relação à validade comercial, as amostras foram submetidas às seguintes análises bacteriológicas: contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias mesófilas e psicrotróficas; contagem de bactérias ácido-láticas e contagem de enterobactérias. As análises fisico-químicas realizadas foram: pH, atividade de água e teor de substância reativa ao ácido tiobarbitúrico. Interpretando-se os resultados obtidos no experimento, concluiu-se que a utilização da combinação de 3% de lactato de sódio e 0,5% de nisina, aumentou a validade das amostras, quando comparada às demais.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf life of four commercial formulations pork sausage (Control - no added additive, F1 - added 3% sodium lactate, F2 - added 0.5% nisin and F3 - added 3 % sodium lactate and 0.5% nisin). The samples were distributed into polyethylene bags containing 200 grams for each day of storage and formulation for subsequent bacteriological and physicochemical analysis. All formulations were vacuum packed and stored at 4°C. Regarding the shelf life samples were submitted to the following bacteriological counts of heterotrophic bacteria aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic; count of lactic acid bacteria count and Enterobacteriaceae. The analyzes were carried out physico-chemical: pH, water activity and the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance. Interpreting the results obtained in the experiment it was concluded that the use of a combination of 3% sodium lactate and 0.5% nisin increased the shelf life compared to other samples. Key words: natural antimicrobial, bacteriocin, storage and pork sausage filling.(AU)

Bacteriocinogenic Lactococcus lactis subsp: lactis DF04Mi isolated from goat milk: Evaluation of the probiotic potential

Lactic acid bacteria capable of producing bacteriocins and presenting probiotic potential open innovative technological applications in the dairy industry. In this study, a bacteriocinogenic strain (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis DF4Mi) was isolated from goat milk, and studied for its probiotic potential. Lc. lactis DF4Mi was resistant to acidic pH and oxbile, presented co-aggregation with Listeria monocytogenes, and was not affected by several drugs from different generic groups, being sensitive to most tested antibiotics. These properties indicate that this Lc. lactis strain can be used for enhancement of dairy foods safety and quality, in combination with potential probiotic properties.

TSST-1, enterotoxin and bacteriocin-like substance production by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from foods / TSST-1, enterotoxinas e substâncias tipo bacteriocina produzidas por Staphylococcus aureus isolados de alimentos

The production of Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1), enterotoxins and bacteriocin-like substances was evaluated in 95 strains of Staphylococcus aureus recovered from raw bovine milk (n=31) and from food samples involved in staphylococcal food poisoning (n=64). Enterotoxigenicity tests with the membrane over agar associated to optimal sensibility plate assays were performed and showed that 96.77% of strains recovered from milk and 95.31% from food samples produced enterotoxins A, B, C, D or TSST-1. Reference strains S. epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Lactobacillus casei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacteroides fragilis were used as indicator bacteria in the antagonistic assays, the first five being sensitive to antagonistic substances. Brain heart infusion agar, in pH values ranging from 5.0 to 7.0 in aerobic atmosphere showed to be the optimum condition for antagonistic activity as evaluated with the best producer strains against the most sensitive indicator bacterium, L. monocytogenes. Sensitivity to enzymes confirmed the proteinaceous nature of these substances. Neither bacteriophage activity nor fatty acids were detected and the antagonistic activity was not due to residual chloroform. Results did not establish a positive correlation between the bacteriocinogenic profile and toxigenicity in the tested S. aureus strains.(AU)

Avaliou-se a produção de toxina-1 da síndrome do choque tóxico (TSST-1), enterotoxinas e substâncias antagonistas tipo bacteriocina em 95 amostras de Staphylococcus aureus recuperadas de leite bovino in natura (n=31) e de alimentos envolvidos em surto de intoxicação (n=64). Testes de enterotoxigenicidade pelo método da membrana sobre ágar, associado à técnica da sensibilidade ótima em placa, revelaram que 96,77% das amostras do leite e 95,31% daquelas dos alimentos produziram enterotoxinas estafilocócicas tipos A, B, C, D ou TSST-1. Nos ensaios de antagonismo, foram utilizadas como reveladoras amostras de referência de S. epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Lactobacillus casei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis e Bacteroides fragilis, sendo as cinco primeiras sensíveis às substâncias produzidas. As condições ótimas para a atividade antagonista, avaliadas com as melhores produtoras contra a indicadora mais sensível, L. monocytogenes, foram observadas em aerobiose, em ágar infuso de cérebro-coração, nos valores de pH entre 5,0 e 7,0. A sensibilidade a enzimas confirmou a natureza proteica destas substâncias. Não foram detectadas atividades de bacteriófagos nem de ácidos graxos, e a atividade antagonista não foi devido ao clorofórmio residual. Os resultados não mostraram correlação entre o perfil bacteriocinogênico e a toxigenicidade nas amostras de Staphylococcus testadas.(AU)

Colicin type 7 produced by majority of Shigella sonnei isolated from Thai patients with diarrhoea

Thirty one out of 153 strains of Shigella sonnei isolated from Thai patients with diarrhoea showed antibacterial activity against S. sonnei by agar well diffusion method. All of them harbor plasmids with the genetic determination of colicin type 7 (Js) gene but without colicin E and colicin U gene. The PCR product obtained from strain 35/44 was shown to be the gene for colicin type 7 lytic protein (cja). The partially purified bacteriocin (PPB) containing colicin type 7 of strain 35/44 was prepared and used for characterization. The antibacterial activity of PPB against a total of 17 selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was tested. It was found that PPB of strain 35/44 was active against E. coli O157, S. sonnei and S. boydii. The sensitivity of PPB from this strain to proteinase K, trypsin and -chymotrypsin suggests the proteinaceous nature of these antimicrobial substances. Therefore, this isolated bacterium can be regarded as bacteriocin producing bacteria. The bacteriocin produced by this isolated S. sonnei was heat stable as evidenced by its ability to maintain the activity at 80 °C for 60 min. In addition, it was stable within a wide range of pH (3-9). The molecular weight of colicin type 7 from isolated S. sonnei strain 35/44 analyzed by SDS-PAGE was 54.4 kDa composing of at least five subunits. It is to our knowledge, the first report of Thai patients with diarrhoea that S. sonnei isolated from them contained colicin type 7.(AU)

Antimicrobial activity of the Nisin Z producer Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lc08 against Listeria monocytogenes in skim milk / Atividade antimicrobiana de Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactics Lc08 produtor de Nisina Z contra Listeria monocytogenes em leite desnatado

The presented study aimed to verify the effect of different pH values, enzyme solutions and heat treatments on the antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocinogenic strain Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lc08 and to test their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes in reconstituted skim milk at refrigeration temperatures. This strain was previously described as a nisin Z producer and capable of inhibiting L. monocytogenes growth in in vitro tests. The antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocin cell-free supernatant of Lc08 was sensitive to enzyme treatments (except papain). The pH values and heating (65ºC for 30min, 75ºC for 15s) had no apparent effect on the antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocin produced by Lc08. Only treatment at autoclave conditions result in loss of their antimicrobial activity. Lc08 presented antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes in the milk system after 12h at 25ºC. No effect was found at 7ºC. The results show the application viability of the Lc08 in food systems as a biopreservative against L. monocytogenes.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito de diferentes valores de pH, soluções enzimáticas e tratamentos térmicos na atividade antimicrobiana da cepa bacteriocinogênica Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lc08 e testar sua atividade antagonista contra Listeria monocytogenes em leite desnatado reconstituído em diferentes temperaturas de estocagem. Essa cepa já foi descrita como produtora de nisina Z e capaz de inibir o desenvolvimento de L. monocytogenes em testes in vitro. A atividade antimicrobiana do sobrenadante de Lc08 contendo a bacteriocina produzida e livre de células foi sensível ao tratamento pelas enzimas testadas (exceto papaína). A aplicação de diferentes valores de pH e o tratamento térmico (65ºC por 30 min, 75ºC por 15s) não influenciaram na atividade antimicrobiana da bacteriocina produzida por Lc08. Apenas o tratamento em autoclave resultou em perda da sua capacidade em inibir o desenvolvimento de L. monocytogenes. A cepa Lc08 apresentou atividade antagonista contra L. monocytogenes em leite após período de estocagem de 12h a 25ºC. Não foi observado efeito a 7ºC. Os resultados mostram a viabilidade de aplicação da cultura Lc08 ou de sua bacteriocina em produtos lácteos como bioconservador contra L. monocytogenes.(AU)

Caracterização dos isolados bacteriocinogênicos Enterococcus hirae e Pediococcus pentosaceus obtidos de queijo artesanal e suas bacteriocinas

Os produtos lácteos possuem uma microbiota autóctone bastante diversificada, na qual o grupo das Bactérias Ácido Lácticas (BAL) é de notável relevância devido às suas características benéficas, tecnológicas e bioconservantes, atraindo o interesse para sua utilização em diversos segmentos biotecnológicos, em especial na indústria de alimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar e identificar BAL bacteriocinogênicas de queijos artesanais, caracterizando aspectos ligados à produção e purificação das bacteriocinas, inocuidade, potencial benéfico dos isolados e propriedades inibitórias contra Listeria spp. As cepas bacteriocinogênicas Enterococcus hirae ST57ACC e Pediococcus pentosaceus ST65ACC foram isoladas a partir da técnica de tripla camada e identificadas por metodologias fenotípicas e moleculares. As bacteriocinas produzidas por E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC demostraram estabilidade em ampla faixa de pH e temperatura, e foram inativadas após tratamento com enzimas proteolíticas, comprovando sua natureza proteica. Tratamentos com EDTA, SDS, NaCl e Tween 80 não afetaram a atividade das bacteriocinas. Os sobrenadantes de ambos os isolados foram capazes de inibir Listeria innocua e diversas cepas de L. monocytogenes pertencentes à diferentes sorogrupos e obtidas de fontes distintas, inibindo completamente o desenvolvimento de L. monocytogenes após 12 h. Em co-culturas das cepas bacteriocinogênicas com a cepa indicadora L. monocytogenes 422 em leite desnatado, observou-se que E. hirae ST57ACC foi capaz de controlar a multiplicação do patógeno após 48 h. E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus não apresentaram resultados positivos para 25 genes relacionados a bacteriocinas conhecidas, indicando que podem produzir novas bacteriocinas. As cepas de E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC foram também avaliadas quanto ao seu potencial benéfico e segurança: ambos os isolados permaneceram viáveis após tratamento em condições gastrointestinais simuladas, exibindo altos níveis de auto e co-agregação com L. monocytogenes e níveis variados de hidrofobicidade, demonstrando que E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC podem prevenir potencialmente o estabelecimento de infecções pelo patógeno. Por meio da metodologia de agar-spot, avaliou-se a possibilidade de interferência de 33 medicamentos comerciais, de diferentes grupos sobre a multiplicação de E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC, revelando que apenas antiinflamatórios e medicamentos contendo loratadina e cloridrato de propranolol apresentaram atividade inibitória sobre as cepas. Testes fenotípicos para determinação da susceptibilidade antimicrobiana demonstraram que E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC foram resistentes à vancomicina, oxacilina e sulfa/trimetoprim dentre os 11 antibióticos testados pelo método de disco difusão. Com relação à PCR, poucos genes relacionados à resistência a antibióticos foi foram identificados. Nenhum dos isolados amplificou genes de produção de aminas biogênicas e nem apresentou produção das mesmas. A expressão de diferentes elementos do sistema de transporte ABC e metabolismo de açúcares foi identificada para ambos os isolados. Variações na proporção de inóculo não influenciaram a taxa de multiplicação de E. hirae ST57ACC nem de P. pentosaceus ST65ACC, no entanto, a produção de bacteriocinas foi detectada apenas 9 horas após a inoculação das cepas, quando inoculadas nas proporções de 5% e 10%. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que a densidade celular das cepas bacteriocinogênicas esteve correlacionada à produção de bacteriocinas em sistemas de fermentação tradicional e fermentação com controle de pH a 5,5 e agitação. E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC foram capazes de se multiplicar e produzir bacteriocinas na presença de xilo-oligossacarídeos após 6 horas de incubação, porém em níveis reduzidos quando comparados ao cultivo em meio MRS. Por fim, as bacteriocinas produzidas por E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC foram purificadas a partir de diferentes metodologias. A bacteriocina produzida por P. pentosaceus ST65ACC foi purificada em duas etapas, com rendimento final de 101,33 revelandose um peptídeo com massa molecular de 3,5 a 8,5 kDa, determinado por SDS-PAGE. Em contrapartida, um protocolo de três etapas foi empregado na purificação da bacteriocina produzida por E. hirae ST57ACC, com rendimento final de 3,05. Adicionalmente, uma fração semi-purificada foi testada com a linhagem celular HT29, demonstrando que a bacteriocina não apresenta efeitos citotóxicos contra células humanas, sendo considerada segura neste aspecto. Os dados obtidos neste trabalho indicam que os isolados E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST57ACC podem ser considerados importantes ferramentas biotecnológicas na produção de bacteriocinas de interesse ao controle de L. monocytogenes e na biopreservação de alimentos.

Dairy products present a rich and diverse autochthonous microbiota, in which Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are relevant, due to their beneficial, technological and biopreservative features, attracting the interest for their biotechnological application, in food industry, pharmaceutic area and human and veterinary medicine fields. The aim of this study was to isolate and to identify bacteriocinogenic LAB from artisanal cheeses, characterizing some aspects linked to bacteriocin production and purification, safety and beneficial potential of the isolates, as well as their inhibitory properties against Listeria spp. Bacteriocinogenic strains Enterococcus hirae ST57ACC and Pediococcus pentosaceus ST65ACC were isolated by using the triplelayer technique and identified by phenotypical and molecular methods. Bacteriocins produced by E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC were stable in a wide range of pH and temperature, losing their activity after treatment with proteolytic enzymes, confirming their proteinaceous nature. Treatments with EDTA, SDS, NaCl and Tween 80 did not affect bacteriocin activity. Cell-free supernatants from both isolates were able to inhibit Listeria innocua and several L. monocytogenes strains, from different serogroups obtained from diverse sources, eliminating L. monocytogenes after 12 h. In co-culture experiments conducted in skimmed milk with the bacteriocinogenic isolates and the target strain L. monocytogenes 422, E. hirae ST57ACC controlled the target strain growth after 48 h. E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC did not present positive results for 25 known bacteriocin related genes, indicating that they might express new bacteriocins. E. hirae ST57ACC e P. pentosaceus ST65ACC were also evaluated for their beneficial and safety features: both isolates remained viable after treatment replicating gastrointestinal conditions, showing high levels of auto and co-aggregation with L. monocytogenes and diverse levels of hydrophobicity, demonstrating that E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC might prevent the establishment of infections caused by this pathogen. Interference of 33 commercial drugs from different groups on growth of E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC was tested by agar-spot method, revealing that only anti-inflammatories and drugs xv containing loratadine and propranolol hydrochloride influenced the growth of bacteriocinogenic strains. Phenotypical tests employed to determine antibiotic susceptibility have shown that E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC were resistant to vancomycin, oxacillin and sulfa/trimethoprim out of 11 antibiotics tested by disk-diffusion test, nonetheless low number of antibiotic resistance genes was observed by PCR analysis. None of the isolates amplified biogenic amines encoding genes neither presented phenotypical evidence of their production. Expression of different ABC transporters linked to bacteriocin export and sugar metabolism was detected, for both isolates. Changes in inoculum size did not influenced the growth of E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC; however, bacteriocin production was affected, and bacteriocins were detected only after 9 h with inoculation at 5% and 10% of bacteriocinogenic strains. Additionally, it was observed that cell density of both bacteriocinogenic strains was linked to bacteriocin production in traditional and pH at 5.5 and agitation controlled fermentation continuous. E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC were capable to grow and produce bacteriocins in the presence of xylo-oligossacharides after 6 h of incubation, but in lower levels than those obtained with cultivation in MRS broth. Finally, E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST65ACC were purified from different methods. The bacteriocin produced by P. pentosaceus ST65ACC was purified in two-steps, with final yield of 101.33, recognized as a 3.5 to 8.5 kDa peptide, determined by Tricine-SDS-PAGE. In contrast, a three-step-protocol was used to purify the bacteriocin produced by E. hirae ST57ACC, with final yield of 3.05. Moreover, a semi-purified fraction of E. hirae ST57ACC bacteriocin was tested in HT-29 cell-line, demonstrating no-cytotoxic effects in human cells, which means the bacteriocin can be considered safe in this aspect. Obtained data from this study indicate that E. hirae ST57ACC and P. pentosaceus ST57ACC may be considered as important biotechnological tools for bacteriocin production to control L. monocytogenes and as biopreservatives in food.

Antibacterial efficacy of Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 against Listeria monocytogenes and cross resistance of its bacteriocin resistant variants to common food preservatives

Antilisterial efficiency of three bacteriocins, viz, Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 was tested individually and in combination against Listeria mononcytogenes ATCC 53135. A greater antibacterial effect was observed when the bacteriocins were combined in pairs, indicating that the use of more than one LAB bacteriocin in combination have a higher antibacterial action than when used individually. Variants of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 53135 resistant to Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 were developed. Bacteriocin cross-resistance of wild type and their corresponding resistant variants were assessed and results showed that resistance to a bacteriocin may extend to other bacteriocins within the same class. Resistance to Pediocin 34 conferred cross resistance to Enterocin FH 99 but not to Nisin. Similarly resistance to Enterocin FH99 conferred cross resistance to Pediocin 34 but not to Nisin. Also, the sensitivity of Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 resistant variants of Listeria monocytogenes to low pH, salt, sodium nitrite, and potassium sorbate was assayed in broth and compared to the parental wild-type strain. The Nisin, Pediocin 34 and Enterocin FH99 resistant variants did not have intrinsic resistance to low pH, sodium chloride, potassium sorbate, or sodium nitrite. In no case were the bacteriocin resistant Listeria monocytogenes variants examined were more resistant to inhibitors than the parental strains.(AU)