# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 6080 | 0 | 0.9462 | Metagenomic Insights into the Taxonomic and Functional Features of Traditional Fermented Milk Products from Russia. Fermented milk products (FMPs) contain probiotics that are live bacteria considered to be beneficial to human health due to the production of various bioactive molecules. In this study, nine artisanal FMPs (kefir, ayran, khurunga, shubat, two cottage cheeses, bryndza, khuruud and suluguni-like cheese) from different regions of Russia were characterized using metagenomics. A metagenomic sequencing of ayran, khurunga, shubat, khuruud and suluguni-like cheese was performed for the first time. The taxonomic profiling of metagenomic reads revealed that Lactococcus species, such as Lc. lactis and Lc. cremoris prevailed in khuruud, bryndza, one sample of cottage cheese and khurunga. The latter one together with suluguni-like cheese microbiome was dominated by bacteria, affiliated to Lactobacillus helveticus (32-35%). In addition, a high proportion of sequences belonging to the genera Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Streptococcus but not classified at the species level were found in the suluguni-like cheese. Lactobacillus delbrueckii, as well as Streptococcus thermophilus constituted the majority in another cottage cheese, kefir and ayran metagenomes. The microbiome of shubat, produced from camel's milk, was significantly distinctive, and Lentilactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Bifidobacterium mongoliense represented the dominant components (42, 7.4 and 5.6%, respectively). In total, 78 metagenome-assembled genomes with a completeness ≥ 50.2% and a contamination ≤ 8.5% were recovered: 61 genomes were assigned to the Enterococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Streptococcaceae families (the Lactobacillales order within Firmicutes), 4 to Bifidobacteriaceae (the Actinobacteriota phylum) and 2 to Acetobacteraceae (the Proteobacteria phylum). A metagenomic analysis revealed numerous genes, from 161 to 1301 in different products, encoding glycoside hydrolases and glycosyltransferases predicted to participate in lactose, alpha-glucans and peptidoglycan hydrolysis as well as exopolysaccharides synthesis. A large number of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, such as lanthipeptides, unclassified bacteriocins, nonribosomal peptides and polyketide synthases were also detected. Finally, the genes involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds like β-lactones, terpenes and furans, nontypical for fermented milk products, were also found. The metagenomes of kefir, ayran and shubat was shown to contain either no or a very low count of antibiotic resistance genes. Altogether, our results show that traditional indigenous fermented products are a promising source of novel probiotic bacteria with beneficial properties for medical and food industries. | 2023 | 38276185 |
| 6046 | 1 | 0.9457 | Safety Evaluations of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI. Over the past decade, a variety of lactic acid bacteria have been commercially available to and steadily used by consumers. However, recent studies have shown that some lactic acid bacteria produce toxic substances and display properties of virulence. To establish safety guidelines for lactic acid bacteria, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that lactic acid bacteria be characterized and proven safe for consumers’ health via multiple experiments (e.g., antibiotic resistance, metabolic activity, toxin production, hemolytic activity, infectivity in immune-compromised animal species, human side effects, and adverse-outcome analyses). Among the lactic acid bacteria, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species are probiotic strains that are most commonly commercially produced and actively studied. Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI have been used in global functional food markets (e.g., China, Germany, Jordan, Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam) as nutraceutical ingredients for decades, without any adverse events. However, given that the safety of some newly screened probiotic species has recently been debated, it is crucial that the consumer safety of each commercially utilized strain be confirmed. Accordingly, this paper details a safety assessment of B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI via the assessment of ammonia production, hemolysis of blood cells, biogenic amine production, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, antibiotic resistance gene transferability, PCR data on antibiotic resistance genes, mucin degradation, genome stability, and possession of virulence factors. These probiotic strains showed neither hemolytic activity nor mucin degradation activity, and they did not produce ammonia or biogenic amines (i.e., cadaverine, histamine or tyramine). B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI produced a small amount of putrescine, commonly found in living cells, at levels similar to or lower than that found in other foods (e.g., spinach, ketchup, green pea, sauerkraut, and sausage). B. bifidum BGN4 showed higher resistance to gentamicin than the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) cut-off. However, this paper shows the gentamicin resistance of B. bifidum BGN4 was not transferred via conjugation with L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, the latter of which is highly susceptible to gentamicin. The entire genomic sequence of B. bifidum BGN4 has been published in GenBank (accession no.: CP001361.1), documenting the lack of retention of plasmids capable of transferring an antibiotic-resistant gene. Moreover, there was little genetic mutation between the first and 25th generations of B. bifidum BGN4. Tetracycline-resistant genes are prevalent among B. longum strains; B. longum BORI has a tet(W) gene on its chromosome DNA and has also shown resistance to tetracycline. However, this research shows that its tetracycline resistance was not transferred via conjugation with L. fermentum AGBG1, the latter of which is highly sensitive to tetracycline. These findings support the continuous use of B. bifidum BGN4 and B. longum BORI as probiotics, both of which have been reported as safe by several clinical studies, and have been used in food supplements for many years. | 2018 | 29747442 |
| 5213 | 2 | 0.9456 | Draft genome sequences of Limosilactobacillus fermentum IJAL 01 335, isolated from a traditional cereal fermented dough. Limosilactobacillus fermentum IJAL 01 335 was isolated from mawè, a spontaneously fermented cereal dough from Benin. The 1.83 Mb draft genome sequence (52.37% GC) comprises 154 contigs, 1,836 coding sequences, and 23 predicted antibiotic resistance genes, providing insights into its genetic features and potential application in food fermentation. | 2025 | 41170963 |
| 5233 | 3 | 0.9447 | Antibiotic resistance pattern of the allochthonous bacteria isolated from commercially available spices. Spices are often used in dried form, sometimes with significant microbial contamination including pathogenic and food spoilage bacteria. The antibiotic resistance represents an additional risk for food industry, and it is worthy of special attention as spices are important food additives. During our work, we examined the microbiological quality of 50 different spices with cultivation methods on diverse selective media. The identification of the most representative bacteria was carried out using 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. Antibiotic resistance profiling of twelve identified Bacillus species (B. subtilis subsp. stercoris BCFK, B. licheniformis BCLS, B. siamensis SZBC, B. zhangzhouensis BCTA, B. altitudinis SALKÖ, B. velezensis CVBC, B. cereus SALÖB isolate, B. tequilensis KOPS, B. filamentosus BMBC, B. subtilis subsp. subtilis PRBC2, B. safensis BMPS, and B. mojavensis BCFK2 isolate) was performed using the standard disk-diffusion method against 32 antibiotics. The study showed that the majority resistance was obtained against penicillin G (100%), oxacillin (91.67%), amoxyclav (91.67%), rifampicin (75%), and azithromycin (75%). Our findings suggest that spices harbor multidrug-resistant bacteria. | 2021 | 34401102 |
| 5180 | 4 | 0.9445 | Isolation, Characterization, and Application in Poultry Products of a Salmonella-Specific Bacteriophage, S55. ABSTRACT: Salmonellosis occurs frequently worldwide, causing serious threats to public health. The abuse of antibiotics is increasing antibiotic resistance in bacteria, thereby making the prevention and control of Salmonella more difficult. A phage can help control the spread of bacteria. In this study, the lytic phage S55, whose host bacterium is Salmonella Pullorum, was isolated from fecal samples obtained from poultry farms. This phage belongs to the Siphoviridae and has a polyhedral head and a retraction-free tail. S55 lysed most cells of Salmonella Pullorum (58 of 60 strains, 96.67%) and Salmonella Enteritidis (97 of 104 strains, 93.27%). One-step growth kinetics revealed that the latent period was 10 min, the burst period was 80 min, and the burst size was 40 PFU per cell. The optimal multiplicity of infection was 0.01, and the phage was able to survive at pH values of 4 to 11 and temperatures of 40 to 60°C for 60 min. Complete genome sequence analysis revealed that the S55 genome consists of 42,781 bp (50.28% GC content) and 58 open reading frames, including 25 frames with known or assumed functions without tRNA genes. S55 does not carry genes that encode virulence or resistance factors. At 4 and 25°C, S55 reduced the populations of Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Enteritidis on chicken skin surfaces. S55 may be useful as a biological agent for the prevention and control of Salmonella infections. | 2021 | 33710342 |
| 6054 | 5 | 0.9445 | Lactobacillus Strains for Vegetable Juice Fermentation-Quality and Health Aspects. Vegetable juices are new carrier variants for beneficial bacteria, representing an alternative to dairy-fermented products, especially for vegan, strict vegetarian, or allergic consumers. The aim of this study was to characterize several Romanian native lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to select valuable nutritional and probiotic strains for vegetable juice fermentation. Nineteen LAB strains were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility (disc-diffusion method), the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, the presence of functional genes. and the production of organic acids by HPLC. Antibiotic resistant strains were observed only with ampicillin (Amp10) and kanamycin (K30), 79% and 32%, respectively, with results partially confirmed by molecular analysis. Multiplex PCR revealed the presence of LBA1272, dltD, folP, agl, α-amy, malL, and ribA genes, related to stress resistance, starch metabolism, and production of vitamins, except for folK. HPLC analyses were performed on beet roots (SF), tomato (TM), and a mixture of carrots, celery, and beet (MTS) juices. High values of lactic acid were recorded in all cases of LAB fermentation (5034-14,176 µg/mL). The maximum values recorded for acetic acid did not exceed 2.5 mg/mL having a positive influence on the product's taste. | 2022 | 36359394 |
| 1345 | 6 | 0.9440 | Toxigenic potential and antimicrobial susceptibility of Bacillus cereus group bacteria isolated from Tunisian foodstuffs. BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of the B. cereus group as major foodborne pathogens that may cause diarrheal and/or emetic syndrome(s), no study in Tunisia has been conducted in order to characterize the pathogenic potential of the B. cereus group. The aim of this study was to assess the sanitary potential risks of 174 B. cereus group strains isolated from different foodstuffs by detecting and profiling virulence genes (hblA, hblB, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, bceT and ces), testing the isolates cytotoxic activity on Caco-2 cells and antimicrobial susceptibility towards 11 antibiotics. RESULTS: The entertoxin genes detected among B. cereus isolates were, in decreasing order, nheA (98.9%), nheC (97.7%) and nheB (86.8%) versus hblC (54.6%), hblD (54.6%), hblA (29.9%) and hblB (14.9%), respectively encoding for Non-hemolytic enterotoxin (NHE) and Hemolysin BL (HBL). The isolates are multi-toxigenic, harbouring at least one gene of each NHE and HBL complexes associated or not to bceT, cytK-2 and ces genes. Based on the incidence of virulence genes, the strains were separated into 12 toxigenic groups. Isolates positive for cytK (37,9%) harbored the cytK-2 variant. The detection rates of bceT and ces genes were 50.6 and 4%, respectively. When bacteria were incubated in BHI-YE at 30 °C for 18 h and for 5 d, 70.7 and 35% of the strains were shown to be cytotoxic to Caco-2 cells, respectively. The cytotoxicity of B. cereus strains depended on the food source of isolation. The presence of virulence factors is not always consistent with cytotoxicity. However, different combinations of enterotoxin genetic determinants are significantly associated to the cytotoxic potential of the bacteria. All strains were fully sensitive to rifampicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin. The majority of the isolates were susceptible to streptomycin, kanamycin, erythromycin, vancomycin and tetracycline but showed resistance to ampicillin and novobiocin. CONCLUSION: Our results contribute data that are primary to facilitate risk assessments in order to prevent food poisoning due to B. cereus group. | 2019 | 31445510 |
| 6081 | 7 | 0.9438 | In vitro probiotic characteristics and whole-genome sequence analysis of lactic acid bacteria isolated from monkey faeces. This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria from monkey faeces and evaluate their safety and probiotic properties through a combination of in vitro assays and complete genomic sequencing. The results revealed that two Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains (LDHa and LSHe) exhibited promising probiotic attributes: no hemolytic activity, remarkable antibacterial activity against intestinal pathogens, high bile salt tolerance (77.46% survival rate for LDHa at 0.3% bile salt concentration), excellent gastrointestinal resistance (survival rate > 40%), and favorable surface characteristics (63.92-66.00% auto-aggregation; 91.33-93.80% hydrophobicity). The whole genome sequencing results revealed that strain LDHa has a total length of 2,031,794 bp with a GC content of 39.02% and contains (Strompfová et al. 2014) coding genes. The LSHe strain has a total length of 2,031,507 bp with a GC content of 39.02% and contains 1954 coding genes. Genomic analysis revealed that both strains possess four CRISPR sequences and one secondary metabolic gene cluster, with functional annotations from the EGGNOG, KEGG, and CAZy databases demonstrating genome stability; the absence of horizontally transferable antibiotic resistance genes; the enrichment of metabolic pathway-related genes, and probiotic-associated functional potential including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities. This study demonstrated that L. reuteri LDHa and LSHe exhibit favorable safety profiles and probiotic potential at both physiological and genomic levels, positioning them as promising candidates for probiotic formulations in captive primate populations. | 2025 | 40852645 |
| 3644 | 8 | 0.9435 | Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacterial Poultry Pathogens: A Review. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, and antimicrobial usage and AMR in animal production is one of its contributing sources. Poultry is one of the most widespread types of meat consumed worldwide. Poultry flocks are often raised under intensive conditions using large amounts of antimicrobials to prevent and to treat disease, as well as for growth promotion. Antimicrobial resistant poultry pathogens may result in treatment failure, leading to economic losses, but also be a source of resistant bacteria/genes (including zoonotic bacteria) that may represent a risk to human health. Here we reviewed data on AMR in 12 poultry pathogens, including avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum, Pasteurella multocida, Avibacterium paragallinarum, Gallibacterium anatis, Ornitobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), Bordetella avium, Clostridium perfringens, Mycoplasma spp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, and Riemerella anatipestifer. A number of studies have demonstrated increases in resistance over time for S. Pullorum/Gallinarum, M. gallisepticum, and G. anatis. Among Enterobacteriaceae, APEC isolates displayed considerably higher levels of AMR compared with S. Pullorum/Gallinarum, with prevalence of resistance over >80% for ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline across studies. Among the Gram-negative, non-Enterobacteriaceae pathogens, ORT had the highest levels of phenotypic resistance with median levels of AMR against co-trimoxazole, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, amoxicillin, and ceftiofur all exceeding 50%. In contrast, levels of resistance among P. multocida isolates were less than 20% for all antimicrobials. The study highlights considerable disparities in methodologies, as well as in criteria for phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing and result interpretation. It is necessary to increase efforts to harmonize testing practices, and to promote free access to data on AMR in order to improve treatment guidelines as well as to monitor the evolution of AMR in poultry bacterial pathogens. | 2017 | 28848739 |
| 6049 | 9 | 0.9433 | Probiotic Properties and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro of Lactic Acid Bacteria. The properties of probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been widely studied over the last decades. In the present study, four different LAB species, namely Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 33323, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103, Levilactobacillus brevis ATCC 8287, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917, were investigated in order to determine their ability to survive in the human gut. They were evaluated based on their tolerance to acids, resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, antibiotic resistance, and the identification of genes encoding bacteriocin production. All four tested strains demonstrated high resistance to simulated gastric juice after 3 h, and the viable counts revealed declines in cell concentrations of less than 1 log cycle. L. plantarum showed the highest level of survival in the human gut, with counts of 7.09 log CFU/mL. For the species L. rhamnosus and L. brevis, the values were 6.97 and 6.52, respectively. L. gasseri, after 12 h, showed a 3.96 log cycle drop in viable counts. None of the evaluated strains inhibited resistance to ampicillin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, or chloramphenicol. With regard to bacteriocin genes, the Pediocin PA gene was identified in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103, and Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 33323. The PlnEF gene was detected in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103. The Brevicin 174A and PlnA genes were not detected in any bacteria. Moreover, the potential antioxidant activity of LAB's metabolites was evaluated. At the same time, the possible antioxidant activity of metabolites of LAB was first tested using the free radical DDPH(•) (a, a-Diphenyl-β-Picrylhydrazyl) and then evaluated with regard to their radical scavenging activity and inhibition against peroxyl radical induced DNA scission. All strains showed antioxidant activity; however, the best antioxidant activity was achieved by L. brevis (94.47%) and L. gasseri (91.29%) at 210 min. This study provides a comprehensive approach to the action of these LAB and their use in the food industry. | 2023 | 37317238 |
| 6015 | 10 | 0.9433 | Integrative genome analysis of bacteriocin-producing Lactiplantibacillus pentosus LNP1-39 and its synbiotic role in suppressing food-borne pathogens. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from traditional Thai-fermented foods. Among these, the strain LNP1-39, closely related to Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, was selected for further study because of its non-pathogenic profile. The bacteriocins produced by L. pentosus LNP1-39 were proteinaceous substances that exhibited strong antimicrobial activity across a wide pH range (pH 2-11; 6400-2400 AU/mL) and thermal stability at 100 °C for 40 min (400 AU/mL). These bacteriocins showed a narrow antimicrobial spectrum, effectively targeting Gram-positive pathogens, such as Kocuria rhizophila MIII, Enterococcus faecalis JCM 5803( T), and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115. Comprehensive safety assessments, including whole-genome analysis and in vitro tests, confirmed a low risk of antibiotic resistance and the absence of virulence factors. Strain LNP1-39 was confirmed to be closely related to L. pentosus DSM 20314( T) via digital DNA‒DNA hybridization (dDDH; 75.4%), with average nucleotide identity (ANI) at 96.56% ANIb and 97.22% ANIm values. Additionally, LNP1-39 produces pediocin with notable similarity (76.29% identity to pediocin) and presents low risks for antibiotic-resistance genes or transfer genes while providing antioxidant properties. Strain LNP1-39 survived harsh gastrointestinal tract conditions and exhibited a favorable prebiotic index and positive prebiotic activity score when paired with polydextrose or isomalto-oligosaccharide. These findings support L. pentosus LNP1-39 as potential bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria for further application in food preservation and pathogen control or as a synbiotic. | 2025 | 40622670 |
| 6075 | 11 | 0.9429 | Molecular screening of beneficial and safety determinants from bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria isolated from Brazilian artisanal calabresa. Despite of the beneficial relevance of several lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the food industry, micro-organisms belonging to this group can determine spoilage in food products and carry a number of virulence and antibiotic resistance-related genes. This study aimed on the characterization of beneficial and safety aspects of five bacteriocinogenic LAB strains (Lactobacillus curvatus 12-named L. curvatus UFV-NPAC1), L. curvatus 36, Weissela viridescens 23, W. viridescens 31 and Lactococcus garvieae 36) isolated from an artisanal Brazilian calabresa, a traditional meat sausage. Regarding their beneficial aspects, all tested isolates were positive for mub, while EF226-cbp, EF1249-fbp and EF2380-maz were detected in at least one tested strain; none of the isolates presented map, EFTu or prgB. However, evaluated strains presented a variable pattern of virulence-related genes, but none of the strains presented gelE, cylA, efsA, cpd, int-Tn or sprE. Moreover, other virulence-related genes evaluated in this study were detected at different frequencies. L. curvatus 12 was generated positive results for ace, ccf, int, ermC, tetL, aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia, aph(2″)-Ib, aph(2″)-Ic, bcrB, vanB and vanC2; L. curvatus 36: hyl, asa1, esp, int, ermC, tetK, aph(3')-IIIa, aph(2'')-Ic and vanC2; L. garvieae 32: asa1, ant(4')-Ia, aph(2'')-Ib, catA, vanA and vanC1; W. viridescens 23: esp, cob, ermB, aph(3')-IIIa, aph(2'')-Ic, vanA, vanB and vanC2; W. viridescens 31: hyl, esp, ermC, aph(3')-IIIa, aph(2'')-Ib, aph(2'')-Ic, catA, vanA and vanB. Despite presenting some beneficial aspects, the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes jeopardize their utilization as starter or biopreservatives cultures in food products. Considering the inhibitory potential of these strains, an alternative would be the use of their bacteriocins as semi-purified or pure technological preparation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The food industry has a particular interest in using bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as starter, probiotics and/or biopreservatives in different food products. Characterization of additional beneficial features is important to identify new, multifunctional potential probiotic strains. However, these strains can only be applied in food products only after being properly characterized according their potential negative aspects, such as virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. A wide characterization of beneficial and safety aspects of bacteriocinogenic LAB is determinant to guide the proper utilization of these strains, or their purified bacteriocins, by the food industry. | 2019 | 31250457 |
| 6076 | 12 | 0.9427 | Isolation and identification of mucin-degrading bacteria originated from human faeces and their potential probiotic efficacy according to host-microbiome enterotype. AIM: Mucin-degrading bacteria are known to be beneficial for gut health. We aimed to isolate human-derived mucin-degrading bacteria and identify potential probiotic characteristics and their effects on the bacterial community and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production according to three different enterotypes of the host. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacteria with mucin decomposition ability from human faeces were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF. Heat resistance, acid resistance, antibiotic resistance, and antibacterial activity were analysed in the selected bacteria. Their adhesion capability to the Caco-2 cell was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Their ability to alter the bacterial community and SCFA production of the isolated bacteria was investigated in three enterotypes. The three isolated strains were Bifidobacterium(Bif.) animalis SPM01 (CP001606.1, 99%), Bif. longum SPM02 (NR_043437.1, 99%), and Limosilactobacillus(L.) reuteri SPM03 (CP000705.1, 99%) deposited in Korean Collection for Type Culture (KCTC-18958P). Among them, Bif. animalis exhibited the highest mucin degrading ability. They exhibited strong resistance to acidic conditions, moderate resistance to heat, and the ability to adhere tightly to Caco-2 cells. Three isolated mucin-degrading bacteria incubation increased Lactobacillus in the faecal bacteria from Bacteroides and Prevotella enterotypes. However, only L. reuteri elevated Lactobacillus in the faecal bacteria from the Ruminococcus enterotype. B. longum and B. animalis increased the α-diversity in the Ruminococcus enterotype, while their incubation with other intestinal types decreased the α-diversity. Bifidobacterium animalis and L. reuteri increased the butyric acid level in faecal bacteria from the Prevotella enterotype, and L. reuteri elevated the acetic acid level in those from the Ruminococcus enterotype. However, the overall SCFA changes were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated mucin-degrading bacteria act as probiotics and modulate gut microbiota and SCFA production differently according to the host's enterotypes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: Probiotics need to be personalized according to the enterotypes in clinical application. | 2022 | 35365862 |
| 1346 | 13 | 0.9427 | High prevalence of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from fresh vegetables sold by selected formal and informal traders in the most densely populated Province of South Africa. Contaminated fresh produce has increasingly been implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks. As microbiological safety surveillance in South Africa is limited, a total of 545 vegetable samples (spinach, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, and green beans) were purchased from retailers, street traders, trolley vendors and farmers' markets. Escherichia coli, coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated and the prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes determined. E. coli isolates were characterized phenotypically (antibiotic resistance) and genotypically (diarrheagenic virulence genes). Coliforms, E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae counts were mostly not significantly different between formal and informal markets, with exceptions noted on occasion. When compared to international standards, 90% to 98% tomatoes, 70% to 94% spinach, 82% cucumbers, 93% lettuce, and 80% green bean samples, had satisfactory (≤ 100 CFU/g) E. coli counts. Of the 545 vegetable samples analyzed, 14.86% (n = 81) harbored E. coli, predominantly from leafy green vegetables. Virulence genes (lt, st, bfpA, eagg, eaeA, stx1, stx2, and ipaH) were not detected in the E. coli isolates (n = 67) characterized, however 40.30% were multidrug-resistant. Resistance to aminoglycosides (neomycin, 73.13%; gentamycin, < 10%), penicillins (ampicillin, 38.81%; amoxicillin, 41.79%; augmentin, < 10%), sulfonamides (cotrimoxazole, 22.39%), tetracycline (19.4%), chloramphenicol (11.94%), cephalosporins (cefepime, 34.33%), and carbapenemases (imipenem, < 10%) were observed. This study highlights the need for continued surveillance of multidrug resistant foodborne pathogens in fresh produce retailed formally and informally for potential consumer health risks. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results indicate that the microbiological quality of different vegetables were similar per product type, regardless of being purchased from formal retailers or informal street traders, trolley vendors or farmers' markets. Although no pathogenic bacteria (diarrheagenic E. coli, Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes) were isolated, high levels of multidrug-resistance was observed in the generic E. coli isolates. These findings highlight the importance of microbiological quality surveillance of fresh produce in formal and informal markets, as these products can be a reservoir of multidrug resistant bacteria harboring antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, potentially impacting human health. | 2021 | 33294974 |
| 6026 | 14 | 0.9427 | Probiotic Characteristics and Whole Genome Analysis of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PM8 from Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Milk. Milk is a rich source of probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which have been shown to promote gut health, support the immune system, enhance digestion, and prevent pathogen colonization. This study aimed to isolate and identify LAB strains from giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) milk, evaluate their probiotic properties, and analyze the genomic characteristics of a promising strain. Thirteen LAB strains were isolated from 12 samples of giant panda milk. Among all LAB strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PM8 (PM8) demonstrated probiotic properties and safety features. It exhibited strong growth performance, high antipathogenic activity against four pathogens, and strong survival rates under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. PM8 also showed excellent adhesion capabilities to Caco-2 cells. Additionally, safety assessment revealed no hemolysin production and minimal antibiotic resistance, making it a promising candidate for probiotic applications. The genome of PM8 consists of 3,227,035 bp with a GC content of 44.60% and contains 3171 coding sequences, including 113 carbohydrate-active enzyme genes and genes related to exopolysaccharides synthesis, vitamin B biosynthesis, adhesion, antioxidant activity, and bile salt hydrolysis. Notably, it contains genes involved in nonribosomally synthesized secondary metabolite and bacteriocin production. The genomic safety analysis confirmed that PM8 lacks the capacity to transmit bacterial antimicrobial resistance and is non-pathogenic to both humans and animals. These findings suggest that PM8 holds considerable potential for enhancing gut health and supporting the development of safe probiotic products. | 2025 | 39900880 |
| 1344 | 15 | 0.9425 | Antibiotics resistance and toxin profiles of Bacillus cereus-group isolates from fresh vegetables from German retail markets. BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of raw vegetable products present on the German market regarding toxin-producing Bacillus cereus sensu lato (s.l.) group bacteria. RESULTS: A total of 147 B. cereus s.l. group strains isolated from cucumbers, carrots, herbs, salad leaves and ready-to-eat mixed salad leaves were analyzed. Their toxinogenic potential was assessed by multiplex PCR targeting the hemolysin BL (hbl) component D (hblD), non-hemolytic enterotoxin (nhe) component A (nheA), cytotoxin K-2 (cytK-2) and the cereulide (ces) toxin genes. In addition, a serological test was used to detect Hbl and Nhe toxins. On the basis of PCR and serological results, none of the strains were positive for the cereulide protein/genes, while 91.2, 83.0 and 37.4% were positive for the Hbl, Nhe and CytK toxins or their genes, respectively. Numerous strains produced multiple toxins. Generally, strains showed resistance against the β-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin G and cefotaxim (100%), as well as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination and ampicillin (99.3%). Most strains were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (99.3%), chloramphenicol (98.6%), amikacin (98.0%), imipenem (93.9%), erythromycin (91.8%), gentamicin (88.4%), tetracycline (76.2%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination (52.4%). The genomes of eight selected strains were sequenced. The toxin gene profiles detected by PCR and serological test mostly agreed with those from whole-genome sequence data. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that B. cereus s.l. strains encoding toxin genes occur in products sold on the German market and that these may pose a health risk to the consumer if present at elevated levels. Furthermore, a small percentage of these strains harbor antibiotic resistance genes. The presence of these bacteria in fresh produce should, therefore, be monitored to guarantee their safety. | 2019 | 31706266 |
| 1342 | 16 | 0.9425 | Prevalence, Toxin Genes, and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Bacillus cereus Isolates from Spices in Antalya and Isparta Provinces in Türkiye. Bacillus cereus is a pathogenic bacterium commonly found in nature and can produce toxins that cause food poisoning. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of B. cereus group bacteria in 50 unpackaged and 20 packaged spice samples frequently used as flavoring in Turkish cuisine, as well as investigate the presence of toxin genes and antibiotic resistance in the isolates. A total of 48 B. cereus group bacteria were isolated from 27 of 70 (38.57%) spice samples. The prevalence of B. cereus group bacteria in packaged (25%, 5/20) and unpackaged (44%, 22/50) spice samples did not differ significantly (P ˃ 0.05). All B. cereus group isolates were identified as B. cereus sensu stricto (B. cereus) using molecular methods. The hemolytic activity tests revealed that the most strains (44/48, 91.67%) are β-hemolytic. The distributions of toxin genes in isolates were investigated by PCR. It was determined that all isolates were identified to have 2-8 toxin genes, except B. cereus SBC3. The three most common toxin genes were found to be nheA (47/48, 97.92%), nheB (46/48, 95.83%), and entFM (46/48, 95.83%). All B. cereus isolates were susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin, while 35.42% (17/48) showed resistance to erythromycin. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was detected in 8.3% (4/48) of B. cereus isolates, while 33.33% of the isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index values higher than 0.2. The findings indicate that B. cereus may pose a health risk in packaged and unpackaged spices if present in high quantities. Therefore, the presence of B. cereus strains in both packaged and unpackaged spices should be monitored regarding consumer health and product safety. | 2023 | 38031610 |
| 6116 | 17 | 0.9423 | Identification of plasmid encoded osmoregulatory genes from halophilic bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of halophytes. Bacterial plasmids carry genes that code for additional traits such as osmoregulation, CO(2) fixation, antibiotic and heavy metal resistance, root nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The main objective of the current study was to identify plasmid-conferring osmoregulatory genes in bacteria isolated from rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils of halophytes (Salsola stocksii and Atriplex amnicola). More than 55% of halophilic bacteria from the rhizosphere and 70% from non-rhizospheric soils were able to grow at 3 M salt concentrations. All the strains showed optimum growth at 1.5-3.0 M NaCl. Bacterial strains from the Salsola rhizosphere showed maximum (31%) plasmid elimination during curing experiments as compared to bacterial strains from the Atriplex rhizosphere and non-rhizospheric soils. Two plasmid cured strains Bacillus HL2HP6 and Oceanobacillus HL2RP7 lost their ability to grow in halophilic medium, but they grew well on LB medium. The plasmid cured strains also showed a change in sensitivity to specific antibiotics. These plasmids were isolated and transformed into E. coli strains and growth response of wild-type and transformed E. coli strains was compared at 1.5-4 M NaCl concentrations. Chromosomal DNA and plasmids from Bacillus filamentosus HL2HP6 were sequenced by using high throughput sequencing approach. Results of functional analysis of plasmid sequences showed different proteins and enzymes involved in osmoregulation of bacteria, such as trehalose, ectoine synthetase, porins, proline, alanine, inorganic ion transporters, dehydrogenases and peptidases. Our results suggested that plasmid conferring osmoregulatory genes play a vital role to maintain internal osmotic balance of bacterial cells and these genes can be used to develop salt tolerant transgenic crops. | 2019 | 31422229 |
| 6083 | 18 | 0.9421 | Bioactivity and genome analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GL18 isolated from the rhizosphere of Kobresia myosuroides in an alpine meadow. The unique eco-environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau breeds abundant microbial resources. In this research, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GL18, isolated from the rhizosphere of Kobresia myosuroides from an alpine meadow, and the antagonistic activity, bacteriostatic hydrolase activity, and low temperature, salt, and drought resistance of it were determined and analysed. The seedlings of Avena sativa were root-irrigated using bacteria suspensions (cell concentration 1 × 10(7) cfu/mL) of GL18, and the growth-promoting effect of GL18 on it was determined under cold, salt and drought stress, respectively. The whole genome of GL18 was sequenced, and its functional genes were analysed. GL18 presented significant antagonistic activity to Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium acuminatum, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger (inhibition zone diameter > 17 mm). Transparent zones formed on four hydrolase detection media, indicating that GL18 secreted cellulase, protease, pectinase and β-1,3-glucanase. GL18 tolerated conditions of 10 °C, 11% NaCl and 15% PEG-6000, presenting cold, salt and drought resistance. GL18 improved the cold, salt and drought tolerance of A. sativa and it showed significant growth effects under different stress. The total length of the GL18 genome was 3,915,550 bp, and the number of coding DNA sequence was 3726. Compared with the clusters of orthologous groups of proteins, gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes databases, 3088, 2869 and 2357 functional genes were annotated, respectively. GL18 contained gene clusters related to antibacterial substances, functional genes related to the synthesis of plant growth-promoting substances, and encoding genes related to stress resistance. This study identified an excellent Bacillus strain and provided a theoretical basis for improving stress resistance and promoting the growth of herbages under abiotic stress. | 2024 | 38189906 |
| 6053 | 19 | 0.9420 | Probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from water-buffalo mozzarella cheese. This study evaluated the probiotic properties (stability at different pH values and bile salt concentration, auto-aggregation and co-aggregation, survival in the presence of antibiotics and commercial drugs, study of β-galactosidase production, evaluation of the presence of genes encoding MapA and Mub adhesion proteins and EF-Tu elongation factor, and the presence of genes encoding virulence factor) of four LAB strains (Lactobacillus casei SJRP35, Leuconostoc citreum SJRP44, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SJRP57 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides SJRP58) which produced antimicrobial substances (antimicrobial peptides). The strains survived the simulated GIT modeled in MRS broth, whole and skim milk. In addition, auto-aggregation and the cell surface hydrophobicity of all strains were high, and various degrees of co-aggregation were observed with indicator strains. All strains presented low resistance to several antibiotics and survived in the presence of commercial drugs. Only the strain SJRP44 did not produce the β-galactosidase enzyme. Moreover, the strain SJRP57 did not show the presence of any genes encoding virulence factors; however, the strain SJRP35 presented vancomycin resistance and adhesion of collagen genes, the strain SJRP44 harbored the ornithine decarboxylase gene and the strain SJRP58 generated positive results for aggregation substance and histidine decarboxylase genes. In conclusion, the strain SJRP57 was considered the best candidate as probiotic cultures for further in vivo studies and functional food products development. | 2014 | 25117002 |