Vibrio species involved in seafood-borne outbreaks (Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus): Review of microbiological versus recent molecular detection methods in seafood products.

Seafood products are widely consumed all around the world and play a significant role on the economic market. Bacteria of the Vibrio genus can contaminate seafood and thus pose a risk to human health. Three main Vibrio species, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus, are potentially pathogenic to humans. These species are responsible for a dramatic increase of seafood-borne infections worldwide. Hence, early detection of total and pathogenic Vibrio is needed and should rely on quick and effective methods. This review aims to present the standard methods FDA-BAM, ISO/TS 21872-1:2007 and TS 21872-2:2007 and compare them to recent molecular biology methods including endpoint PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and PCR-derived methods with a focus on LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification). The available methods presented here are dedicated to the detection and identification of the Vibrio species of interest in seafood.

Occurrence of the three major Vibrio species pathogenic for human in seafood products consumed in France using real-time PCR.

Vibrio spp. have emerged as a serious threat to human health worldwide. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus are of particular concern as they have been linked to gastrointestinal infections and septicemia associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. We developed hydrolysis probe-based real-time PCR systems with an internal amplification control for the detection of these species. We applied these systems to a total of 167 fresh or frozen crustacean, fish and shellfish samples consumed in France. Of them, 34.7% (n=58) were positive for Vibrio. V. parahaemolyticus was the most common, in 31.1% of samples, followed by V. vulnificus in 12.6% and V. cholerae in 0.6%. Furthermore, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were present simultaneously in 9.6% of samples. Virulence genes (tdh and trh sequences) were present in 25% of the V. parahaemolyticus-positive samples. The V. cholerae strain detected was non toxigenic. The densities of V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae ranged from <10(2) to 10(4)bacteria/g of seafood. All samples positive for V. vulnificus displayed low-level contamination with fewer than 10(2)bacteria/g. Our findings indicate that seafood consumption presents a potential risk to human health in France and highlight the importance of tools for a preventive consumer protection policy.

Impact of -2 degrees C superchilling before refrigerated storage (4 and 8 degrees C) on the microbiological and sensory qualities of cold-smoked salmon.

Detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and total spoilage bacteria in 40 batches of cold-smoked salmon (one batch = 42 products from the same day of manufacture) straight from the factory were carried out. If L. monocytogenes was detected in at least one of the nine samples analyzed on receipt at the laboratory, 9 products of the same batch were stored for 10 days at 4 degrees C, which was followed by 18 days at 8 degrees C (control), 12 products were superchilled for 14 days at -2 degrees C, and 12 other products were superchilled for 28 days at -2 degrees C and then stored under the same conditions as the control was stored. L. monocytogenes was detected in 7% of the 40 batches analyzed immediately after receipt at the laboratory. L. monocytogenes prevalence was similar (approximately 25%) throughout the storage at 4 and 8 degrees C, both in control and super-chilled products at -2 degrees C for 14 days. After superchilling for 28 days at -2 degrees C, L. monocytogenes was found in 9% of products, and in 39% at the end of the storage above 0 degree C. Moreover, the L. monocytogenes count was higher after 3 and 4 weeks of storage at 4 and 8 degrees C in products superchilled 28 days at -2 degrees C than in control products or in products superchilled for 14 days. Serotype 1/2a-3a and nine genetic groups were identified and found throughout the storage scenario. At the end of shelf life, sensory characteristics of products superchilled for 28 days at -2 degrees C were slightly modified. A decrease in firmness associated with increased tearing of salmon slices was observed as well as a slight amine odor.