Pathogenic
bacteria that stubbornly lurk in some apple-packing facilities may be sheltered
and protected by harmless bacteria that are known for their ability to form
biofilms, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest the discovery could
lead to development of alternative foodborne-pathogen-control strategies.
That
was the key finding that emerged from a study of three tree-fruit-packing
facilities in the Northeast where contamination with Listeria monocytogenes was
a concern. The research, done in collaboration with the apple industry, was an
effort to better understand the microbial ecology of food-processing
facilities. The ultimate goal is to identify ways to improve pathogen control
in the apple supply chain to avoid foodborne disease outbreaks and recalls of
apples and apple products.
In the study, researchers
sought to understand the composition of microbiota in apple-packing
environments and its association with the occurrence of the foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes. Their testing revealed that a packing plant with a
significantly higher Listeria monocytogenes occurrence was uniquely dominated
by the bacterial family Pseudomonadaceae and the fungal family Dipodascaceae.
Biofilms
are a collection of microorganisms that attach to a surface and then secrete a
slimy material that slows down the penetration of cleaners and sanitizers. The
findings of the research provide insight into the Listeria contamination
problem and may lead to researchers and the apple industry getting closer to
solving it.
The
challenge presented by microbiota possibly sheltering Listeria monocytogenes is
not limited to fruit-processing facilities or produce, Penn State researchers
suspect.
See:
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology
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Pharmaceutical Microbiology