Protocol optimization for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi DNA in açai (Euterpe oleraceae) pulp / Otimização de protocolo para detecção de DNA de Trypanosoma cruzi em polpa de açaí (Euterpe oleracea)

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, has often been linked to oral transmission through açai consumption. Molecular methods that allow fast and accurate identification of the pathogen are important for the detection of the presence of the parasite in this food. This study aimed to optimize polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of T. cruzi DNA in açai pulp. Several dilutions of T. cruzi DTU TcI trypomastigote forms were cultured in liver infusion tryptose (LIT) medium. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was extracted from the cells and subjected to PCR. Subsequently, culture dilutions were added to açai pulp to evaluate the detection threshold of the optimized PCR assay. We demonstrate that our assay can detect T. cruzi DNA in açai pulp at a concentration of 1.08 × 10-10 ng µL-1. We conclude that our optimized protocol is effective and can be used as an important tool for the detection of T. cruzi contamination in açaí.(AU)

A doença de Chagas, enfermidade causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi, tem sido relacionada com frequência à transmissão oral pelo consumo de açaí. Métodos moleculares que fornecem uma identificação rápida e precisa do patógeno para a detecção da presença do parasita são de extrema importância para a detecção da presença do parasita neste alimento. Este estudo teve como objetivo otimizar a detecção de DNA de T. cruzi em polpa de açaí por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Foram preparadas várias diluições das formas tripomastigotas de T. cruzi DTU TcI cultivadas em meio de cultivo Liver Infusion Tryptose. O DNA de T. cruzi foi extraído das células e submetido à PCR. Posteriormente, as diluições da cultura foram adicionadas às polpas de açaí para avaliar o limite de detecção do novo ensaio de PCR otimizado. Mostramos que nosso ensaio pode detectar DNA de T. cruzi em polpas de açaí na concentração de 1.08 × 10-10 ng µL-1. Concluímos que a metodologia desenvolvida se mostra eficaz e pode ser uma ferramenta importante para a detecção de contaminação por T. cruzi em açaí.(AU)

Microbiological, parasitic, microscopic, physical and chemical characterization of processed acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart) fruits

Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) fruit consumption has been increasing in recent years. The increasing demand for this fruit increased concerns about its quality. Thus, the objective of this work was to assess the microbiological, parasitical, microscopic, physical and chemical characteristics of processed acai. Processed acai of 12 commercial establishments were subjected to microbiological analyses (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, molds, yeasts and total and thermotolerant coliform quantifications, Staphylococcus catalase positive test and search for Salmonella ssp.), search for parasites, microscopic analysis (search for light and heavy dirt) and physical and chemical characterization (titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids °Brix, moisture content, ash, color). The samples had high amounts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria; 75% had total coliforms, molds and yeasts; 58.3% had Staphylococcus (catalase positive); and 8.33% had Salmonella spp. Moreover, the samples were not within the recommended microscopic standards, presenting foreign matter (sand and plastic). However, parasites were not found in the samples evaluated. The physical and chemical characteristics of the samples was within the criteria established by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (Regulation No 01 of January 7, 2000). The hygienic-sanitary conditions of the processed acai evaluated were unsatisfactory, compromising the harmlessness of this food and consequently, its safety for human health.

Microbiological, parasitic, microscopic, physical and chemical characterization of processed acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart) fruits

Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) fruit consumption has been increasing in recent years. The increasing demand for this fruit increased concerns about its quality. Thus, the objective of this work was to assess the microbiological, parasitical, microscopic, physical and chemical characteristics of processed acai. Processed acai of 12 commercial establishments were subjected to microbiological analyses (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, molds, yeasts and total and thermotolerant coliform quantifications, Staphylococcus catalase positive test and search for Salmonella ssp.), search for parasites, microscopic analysis (search for light and heavy dirt) and physical and chemical characterization (titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids °Brix, moisture content, ash, color). The samples had high amounts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria; 75% had total coliforms, molds and yeasts; 58.3% had Staphylococcus (catalase positive); and 8.33% had Salmonella spp. Moreover, the samples were not within the recommended microscopic standards, presenting foreign matter (sand and plastic). However, parasites were not found in the samples evaluated. The physical and chemical characteristics of the samples was within the criteria established by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (Regulation No 01 of January 7, 2000). The hygienic-sanitary conditions of the processed acai evaluated were unsatisfactory, compromising the harmlessness of this food and consequently, its safety for human health.(AU)