Are Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus Isolated from Powdered Infant Formula a Hazard for Infants? A Genomic Analysis.

Powdered infant formulas (PIF) are the most used dietary substitutes that are used in order to supplement breastfeeding. However, PIF are not sterile and can be contaminated with different microorganisms. The objective of this study was to genomically characterize Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) and Enterococcus strains that were isolated from PIF. Strains were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Genomic typing, detection of virulence, and resistance profiles and genes were performed with the Ridom SeqSphere+ software; the comprehensive antibiotic resistance database (CARD) platform; ResFinder and PlasmidFinder tools; and by the disk diffusion method. Nineteen isolates from PIF were analyzed, including ENT such as Kosakonia cowanii, Enterobacter hormaechei, Franconibacter helveticus, Mixta calida, and lactic acid bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium. The strains exhibited resistance to beta-lactams, cephalosporins, and macrolides. Resistance genes such as AcrAB-TolC, marA, msbA, knpEF, oqxAB, fosA, blaACT-7, blaACT-14,qacJ, oqxAB,aac(6')-Ii, and msr(C); and virulence genes such as astA, cheB, cheR, ompA ompX, terC, ironA, acm, and efaAfm, adem were also detected. All the analyzed strains possessed genes that produced heat-shock proteins, such as IbpA and ClpL. In PIF, the presence of ENT and Enterococcus that are multiresistant to antibiotics-together with resistance and virulence genes-pose a health risk for infants consuming these food products.

Hábitos alimentarios, estado nutricional y estilos de vida en adultos mayores activos de la ciudad de Chillán, Chile / Eating habits, nutritional status and lifestyle among active seniors in the city of Chillan, Chile

Aging is a public health issue that is becoming more relevant because eating habits and nutritional status are crucial in the lifestyle of seniors. The purpose of this work was to determine the eating habits, nutritional status, physical activity and lifestyle of active seniors belonging to three organized community groups in Chillán, Chile. This was a quantitative cross-sectional study that included 183 seniors. Eating habits and physical activity data were obtained using the Food-based Dietary Guidelines (Guías Alimentarias Basadas en los Alimentos, GABA). Evaluation of nutritional status was performed by anthropometry and BMI; lifestyle was evaluated with the FANTASTICO questionnaire. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test using STATA 12.0 software at α=0.05. A total of 65% and 32% of seniors had 3 and 4 daily mealtimes, respectively. On average, they consumed 5 portions of fruit and vegetables (60%), 1 portion of dairy products (87%), legumes (95%), and fish (90%). Daily water consumption was 6 to 8 glasses for 46% of seniors and 80% added salt to their meals and 42% did not consume saturated fats. All seniors (100%) had some type of physical activity and 96% classified their lifestyle as good or very good. Their nutritional status was mostly normal (52%) and related to the intake of dairy products (p=0,027). The active participation of seniors in organized community groups is a health-protective factor that promotes healthy lifestyles related to eating, physical activity, and an appropriate nutritional status, all of which stimulate healthy or successful aging.

El envejecimiento es un tema de salud pública cada vez más relevante, siendo los hábitos alimentarios y el estado nutricional fundamentales en el estilo de vida de los adultos mayores (AM). El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar hábitos alimentarios, estado nutricional, actividad física y estilo de vida de AM activos pertenecientes a 3 grupos organizados de la comunidad de Chillán. Estudio cuantitativo de corte transversal con una muestra de 183 AM. Los hábitos alimentarios y la actividad física se evaluaron mediante un instrumento basado en las Guías Alimentarias actuales (GABAs). La evaluación del estado nutricional mediante antropometría e IMC y el estilo de vida con el cuestionario FANTASTICO. Los datos fueron analizados con estadística descriptiva univariada, bivariada y con la prueba de chi-cuadrado en el programa STATA 12.0 con α=0,05. El 65% y 32% de los AM realizaban 3 y 4 tiempos de comida respectivamente. En promedio, consumían 5 porciones de frutas y verduras (60%) y una porción de lácteos el (87%), legumbres (95%), pescados (90%). El 46% consumía 6 a 8 vasos de agua al día. El 80% usaba sal extra y el 42% no consumía grasas saturadas. El 100% realizaba algún tipo de actividad física y el 96% clasificó en estilo de vida bueno y muy bueno. El estado nutricional predominante fue normal (52%), el cual se relacionó con el consumo de lácteos (p= 0,027). La participación social de AM en grupos organizados de la comunidad, es un elemento protector de la salud que promueve estilos de vida saludables relacionados a la alimentación, actividad física y adecuado estado nutricional, favoreciendo un envejecimiento saludable o exitoso.

Inocuidad microbiológica de quesillos comerciales y artesanales expendidos en Chillán / Microbiological safety of commercial and artisanal fresh cheeses sold in Chillán

Introducción: El quesillo es un alimento muy consumido en la población por sus características nutritivas y de inocuidad. Sin embargo, estas cualidades pierden relevancia si no se respetan condiciones adecuadas en su elaboración y almacenamiento. Objetivo: Evaluar la inocuidad microbio-lógica de quesillos comerciales y artesanales expendidos en Chillán. Metodología: Se analizaron 80 muestras de quesillo: 40 comerciales (marca 1 y 2) y 40 artesanales (marca 3 y 4). Se cuantificó Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) y Escherichia coli mediante las NCh 2676 y 2636 (2002). Salmonella, Staphylococcus aereus y Listeria monocytogenes utilizando NCh 2675, 2671 (2002) e ISO 11290-1: 1996 (rev 2004) y confirmadas por PCR. Cronobacter spp por medio de multilocus sequence typing (MLST) con criterios de http://www.pubmlst.org/cronobacter. Los requisitos de higiene del personal y expendio con listas de chequeo de acuerdo al RSA. Resultados: Las medianas globales de ENT fueron 30 000 000 UFC/g (2 000 000 - 300 000 000) y para E. coli de 450 UFC/g NMP/g (33 - 1 100), no existiendo diferencias significativas en los recuentos para ambos indicadores por marca y lugar de expendio (p>0.05). El cumplimento de requisitos de higiene del personal y expendio fue 50%. La positividad de L. monocytogenes fue 8.8%, no detectando Salmonella spp y S. aureus. Se aislaron 8 cepas sospechosas de Cronobacter spp las que fueron identificadas como Franconibacter helveticus. Conclusiones: Los quesillos evaluados no cumplen los criterios microbiológicos del RSA no siendo aptos para el consumo. La presencia de L. mono-cytogenes es un claro riesgo de salud en grupos de población hipersensible que consumen este alimento.

Introduction: Fresh cheese is consumed because of its healthy, nutritional, and safety characteristics. These features become less relevant when appropriatepreparation and storage conditions are not met. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the microbiological safety of commercial and artisanal fresh cheeses sold in the city of Chillán. Methods: A total of 80 fresh cheese samples were analyzed: 40 commercial (brands 1 and2) and 40 artisanal (brands 3 and 4). Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) and Escherichia coli were quantified by NCh 2676 and 2636 (2002). Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes used NCh 2675, 2671 (2002), ISO 11290-1 (1996 rev 2004), and were confirmed by PCR. Cronobacter spp was identified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) using criteria from http://www.pubmlst.org/cronobacter. Furthermore, staff and sale hygiene requirements were identified with Sanitary Food Regulations (SFR) checklists. Results: Overall ENT medians were 30 000 000 UFC/g (2 000 000 - 300 000 000) and E. coli were 450 UFC/g NMP/g (33 - 1 100); there were no significant differences in counts for both brand and sale location indicators (p>0.05). Compliance with SFR hygiene requirements was 50%. Positivity of L. monocytogenes was 8.8%; Salmonella spp and S. aureus were not detected. Suspected Cronobacter spp strains were isolated and identified as Franconibacter helveticus. Conclusions: The evaluated fresh cheeses did not meet SFR microbiological criteria and were therefore not safe to eat. The presence of L. monocytogenes is clearly a health risk in hypersensitive population groups that consume this food.