Distribution ofListeria spp., andListeria monocytogenesin micro- and small-scale meat product processing plants.

Listeriosis is a disease caused by L. monocytogenes, a relevant microorganism as a causative agent of foodborne diseases - FBD. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of Listeria spp., and L. monocytogenes in different production areas in two small plants (A and B) and two micro-food processing plants (C and D) producing meat derivatives, located in different cities of Colombia. The methodology implemented was i. The analysis of sampling points is based on a harmonised tool. ii. Four samplings in each production plant between 2019 and 2020. iii. Isolation and identification of microorganisms through conventional microbiology, a semi-automated system, molecular serotyping and clonal characterisation by ERIC-PCR. L. monocytogenes frequency in the production plants belonging to the study ranged between 5.9 and 28.6 %; for Listeria spp., plants A and D had isolated, plant A had the highest proportion, while for L. monocytogenes geno-serotypes found were: 1/2a, 1/2c, 4a-4c, 4b, 4d - 4e, with geno-serotype 4b as the most frequent. Furthermore, possible persistent isolates were detected in plant C as the feasible sources of contamination, based on failures in flow management, raw material contaminated with L. monocytogenes, lack of standardised cooking processes and transfer of the microorganism through equipment and surfaces. Finally, in three of the four production plants assayed, L. monocytogenes or Listeria spp. were present in the packaging area in some of the samples taken during the study, which calls for increased and frequent monitoring, as well as constant technical support for the control of L. monocytogenes in micro and small-scale production plants.

Analysis of the assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility. Non-typhoid Salmonella in meat and meat products as model (systematic review).

BACKGROUND: The scientific publications of antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistance must be precise, with interpretations adjusted to the standard. In this frame, knowledge of antimicrobial resistance is fundamental in pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella spp., known for many annual deaths worldwide. The objective of this work was to compare the interpretation of standards, the concentrations, and the breakpoints, to study antimicrobial resistance in Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) isolated from beef, pork, and chicken meat, meat products, and propose additional considerations that improve the use and usefulness of published results. RESULTS: After refining the search based on meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 papers were selected. In 33 (68.8%) of them, the disc diffusion method was used, in 11 (22.9%) the MIC determination method, and in 4 (8.33%) were used both. In 24 (50%) of the articles, the selection of a different (correct) standard could have had an impact on the interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility, which observed when considering three scenarios, i) comparison between the year of the isolation versus the implemented standard, ii) comparison between the year of submission versus implemented standard and iii) comparison between the year of publication versus implemented standard. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent scenario was the inadequate selection of standards, indicating that some studies had not ensured that applied standards kept in line with the date of isolation, date of publication and interpretation of susceptibilities. We proposed 2 years for standards use for resistance and multi-resistance interpretations. On the other hand, we invite researchers to publish their results in the shortest possible time, and editors and reviewers of scientific journals to prioritise these types of studies and verify the correspondence between the standard cited and the one used and the one to be taken into account.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Non-Typhoid Salmonella in Meat and Meat Products.

Salmonella enterica serovars are associated with numerous annual deaths worldwide and are responsible for a large number of foodborne diseases. Within this frame of reference, knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility represents the fundamental approach of most Salmonella treatments. Therefore, scientific publications of antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistance must be precise, with interpretations adjusted to a particular standard. Hence, the three objectives in this study were: (i) to describe the frequency of antimicrobial-resistant isolates of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) isolated from beef, pork, chicken meat, and other meat products; (ii) to describe the distribution of serovars and their multi-resistance to antibiotics for clinical use (veterinary and human) between 1996 and 2019; and (iii) to propose additional considerations that could improve the use and usefulness of the published results. Our results determined that the predominant isolates came from poultry. Enteritidis and Typhimurium were the most reported serovars by MIC (with both having the highest resistance to TET) while the lowest resistance was to CIP and CRO for Enteritidis and Typhimurium, respectively. The multi-resistance pattern AMP AMC CEP GEN KAN STR TET was the most frequently observed pattern by MIC in Montevideo and Seftenberg, while, for disc diffusion, the pattern AMP STR TET was the most frequent in the Bredeney serotype. In conclusion, researchers should carry out homogeneous sampling procedures, identify the types of the samples, use standard identification methods, and employ appropriate standards for antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation. Additionally, there is also a need for all WHO members to comply with the WHA 73.5 resolution. Our final recommendation is for all producers to reduce antibiotic prophylactic use.

Genotypic Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistant Salmonella spp. Strains from Three Poultry Processing Plants in Colombia.

The poultry industry in Colombia has implemented several changes and measures in chicken processing to improve sanitary operations and control pathogens' prevalence. However, there is no official in-plant microbial profile reference data currently available throughout the processing value chains. Hence, this research aimed to study the microbial profiles and the antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates in three plants. In total, 300 samples were collected in seven processing sites. Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and levels of Enterobacteriaceae were assessed. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing was conducted to characterize the isolated strains genotypically. Overall, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in each establishment was 77%, 58% and 80% for plant A, B, and C. The mean levels of Enterobacteriaceae in the chicken rinsates were 5.03, 5.74, and 6.41 log CFU/mL for plant A, B, and C. Significant reductions were identified in the counts of post-chilling rinsate samples; however, increased levels were found in chicken parts. There were six distinct Salmonella spp. clusters with the predominant sequence types ST32 and ST28. The serotypes Infantis (54%) and Paratyphi B (25%) were the most commonly identified within the processing plants with a high abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Management of swine mortalities through the use of a mixed composting-accelerating bio-inoculant.

A composting-accelerating bio-inoculant (Bacillus subtilis, Talaromyces sayulitensis (HC1), Steinernema sp., and Heterorhabditis sp.) was evaluated in a composting process made up of a different mix of wood chips, pig manure, urine, and swine mortality (raw material RM). Three different treatments (T1, T2, and T3) were assessed, and physicochemical, microbiological, and entomological evaluations were carried out at 0 and 45 days of the composting process. The highest organic nitrogen (1.34 %) concentration was detected in swine mortality, whereas the highest total oxidizable organic carbon (39.1 %) concentration was observed in wood chips. Salmonella spp., was not identified in any of the raw materials. Clostridium spp., count was 5.5, 2.0, and 1.0 Log10 unit, for pig manure, wood chips, and swine mortality, respectively. Pig manure, swine mortality, and wood chip total coliform count was 6.21, 5.32, and 1 Log10 unit, respectively. Helminth eggs were not detected in any of the RM and Cryptosporidium spp., oocysts were occasionally found in pig manure and wood chips. Several types of flies were identified, Musca domestica, Muscina stabulans, Stomoxys calcitrans, Fannia canicularis, Sarcophaga sp., and Calliphora sp. Treatment 3 (45.11 % swine mortality, 33.33 % wood chips, and 21.55 %, urine and bio-inoculant) had the greatest total oxidizable organic carbon availability, the highest carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio (20.67, p < 0.05), and the lowest dipterous larvae count. Moreover, Salmonella sp., was not observed and had only low Clostridium spp., and fecal coliform count. The bio-inoculant's effect on C/N ratio, cation exchange capacity, and electrical conductivity were beneficial, and resulted in production of a fertilizer complying with EPA 600/1-87-014, EPA 40 CFR Part 258, and NTC5167/11 norms. According to the characterization protocols used in this study the compost was apparently free from bacterial and parasitic pathogens and minimal dipteran counts. Last, maturation time was 15 days shorter compared with control (C4).

Salmonella spp. prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and risk factor determination in Colombian swine farms / Salmonella spp. prevalência, resistência antimicrobiana e determinação de fatores de risco em granjas suínas colombianas

To determine Salmonella spp. prevalence/seroprevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns and risk factor identification associated with its presence in Colombian swine farms. 504 samples (Faeces, swabs and environment samples) were obtained from 21 farms distributed in four geographical regions in Colombia. Salmonella spp. microbiological and molecular detection were determined by two Salmonella spp. MDS3M™ and MALDI-TOF MS assays, respectively. In addition, for serological evaluation 231 serum samples were analyzed employing ELISA Salmonella Pigtype®-Salmonella Ab (QUIAGEN®). Additionally, 41 isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using broth microdilution technique (Panel B1016-180 Beckman Coulter NC72®) and verified with WHONET 2016 software. Risk factors were assessed from a survey and analyzed for statistical significance by U Mann-Whitney test. An 8.9% prevalence (n=45) and 38.1% (n=88) seroprevalence were determined. All isolates presented 100% antimicrobial susceptibility against amikacin. However, resistance against penicillin, tetracycline, cefuroxime and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was present in more than 50% of evaluated strains. Risk factors associated with Salmonella spp. presence were surface water use, rough-surfaced on floors, presence of hoppers as feeders and worker's boots. Bacteria were present in animals and environmental samples from evaluated farms. Animal contact and/or exposure with the microorganism were also evident in obtained serological response. Bacteria presence depended on management practices and infrastructure, likewise antibiotic use, supplemented in the diet may have induced an increase in Salmonella spp. antimicrobial resistance.(AU)

Para determinar Salmonellaspp. prevalência/soroprevalência, padrões de resistência antimicrobiana e identificação de fatores de risco associados à sua presença em granjas suínas colombianas. Foram obtidas 504 amostras (fezes, zaragatoas e amostras do ambiente) de 21 fazendas distribuídas em quatro regiões geográficas da Colômbia. Salmonella spp., a detecção microbiológica e molecular foi determinada por 2 Salmonella spp. Ensaios MDS3M™ e MALDI-TOF MS, respectivamente. Além disso, para avaliação sorológica, foram analisadas 231 amostras de soro empregando ELISA Salmonella Pigtype® - Salmonella Ab (QUIAGEN®). Além disso, 41 isolados foram testados quanto à suscetibilidade antimicrobiana usando a técnica de microdiluição em caldo (Painel B1016-180 Beckman Coulter NC72®) e verificados com o software WHONET 2016. Os fatores de risco foram avaliados em uma pesquisa e analisados quanto à significância estatística pelo teste U Mann-Whitney. Foram determinadas prevalências de 8,9% (n=45) e 38,1% (n=88). Todos os isolados apresentaram 100% de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana à amicacina. No entanto, resistência à penicilina, tetraciclina, cefuroxima e trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol estava presente em mais de 50% das cepas avaliadas. Fatores de risco associados à Salmonella spp., presença de uso de água de superfície, superfície áspera no chão, presença de tremonhas como alimentadores e botas de trabalho. Bactérias estavam presentes em animais e amostras ambientais de fazendas avaliadas. O contato animal e/ou a exposição ao microrganismo também foram evidentes na resposta sorológica obtida. A presença de bactérias dependia de práticas de manejo e infraestrutura, assim como o uso de antibióticos suplementados na dieta pode ter induzido um aumento de Salmonella spp. resistência antimicrobiana.(AU)

Electroforesis en Gel de Campo Pulsado (PFGE) para la diferenciación molecular de Listeria monocytogenes / Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for the molecular differentiation of Listeria monocytogenes

En Colombia no es obligatoria la notificación deL. monocytogenes en alimentos, pero se vigilan los alimentos dealto riesgo. Clínicamente se reportan como microorganismoGram-positivo sólo cuando causan meningitis. L. monocytogeneses un patógeno intracelular, transmitido por alimentos, letalpara humanos y animales, que causa Listeriosis; enfermedadque genera varios brotes en el mundo, con pérdidashumanas y económicas. Pocos trabajos en Colombia hanlogrado identificar y serotipificar molecularmente losaislamientos, lo que sólo permite distribuir teóricamentelos serotipos en linajes. Esta revisión se limita a mostrarcaracterísticas del patógeno, su importancia en salud públicay en la industria de alimentos, generalidades de la PFGECHEF;identificando el protocolo estandarizado de trabajoy las enzimas de restricción adecuadas para cortar el ADN.Se encontró que la combinación de enzimas XbaI-AscI,seguida de ApaI es la que ofrece mejores resultados en ladiferenciación de los aislamientos; agrupándolos por linajes;mostrando variaciones intra-serotipo y que en varios paíseslatinoamericanos se analizan los resultados a través dePulseNet, lo que garantiza la comparación de los patronesde PFGE en igualdad de condiciones...

The reporting of L. monocytogenes in food in Colombia is not a mandatory; however, foods consideredhigh-risk are monitored, and the organism is only reported clinically as Gram-positive when it causesmeningitis. L. monocytogenes is a foodborne, intracellular, pathogen which causes listeriosis, a disease lethalto humans and animals. Outbreaks of this disease worldwide can bring about human and economiclosses. Only a few studies in Colombia have been able to identify and molecularly serotype isolatesallowing only the theoretical distribution of serotypes by lineage. This review explains the characteristicsof the pathogen, its importance in public health and in the food industry, and provides an overview ofPFGE-CHEF; identifying the standard work protocol and the appropriate restriction enzymes to cutDNA. We found that the enzyme combination, XbaI-AscI, followed by ApaI offers the best results todifferentiate isolates, by grouping them by lineages, and displaying intra-serotype variations. Additionally,we found that in several Latin American countries the results are analyzed using PulseNet; this ensuresthe comparison of PFGE patterns in equivalent conditions...

Na Colômbia não há uma notificação compulsóriade L. monocytogenes em alimentos, mas alimentos de altorisco são monitorados. Clinicamente, são relatados comoorganismos Gram-positivos apenas quando eles causammeningite. L. monocytogenes é um patógeno intracelularde origem alimentar, letal para seres humanos e animais,que causa a listeriose, que gera surtos em todo o mundo,com perdas humanas e econômicas. Poucos trabalhos naColômbia identificaram e sorotipificaram molecularmenteos isolados, que só permite a distribuição de sorotiposteoricamente em linhagens. Esta avaliação é limitada amostrar características do patógeno, sua importância nasaúde pública e na indústria de alimentos, e uma visãogeral do PFGE-CHEF; identificar o protocolo-padrão detrabalho e enzimas de restrição apropriadas para cortar oADN. Verificou-se que a combinação de enzimas XbaIAscI,seguido por ApaI representa a combinação de enzimasque ofereceu melhores resultados na diferenciação dosisolados, agrupando-a por linhagens, mostrando a variaçãointra-serotipo e que, em muitos países da América Latina,os resultados são analisados através PulseNet, que asseguraa comparação de padrões de PFGE em igualdade decondições...

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes food isolates from different cities in Colombia.

One hundred eight Listeria monocytogenes food isolates from four cities in Colombia and previously confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction were characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility. Isolates were evaluated against 17 antimicrobials contained in the MICroSTREP plus(®)3 panel (MicroScan system). Susceptibility found for ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and chloramphenicol was 100%, whereas it was 98% for other antimicrobials such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 97% for azithromycin, 92% for vancomycin, 90% for erythromycin, 86% for tetracycline, 84% for penicillin, 70% for ciprofloxacin, 57% for rifampin, 56% for meropenem, and 32% for clindamycin. Natural resistance to cephalosporins was confirmed in all cases, and 16% of isolates were nonsusceptible to penicillin. Using Staphylococcus spp. or Enterococcus spp. breakpoints, 48% of isolates displayed multidrug resistances, and the major resistance phenotypes were against rifampin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and erythromycin. Colombian food isolates displayed high resistance to clindamycin, meropenem, rifampin, and ciprofloxacin (30%-65%), and the primary drugs of choice against listeriosis remain effective for most of isolates (84%).

Efecto de tiempo y temperatura de cocción en chorizo inoculados artificialmente con Listeria monocytogenes / Effect of cooking time and temperature on sausages artificially inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes / Efeito do tempo e temperatura de cozimento em lingüiças inoculadas artificialmente com Listeria monocytogenes

Objetivo. Determinar si los tiempos utilizados por los consumidores para la cocción de chorizos son suficientes para la inactivación de Listeria monocytogenes inoculada artificialmente en este producto. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una encuesta a 50 amas de casa para preguntar sobre los hábitos de preparación de los chorizos. Se analizaron 60 muestras de chorizos a las que se les inocularon concentraciones de 10³ UFC g-1 de un pool de 5 cepas de L. monocytogenes, se aplicaron los procedimientos de cocción indicados por la encuesta y se hizo recuento inmediatamente. Adicionalmente, se realizó una prueba complementaria donde se inocularon 20 muestras de chorizos con poblaciones de 10³ UFC g-1 y se sometieron a 72 y 73°C durante 30 segundos. Resultados. Mediante la encuesta se logró establecer que 15 minutos de cocción y 5 minutos de fritura es la forma más frecuente de preparación por parte de los consumidores, se logró establecer que el tiempo y las condiciones utilizadas en este ensayo tuvieron un efecto estadísticamente significativo (0,016) sobre la población inoculada. En el ensayo complementario los datos estadísticos (p: 0,0001) indicaron que temperaturas internas de 73°C son suficientes para la inactivación de este patógeno a nivel industrial. Conclusión. Tiempos de 15 minutos de cocción y 5 minutos de fritura son suficientes para inactivar concentraciones de 10³ g-1 de Listeria monocytogenes inoculadas artificialmente en chorizos.

Objective. To find whether the cooking times traditionally used by consumers are enough to inactivate Listeria monocytogenes artificially inoculated into sausages. Materials and methods. A survey asking about sausage cooking habits was completed with 50 housewives. We analyzed 60 samples of sausages previously inoculated with 10³ CFU g-1 from a pool of 5 strains of L. monocytogenes, then the cooking procedures described in the survey were applied to the samples, and counting was done immediately after. Additionally, a complementary test was carried out by inoculating 20 samples of sausages with 10³ CFU g-1 and exposing them to 72°C and 73°C for 30 seg. Results. The survey showed that 15 minute boiling and 5 minute frying are the most frequent ways of preparing sausages by consumers. We established that the time and cooking conditions used in our assay had a statistically significant effect (p: 0.016) on the inoculated samples. In the complementary assay, statistical data (p: 0.0001) indicated that internal temperatures of 73°C are enough to inactivate the pathogen at an industrial scale. Conclusion. Cooking by 15 minute boiling and 5 minute frying are enough to inactive concentrations of 10³ g-1 of Listeria monocytogenes artificially inoculated into sausages.

Objetivo. Determinar se o tempo utilizado pelos consumidores para cozinhar lingüiças são suficientes para a inativação de Listeria monocytogenes inoculada artificialmente neste produto. Materiais e métodos. Foram realizadas entrevistas a 50 donas de casa para perguntar sobre os hábitos de preparação das lingüiças. Foram analisadas 60 amostras de lingüiças para as quais foram inoculadas concentrações de 10³ UFC g-1 de um pool de 5 cepas de L. monocytogenes, foram utilizados procedimentos de cozimento indicados pelas entrevistas e foi feita uma contagem imediatamente. Além disso, foi realizada uma prova complementaria inoculando 20 amostras de lingüiças com populações de 10³ UFC g-1 e submetidas a 72 e 73°C por 30 segundos. Resultados. Através das entrevistas foi estabelecido que 15 minutos de cozimento e 5 minutos de fritura é a forma mais freqüente de preparação por parte dos consumidores, foi estabelecido que o tempo e as condições utilizadas neste estudo foi estatisticamente significativa (0,016) sobre a população inoculada. Na prova complementaria os dados estatísticos (p = 0,0001) indicaram que temperaturas internas de 73°C são suficientes para a inativação deste patógeno ao nível da indústria. Conclusão. Tempo de 15 minutos de cozimento e 5 minutos de fritura são suficientes para desativar as concentrações de 10³ g-1 de Listeria monocytogenes inoculadas artificialmente em lingüiças.