Internalization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 following biological and mechanical disruption of growing spinach plants

Cultivar was more influential than bacterial strain and other experimental factors in recovery of Escherichia coli O157:H7 populations from inoculated live Romaine lettuce plants

The varied choice of bacterial strain, plant cultivar, and method used to inoculate, retrieve, and enumerate Escherichia coli O157:H7 from live plants could affect comparability among studies evaluating lettuce-enterobacterial interactions. Cultivar, bacterial strain, incubation time, leaf side inoculated, and sample processing method were assessed for their influence in recovering and quantifying E. coli O157:H7 from live Romaine lettuce. Cultivar exerted the strongest effect on E. coli O157:H7 counts, which held up even when cultivar was considered in interactions with other factors. Recovery from the popularly grown green Romaine "Rio Bravo" was higher than from the red variety "Outredgeous." Other modulating variables were incubation time, strain, and leaf side inoculated. Sample processing method was not significant. Incubation for 24 hours post-lettuce inoculation yielded greater counts than 48 hours, but was affected by lettuce cultivar, bacterial strain, and leaf side inoculated. Higher counts obtained for strain EDL933 compared to a lettuce outbreak strain 2705C emphasized the importance of selecting relevant strains for the system being studied. Inoculating the abaxial side of leaves gave higher counts than adaxial surface inoculation, although this factor interacted with strain and incubation period. Our findings highlight the importance of studying interactions between appropriate bacterial strains and plant cultivars for more relevant research results, and of standardizing inoculation and incubation procedures. The strong effect of cultivar exerted on the E. coli O157:H7-lettuce association supports the need to start reporting cultivar information for illness outbreaks to facilitate the identification and study of plant traits that impact food safety risk.IMPORTANCEThe contamination of Romaine lettuce with Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been linked to multiple foodborne disease outbreaks, but variability in the methods used to evaluate E. coli O157:H7 association with live lettuce plants complicates the comparability of different studies. In this study, various experimental variables and sample processing methods for recovering and quantifying E. coli O157:H7 from live Romaine lettuce were assessed. Cultivar was found to exert the strongest influence on E. coli O157:H7 retrieval from lettuce. Other modulating factors were bacterial incubation time on plants, strain, and leaf side inoculated, while sample processing method had no impact. Our findings highlight the importance of selecting relevant cultivars and strains, and of standardizing inoculation and incubation procedures, in these types of assessments. Moreover, results support the need to start reporting cultivars implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks to facilitate the identification and study of plant traits that impact food safety risk.

Internalisation of Salmonella spp. by Typha latifolia and Cyperus papyrus in vitro and implications for pathogen removal in Constructed Wetlands

ABSTRACTFreshwater contamination by enteric pathogens is implicated in the high frequency of diarrhoeal diseases in low to middle income countries, typically due to poor wastewater management. Constructed Wetlands are a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional/mechanical treatment technologies, but the pathogen removal mechanisms in Constructed Wetlands are not fully understood. This study investigated for the first time the internalisation of Salmonella spp. by Typha latifolia and Cyperus papyrus in hydroponic microcosms. Presence of Salmonella spp. within roots, rhizomes and shoots was assayed using agar-based methods over a period of 12 days. Concentration of Salmonella spp. in growth media showed 2.7 and 4.8 log unit reduction with T. latifolia and C. papyrus, respectively, and 1.8 and 6.0 log unit in unplanted units. Salmonella spp. was recovered from root and rhizome tissues of T. latifolia (up to 4.4 logCFU/g) and C. papyrus (up to 3.4 logCFU/g), and the bacteria were highly concentrated in the epidermis and cortex. However, Salmonella spp. was not detected in the stems and leaves of the two plant species. The present study demonstrates for the first time that these macrophytes internalise cells of Salmonella spp., which could be one pathogen removal mechanism employed by wetland plants.

Plant Bioactive Compounds as an Intrinsic and Sustainable Tool to Enhance the Microbial Safety of Crops

Outbreaks of produce-associated foodborne illness continue to pose a threat to human health worldwide. New approaches are necessary to improve produce safety. Plant innate immunity has potential as a host-based strategy for the deactivation of enteric pathogens. In response to various biotic and abiotic threats, plants mount defense responses that are governed by signaling pathways. Once activated, these result in the release of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in addition to secondary metabolites that aim at tempering microbial infection and pest attack. These phytochemicals have been investigated as alternatives to chemical sanitization, as many are effective antimicrobial compounds in vitro. Their antagonistic activity toward enteric pathogens may also provide an intrinsic hurdle to their viability and multiplication in planta. Plants can detect and mount basal defenses against enteric pathogens. Evidence supports the role of plant bioactive compounds in the physiology of Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes as well as their fitness on plants. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of the effect of phytochemicals on enteric pathogens and their colonization of plants. Further understanding of the interplay between foodborne pathogens and the chemical environment on/in host plants may have lasting impacts on crop management for enhanced microbial safety through translational applications in plant breeding, editing technologies, and defense priming.

Determination of Salmonella enterica Leaf Internalization Varies Substantially According to the Method and Conditions Used to Assess Bacterial Localization

In a previous study, comparing the internalization of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium in various leaves by confocal microscopy, we have demonstrated that the pathogen failed to internalize tomato leaves. Numerous reasons may account for these findings, yet one such factor might be the methodology employed to quantify leaf internalization. To this end, we have systematically studied leaf localization of a Green-fluorescent protein-labeled Salmonella strain in tomato, lettuce, and Arabidopsis leaves by surface sterilization and enumeration of the surviving bacteria, side by side, with confocal microscopy observations. Leaf sterilization was performed using either sodium hypochlorite, silver nitrate, or ethanol for 1 to 7min. The level of internalization varied according to the type of disinfectant used for surface sterilization and the treatment time. Treatment of tomato leaves with 70% ethanol for up to 7min suggested possible internalization of Salmonella, while confocal microscopy showed no internalization. In the case of in lettuce and Arabidopsis leaves, both the plate-count technique and confocal microscopy demonstrated considerable Salmonella internalization thought different sterilization conditions resulted in variations in the internalization levels. Our findings highlighted the dependency of the internalization results on the specific disinfection protocol used to determine bacterial localization. The results underscore the importance of confocal microscopy in validating a particular surface sterilization protocol whenever a new pair of bacterial strain and plant cultivar is studied.

Transmission of Escherichia coli from Manure to Root Zones of Field-Grown Lettuce and Leek Plants

Pathogenic Escherichia coli strains are responsible for food-borne disease outbreaks upon consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. The aim of this study was to establish the transmission route of E. coli strain 0611, as proxy for human pathogenic E. coli, via manure, soil and plant root zones to the above-soil plant compartments. The ecological behavior of the introduced strain was established by making use of a combination of cultivation-based and molecular targeted and untargeted approaches. Strain 0611 CFUs and specific molecular targets were detected in the root zones of lettuce and leek plants, even up to 272 days after planting in the case of leek plants. However, no strain 0611 colonies were detected in leek leaves, and only in one occasion a single colony was found in lettuce leaves. Therefore, it was concluded that transmission of E. coli via manure is not the principal contamination route to the edible parts of both plant species grown under field conditions in this study. Strain 0611 was shown to accumulate in root zones of both species and metagenomic reads of this strain were retrieved from the lettuce rhizosphere soil metagenome library at a level of Log 4.11 CFU per g dry soil.

Photocatalytically Enhanced Inactivation of Internalized Pathogenic Bacteria in Fresh Produce Using UV Irradiation with Nano-Titanium Dioxide

ABSTRACT

Once pathogens are internalized in fresh produce, they pose a challenging food safety issue because they are not effectively inactivated by conventional rinsing or sanitization. To protect food safety and public health, the objectives of this study were to examine internalized levels of foodborne pathogens in different types of fresh produce and to investigate the effectiveness of photocatalytically enhanced inactivation of internalized pathogens in fresh produce using UV irradiation with titanium dioxide (TiO2). For this, green fluorescent protein-labeled Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were inoculated on the leaf surface of four types of fresh produce (∼108 CFU per leaf), and varying concentrations of TiO2 suspension (0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 μg/mL) were applied to the surface of contaminated leaves. Depending on the nature of each vegetable, the internalized bacterial level differed (2 to 5 log CFU/g of leaf). When UV irradiation (6,000 J/m2) was applied, the internalized Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli levels were reduced by 0.8 to 2.4 log CFU per leaf; with TiO2, the reduction was 1.1 to 3.7 log CFU per leaf. The inactivation efficiency increased as the TiO2 concentration increased (up to 1.50 μg per leaf). These results indicate that TiO2 application enhanced the photocatalytic inactivation of internalized foodborne pathogens. The application of TiO2 would be most practical before UV irradiation and before distributing the produce. This study established a platform for future research on the inactivation of various internalized pathogens for protecting public health and scaling up fresh produce treatments by the food industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

Size Matters: Biological and Food Safety Relevance of Leaf Damage for Colonization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 gfp

This study examined the biological and food safety relevance of leaf lesions for potential invasion of food pathogens into the plant tissue (internalization). This was done by determining the role of artificial leaf damage in terms of damaged leaf area on proliferation of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+. In a two-factorial experiment, unwashed fresh baby leaf spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) was subjected to four damage levels (undamaged, low, moderate, high damage; factor 1) and three incubation intervals (0, 1, 2 days post-inoculation; factor 2). Individual leaves were immersed for 15 s in a suspension loaded with E. coli O157:H7 gfp+ (10⁶ CFU × mL^–1). The leaves were analyzed individually using image analysis tools to quantify leaf area and number and size of lesions, and using confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy to visualize leaf lesions and presence of the introduced E. coli strain on and within the leaf tissue. Prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 gfp+ was assessed using a culture-dependent technique. The results showed that size of individual lesions and damaged leaf area affected depth of invasion into plant tissue, dispersal to adjacent areas, and number of culturable E. coli O157:H7 gfp+ directly after inoculation. Differences in numbers of the inoculant retrieved from leaf macerate evened out from 2 days post-inoculation, indicating rapid proliferation during the first day post-inoculation. Leaf weight was a crucial factor, as lighter spinach leaves (most likely younger leaves) were more prone to harbor E. coli O157:H7 gfp+, irrespective of damage level. At the high inoculum density used, the risk of consumers’ infection was almost 100%, irrespective of incubation duration or damage level. Even macroscopically intact leaves showed a high risk for infection. These results suggest that the risk to consumers is correlated with how early in the food chain the leaves are contaminated, and the degree of leaf damage. These findings should be taken into account in different steps of leafy green processing. Further attention should be paid to the fate of viable, but non-culturable, shiga-toxigenic E. coli on and in ready-to-eat leafy vegetables.

The Role of Pea (Pisum sativum) Seeds in Transmission of Entero-Aggregative Escherichia coli to Growing Plants

Crop plants can become contaminated with human pathogenic bacteria in agro-production systems. Some of the transmission routes of human pathogens to growing plants are well explored such as water, manure and soil, whereas others are less explored such as seeds. Fenugreek seeds contaminated with the entero-hemorrhagic Escherichia coli O104:H4 were suspected to be the principle vectors for transmission of the pathogen to sprouts at the food-borne disease outbreak in Hamburg and surrounding area in 2011. In this study we raised the questions of whether cells of the entero-aggregative E. coli O104:H4 strain 55989 is capable of colonizing developing plants from seeds and if it would be possible that, via plant internalization, these cells can reach the developing embryonic tissue of the next generation of seeds. To address these questions, we followed the fate of strain 55989 and of two other E. coli strains from artificially contaminated seeds to growing plants, and from developing flower tissue to mature seeds upon proximate introductions to the plant reproductive organs. Escherichia coli strains differing in origin, adherence properties to epithelial cells, and virulence profile were used in our experimentation to relate eventual differences in seed and plant colonization to typical E. coli properties. Experiments were conducted under realistic growth circumstances in greenhouse and open field settings. Entero-aggregative E. coli strain 55989 and the two other E. coli strains were able to colonize the root compartment of pea plants from inoculated seeds. In roots and rhizosphere soil, the strains could persist until the senescent stage of plant growth, when seeds had ripened. Colonization of the above-soil parts was only temporary at the start of plant growth for all three E. coli strains and, therefore, the conclusion was drawn that translocation of E. coli cells via the vascular tissue of the stems to developing pea seeds seems unlikely under circumstances realistic for agricultural practices. Proximate introductions of cells of E. coli strains to developing flowers also did not result in internal seed contamination, indicating that internal seed contamination with E. coli is an unlikely event. The fact that all three E. coli strains showed stronger preference for the root-soil zones of growing pea plants than for the above soil plant compartments, in spite of their differences in clinical behaviour and origin, indicate that E. coli in general will colonize root compartments of crop plants in production systems.

Diversity of bacterial endophyte in Eucalyptus clones and their implications in water stress tolerance

The genus Eucalyptus with over 747 species occurs in wide ecological range and is preferred for bioenergy plantations due to their short rotation, rapid growth and superior wood properties. They are planted in 22 million ha area and India is third largest planter of Eucalyptus. In the present study, the bacterial endophyte community in leaves of six Eucalyptus clones belonging to E. tereticornis and E. camaldulensis was assessed by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The clones were selected based on their response to progressive water stress. A total of 4947 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained and the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Escherichia coli was enriched in all samples at species level. Comparison of endophyte diversity was conducted between the two species and across the water stress tolerant and susceptible clones. The alpha-diversity analysis revealed that species richness and diversity was high in E. camaldulensis and water stress susceptible clones. LefSe analysis predicted 69 and 54 significantly enriched taxonomic biomarkers between species and stress response groups respectively. A maximum of 49 taxonomic biomarkers were recorded in susceptible group and the significantly enriched species were Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Turicibacter sanguinis, while the tolerant group documented 5 biomarkers including oscillibacter sp. The presence of functional biomarkers was also assessed in both the groups. The findings of the present study provides an insight into the diversity of bacterial endophyte in Eucalyptus leaves and to our knowledge this is the first report on documenting the endophyte abundance in water stress responsive Eucalyptus clones.

Contamination of spinach at germination: A route to persistence and environmental reintroduction by Salmonella

The effects of using contaminated seed and water on the persistence and internalization of Salmonella Newport in organic spinach cultivars- Lazio, Space, Emilia and Waitiki were studied. Seeds were contaminated by either immersing in a suspension of Salmonella and then sprouted or were sprouted in Salmonella contaminated water in the dark at 25 °C. After 5 days, germinated sprouts were analyzed for S. Newport population and internalization. Germinated sprouts were potted in soil and grown in a plant incubator for 4 weeks. Leaves, stems and roots were sampled for Salmonella population by plating on CHROMagar™. Plants surface-sterilized with chlorine were analyzed for internalized pathogen. Potting soil and water runoff were sampled for Salmonella after 4 weeks of plant growth. Contaminated seeds and irrigation water had S. Newport populations of 7.64±0.43 log CFU/g and 7.12±0.04 log CFU/ml, respectively. Sprouts germinated using contaminated water or seeds had S. Newport populations of 8.09±0.04 and 8.08±0.03 log CFU/g, respectively and had a Salmonella population that was significantly higher than other spinach tissues (P<0.05). Populations of S. Newport in leaves, stem and roots of spinach plants were as follows: contaminated seed- 2.82±1.69, 1.69±0.86, and 4.41±0.62 log CFU/ml; contaminated water- 3.56±0.90, 3.04±0.31, and 4.03±0.42 log CFU/ml of macerated tissue suspension, respectively. Internalization was observed in plants developing from contaminated seeds and in sprouts germinated using contaminated water. S. Newport populations of 2.82±0.70 log CFU/g and 1.76±0.46 log CFU/ml were recovered from soil and water runoff, respectively. The results indicate that contamination of spinach during germination can result in persistence, internalization and environmental reintroduction of Salmonella.

Leaf Surface Topography Contributes to the Ability of Escherichia coli on Leafy Greens to Resist Removal by Washing, Escape Disinfection With Chlorine, and Disperse Through Splash

The attachment of foodborne pathogens to leaf surfaces is a complex process that involves multiple physical, chemical, and biological factors. Here, we report the results from a study designed to specifically determine the contribution of spinach leaf surface topography as it relates to leaf axis (abaxial and adaxial) and leaf age (15, 45, and 75 days old) to the ability of Escherichia coli to resist removal by surface wash, to avoid inactivation by chlorine, and to disperse through splash impact. We used fresh spinach leaves, as well as so-called "replicasts" of spinach leaf surfaces in the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane to show that leaf vein density correlated positively with the failure to recover E. coli from surfaces, not only using a simple water wash and rinse, but also a more stringent wash protocol involving a detergent. Such failure was more pronounced when E. coli was surface-incubated at 24°C compared to 4°C, and in the presence, rather than absence, of nutrients. Leaf venation also contributed to the ability of E. coli to survive a 50 ppm available chlorine wash and to laterally disperse by splash impact. Our findings suggest that the topographical properties of the leafy green surface, which vary by leaf age and axis, may need to be taken into consideration when developing prevention or intervention strategies to enhance the microbial safety of leafy greens.

Adherence factors of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain Sakai influence its uptake into the roots of Valerianella locusta grown in soil

Increasing numbers of outbreaks caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are associated with the consumption of contaminated fresh produce. The contamination of the plants may occur directly on the field via irrigation water, surface water, manure or fecal contamination. Suggesting a low infectious dose of 10 to 102 cells, internalization of EHEC into plant tissue presents a serious public health threat. Therefore, the ability of EHEC O157:H7 strain Sakai to adhere to and internalize into root tissues of the lamb's lettuce Valerianella locusta was investigated under the environmental conditions of a greenhouse. Moreover, the influence of the two adherence and colonization associated genes hcpA and iha was surveyed regarding their role for attachment and invasion. Upon soil contamination, the number of root-internalized cells of EHEC O157:H7 strain Sakai exceeded 102 cfu/g roots. Deletion of one or both of the adherence factor genes did not alter the overall attachment of EHEC O157:H7 strain Sakai to the roots, but significantly reduced the numbers of internalized bacteria by a factor of between 10 and 30, indicating their importance for invasion of EHEC O157:H7 strain Sakai into plant roots. This study identified intrinsic bacterial factors that play a crucial role during the internalization of EHEC O157:H7 strain Sakai into the roots of Valerianella locusta grown under the growth conditions in a greenhouse.

Evaluation of post-contamination survival and persistence of applied attenuated E. coli O157:H7 and naturally-contaminating E. coli O157:H7 on spinach under field conditions and following postharvest handling

This study determined the variability in population uniformity of an applied mixture of attenuated E. coli O157:H7 (attEcO157) on spinach leaves as impacted by sampling mass and detection technique over spatial and temporal conditions. Opportunistically, the survival and distribution of naturally contaminating pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 (EcO157), in a single packaged lot following commercial postharvest handling and washing, was also evaluated. From the main study outcomes, differences in the applied inoculum dose of 100-fold, resulted in indistinguishable population densities of approximately Log 1.1 CFU g^-1 by 14 days post-inoculation (DPI). Composite leaf samples of 150 g and the inclusion of the spinach petiole resulted in the greatest numerical sensitivity of detection of attEcO157 when compared to 25 and 150 g samples without petioles (P < 0.05). Differences in population density and protected-site survival and potential leaf internalization were observed between growing seasons and locations in California (P < 0.05). A Double Weibull model best described and identified two distinct populations with different inactivation rates of the inoculated attEcO157. Linear die-off rates varied between 0.14 and 0.29 Log/Day irrespective of location. Detection of EcO157- stx1-negative and stx2-positive, resulting from a natural contamination event, was observed in 11 of 26 quarantined commercial units of washed spinach by applying the 150 g sample mass protocol. The capacity to detect EcO157 varied between commercial test kits and non-commercial qPCR. Our findings suggest the need for modifications to routine pathogen sampling protocols employed for lot acceptance of spinach and other leafy greens.

Internalization and dissemination of human norovirus and Tulane virus in fresh produce is plant dependent

Human norovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of fresh produce associated outbreaks. Previous research indicates that the roots of growing leafy greens and berries internalize human NoV. However the effect of plant type and inoculum level on internalization rates has not been directly compared. In this study we compared the internalization and dissemination rates of human NoV and its surrogate, Tulane virus (TV) in green onion, radishes, and Romaine lettuce. We also evaluated the effect inoculum level and plant growth matrix on the rate of viral internalization. In the hydroponic growth system, we detected internalization and dissemination of human NoV RNA in green onions. In hydroponically growing green onions inoculated with high titer TV, we found higher rates of internalization and dissemination compared to green onions inoculated with low titer TV. In soil growth systems, no infectious TV was detected in either green onion or radishes. However, in Romaine lettuce plants grown in soil approximately 4 log10 PFU/g was recovered from all tissues on day 14 p.i. Overall, we found that the type of plant, growth matrix, and the inoculum level influences the internalization and dissemination of human NoV and TV.

Microbiomes associated with infective stages of root-knot and lesion nematodes in soil

Endoparasitic root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) and lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) nematodes cause considerable damage in agriculture. Before they invade roots to complete their life cycle, soil microbes can attach to their cuticle or surface coat and antagonize the nematode directly or by induction of host plant defenses. We investigated whether the nematode-associated microbiome in soil differs between infective stages of Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus penetrans, and whether it is affected by variation in the composition of microbial communities among soils. Nematodes were incubated in suspensions of five organically and two integrated horticultural production soils, recovered by sieving and analyzed for attached bacteria and fungi after washing off loosely adhering microbes. Significant effects of the soil type and nematode species on nematode-associated fungi and bacteria were revealed as analyzed by community profiling using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Attached microbes represented a small specific subset of the soil microbiome. Two organic soils had very similar bacterial and fungal community profiles, but one of them was strongly suppressive towards root-knot nematodes. They were selected for deep amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS. Significant differences among the microbiomes associated with the two species in both soils suggested specific surface epitopes. Among the 28 detected bacterial classes, Betaproteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria were the most abundant. The most frequently detected fungal genera were Malassezia, Aspergillus and Cladosporium. Attached microbiomes did not statistically differ between these two soils. However, Malassezia globosa and four fungal species of the family Plectosphaerellaceae, and the bacterium Neorhizobium galegae were strongly enriched on M. incognita in the suppressive soil. In conclusion, the highly specific attachment of microbes to infective stages of phytonematodes in soil suggested an ecological role of this association and might be involved in soil suppressiveness towards them.

Postharvest Survival of Porcine Sapovirus, a Human Norovirus Surrogate, on Phytopathogen-Infected Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are increasingly being recognized as an important vehicle for human noroviruses (HuNoV), which cause recurring gastroenteritis outbreaks. Leafy greens often become infected by phytopathogens in the field, which may cause symptoms on the edible parts. Whether plant pathogen infections enhance the survival of HuNoV on leafy greens is unknown. Lettuce and spinach plants were infected with a bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians strain 701a, and with Cucumber mosaic virus strain Fny, respectively. The survival rate of porcine sapovirus (SaV), a HuNoV surrogate, on infected and noninfected postharvest leaves was then assessed. In addition, acibenzolar-S-methyl, a commercial chemical elicitor of plant systemic defense, was used to assess whether stimulating the plant host defense affects the postharvest survival of SaV. Leaves harvested from control and treated plants were inoculated with SaV and incubated for 7 days at 4°C. The infectivity (tissue culture infectious dose affecting 50% of the culture [TCID50]/ml) and RNA (genomic equivalent/ml) titers of SaV were assayed using immunohistochemistry staining and SaV-specific TaqMan real-time reverse transcription PCR. Our results showed that cucumber mosaic virus Fny induced mild, nonnecrotic symptoms on spinach leaves and had no effect on SaV survival. In contrast, X. campestris pv. vitians 701a induced small localized necrotic lesions and significantly enhanced SaV survival on lettuce leaves. Treatment with acibenzolar-S-methyl was effective in reducing X. campestris pv. vitians 701a-induced lesions on infected lettuce plants but had no direct effect on SaV survival when used on healthy lettuce plants. These findings indicate that phytopathogen-induced necrotic lesions may enhance the postharvest survival of HuNoV on lettuce leaves. Therefore, preventive measures aiming to maintain healthy plants and minimize preharvest biological damage are expected to improve the safety of leafy greens.

Downy mildew disease promotes the colonization of romaine lettuce by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica

BACKGROUND

Downy mildew, a plant disease caused by the oomycete Bremia lactucae, is endemic in many lettuce-growing regions of the world. Invasion by plant pathogens may create new portals and opportunities for microbial colonization of plants. The occurrence of outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157) and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infections linked to lettuce prompted us to investigate the role of downy mildew in the colonization of romaine lettuce by these human pathogens under controlled laboratory conditions.

RESULTS

Whereas both EcO157 and S. Typhimurium population sizes increased 10(2)-fold on healthy leaf tissue under conditions of warm temperature and free water on the leaves, they increased by 10(5)-fold in necrotic lesions caused by B. lactucae. Confocal microscopy of GFP-EcO157 in the necrotic tissue confirmed its massive population density and association with the oomycete hyphae. Multiplication of EcO157 in the diseased tissue was significantly lower in the RH08-0464 lettuce line, which has a high level of resistance to downy mildew than in the more susceptible cultivar Triple Threat. qRT-PCR quantification of expression of the plant basal immunity gene PR-1, revealed that this gene had greater transcriptional activity in line RH08-0464 than in cultivar Triple Threat, indicating that it may be one of the factors involved in the differential growth of the human pathogen in B. lactucae lesions between the two lettuce accessions. Additionally, downy mildew disease had a significant effect on the colonization of EcO157 at high relative humidity (RH 90-100%) and on its persistence at lower RH (65-75%). The latter conditions, which promoted overall dryness of the lettuce leaf surface, allowed for only 0.0011% and 0.0028% EcO157 cell survival in healthy and chlorotic tissue, respectively, whereas 1.58% of the cells survived in necrotic tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that downy mildew significantly alters the behavior of enteric pathogens in the lettuce phyllosphere and that breeding for resistance to B. lactucae may lower the increased risk of microbial contamination caused by this plant pathogen.

Concomitant uptake of antimicrobials and Salmonella in soil and into lettuce following wastewater irrigation

The use of wastewater for irrigation may introduce antimicrobials and human pathogens into the food supply through vegetative uptake. The objective of this study was to investigate the uptake of three antimicrobials and Salmonella in two lettuce cultivars. After repeated subirrigation with synthetic wastewater, lettuce leaves and soil were collected at three sequential harvests. The internalization frequency of Salmonella in lettuce was low. A soil horizon-influenced Salmonella concentration gradient was determined with concentrations in bottom soil 2 log CFU/g higher than in top soil. Lincomycin and sulfamethoxazole were recovered from lettuce leaves at concentrations as high as 822 ng/g and 125 ng/g fresh weight, respectively. Antimicrobial concentrations in lettuce decreased from the first to the third harvest suggesting that the plant growth rate may exceed antimicrobial uptake rates. Accumulation of antimicrobials was significantly different between cultivars demonstrating a subspecies level variation in uptake of antibiotics in lettuce.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of the Salmonella-lettuce interaction

Human pathogens can internalize food crops through root and surface uptake and persist inside crop plants. The goal of the study was to elucidate the global modulation of bacteria and plant protein expression after Salmonella internalizes lettuce. A quantitative proteomic approach was used to analyse the protein expression of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis and lettuce cultivar Green Salad Bowl 24 h after infiltrating S. Infantis into lettuce leaves. Among the 50 differentially expressed proteins identified by comparing internalized S. Infantis against S. Infantis grown in Luria Broth, proteins involved in glycolysis were down-regulated, while one protein involved in ascorbate uptake was up-regulated. Stress response proteins, especially antioxidant proteins, were up-regulated. The modulation in protein expression suggested that internalized S. Infantis might utilize ascorbate as a carbon source and require multiple stress response proteins to cope with stresses encountered in plants. On the other hand, among the 20 differentially expressed lettuce proteins, proteins involved in defense response to bacteria were up-regulated. Moreover, the secreted effector PipB2 of S. Infantis and R proteins of lettuce were induced after bacterial internalization into lettuce leaves, indicating human pathogen S. Infantis triggered the defense mechanisms of lettuce, which normally responds to plant pathogens.

Surface survival and internalization of salmonella through natural cracks on developing cantaloupe fruits, alone or in the presence of the melon wilt pathogen Erwinia tracheiphila

Outbreaks of foodborne illness attributed to the consumption of Salmonella-tainted cantaloupe have occurred repeatedly, but understanding of the ecology of Salmonella on cantaloupe fruit surfaces is limited. We investigated the interactions between Salmonella enterica Poona, the plant pathogenic bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila, and cantaloupe fruit. Fruit surfaces were inoculated at the natural cracking stage by spreading S. enterica and E. tracheiphila, 20 µl at 107 cfu/ml, independently or together, over a 2×2 cm rind area containing a crack. Microbial and microscopic analyses were performed at 0, 9 and 24 days post inoculation (DPI). Even at 24 DPI (fruit maturity) S. enterica was detected on 14% and 40% of the fruit inoculated with S. enterica alone and the two-pathogen mixture, respectively. However, the population of S. enterica declined gradually after initial inoculation. E. tracheiphila, inoculated alone or together with Salmonella, caused watersoaked lesions on cantaloupe fruit; but we could not conclude in this study that S. enterica survival on the fruit surface was enhanced by the presence of those lesions. Of fruit inoculated with E. tracheiphila alone and sampled at 24 DPI, 61% had watersoaked lesions on the surface. In nearly half of those symptomatic fruits the watersoaking extended into the sub-rind mesocarp, and E. tracheiphila was recovered from that tissue in 50% of the symptomatic fruit. In this work, E. tracheiphila internalized through natural cracks on developing fruits. S. enterica was never detected in the fruit interior (ca. 2-3 mm below rind surface) under the limited conditions of our experiments, but the possibility that it, or other human pathogens that contaminate fresh produce, might also do so should be investigated under a wider range of conditions and produce types.

The arable ecosystem as battleground for emergence of new human pathogens

Disease incidences related to Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica infections by consumption of (fresh) vegetables, sprouts, and occasionally fruits made clear that these pathogens are not only transmitted to humans via the "classical" routes of meat, eggs, and dairy products, but also can be transmitted to humans via plants or products derived from plants. Nowadays, it is of major concern that these human pathogens, especially the ones belonging to the taxonomical family of Enterobacteriaceae, become adapted to environmental habitats without losing their virulence to humans. Adaptation to the plant environment would lead to longer persistence in plants, increasing their chances on transmission to humans via consumption of plant-derived food. One of the mechanisms of adaptation to the plant environment in human pathogens, proposed in this paper, is horizontal transfer of genes from different microbial communities present in the arable ecosystem, like the ones originating from soil, animal digestive track systems (manure), water and plants themselves. Genes that would confer better adaptation to the phytosphere might be genes involved in plant colonization, stress resistance and nutrient acquisition and utilization. Because human pathogenic enterics often were prone to genetic exchanges via phages and conjugative plasmids, it was postulated that these genetic elements may be hold key responsible for horizontal gene transfers between human pathogens and indigenous microbes in agroproduction systems. In analogy to zoonosis, we coin the term phytonosis for a human pathogen that is transmitted via plants and not exclusively via animals.

Response of Medicago truncatula seedlings to colonization by Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157:H7

Disease outbreaks due to the consumption of legume seedlings contaminated with human enteric bacterial pathogens like Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica are reported every year. Besides contaminations occurring during food processing, pathogens present on the surface or interior of plant tissues are also responsible for such outbreaks. In the present study, surface and internal colonization of Medicago truncatula, a close relative of alfalfa, by Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were observed even with inoculum levels as low as two bacteria per plant. Furthermore, expression analyses revealed that approximately 30% of Medicago truncatula genes were commonly regulated in response to both of these enteric pathogens. This study highlights that very low inoculum doses trigger responses from the host plant and that both of these human enteric pathogens may in part use similar mechanisms to colonize legume seedlings.

Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival in soil and translocation into leeks (Allium porrum) as influenced by an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices)

A study was conducted to determine the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) in autoclaved soil and translocation into leek plants. Six-week-old leek plants (with [Myc+] or without [Myc-] AM fungi) were inoculated with composite suspensions of Salmonella or EHEC at ca. 8.2 log CFU/plant into soil. Soil, root, and shoot samples were analyzed for pathogens on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 postinoculation. Initial populations (day 1) were ca. 3.1 and 2.1 log CFU/root, ca. 2.0 and 1.5 log CFU/shoot, and ca. 5.5 and 5.1 CFU/g of soil for Salmonella and EHEC, respectively. Enrichments indicated that at days 8 and 22, only 31% of root samples were positive for EHEC, versus 73% positive for Salmonella. The mean Salmonella level in soil was 3.4 log CFU/g at day 22, while EHEC populations dropped to ≤ 0.75 log CFU/g by day 15. Overall, Salmonella survived in a greater number of shoot, root, and soil samples, compared with the survival of EHEC. EHEC was not present in Myc- shoots after day 8 (0/16 samples positive); however, EHEC persisted in higher numbers (P = 0.05) in Myc+ shoots (4/16 positive) at days 15 and 22. Salmonella, likewise, survived in statistically higher numbers of Myc+ shoot samples (8/8) at day 8, compared with survival in Myc- shoots (i.e., only 4/8). These results suggest that AM fungi may potentially enhance the survival of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in the stems of growing leek plants.

Risk factors for microbial contamination in fruits and vegetables at the preharvest level: a systematic review

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of risk factors for contamination of fruits and vegetables with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 at the preharvest level. Relevant studies were identified by searching six electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, AGRIS, AGRICOLA, and FSTA, using the following thesaurus terms: L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli O157 AND fruit, vegetable. All search terms were exploded to find all related subheadings. To be eligible, studies had to be prospective controlled trials or observational studies at the preharvest level and had to show clear and sufficient information on the process in which the produce was contaminated. Of the 3,463 citations identified, 68 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Most of these studies were on leafy greens and tomatoes. Six studies assessed produce contamination with respect to animal host-related risk factors, and 20 studies assessed contamination with respect to pathogen characteristics. Sixty-two studies assessed the association between produce contamination and factors related to produce, water, and soil, as well as local ecological conditions of the production location. While evaluations of many risk factors for preharvest-level produce contamination have been reported, the quality assessment of the reviewed studies confirmed the existence of solid evidence for only some of them, including growing produce on clay-type soil, the application of contaminated or non-pH-stabilized manure, and the use of spray irrigation with contaminated water, with a particular risk of contamination on the lower leaf surface. In conclusion, synthesis of the reviewed studies suggests that reducing microbial contamination of irrigation water and soil are the most effective targets for the prevention and control of produce contamination. Furthermore, this review provides an inventory of the evaluated risk factors, including those requiring more research.

Presence and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on lettuce leaves and in soil treated with contaminated compost and irrigation water

Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with produce consumption have brought attention to contaminated compost manure, and polluted irrigation water as potential sources of pathogens for the contamination of these crops. The aim of this study was to determine the potential transfer of E. coli O157:H7 from soil fertilized with contaminated compost or irrigated with contaminated water to edible parts of lettuce together with its persistence in soil under field conditions in two different seasons (fall and spring). Moreover, its survival on lettuce sprinkled with contaminated irrigation water was evaluated, as well as the prevalence of aerobic mesophilic, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae in control lettuce samples. Four treatments, contaminated compost, surface and sprinkle irrigation with contaminated water and uninoculated pots, were used in this work. Contaminated compost was applied to soil in the pots before lettuce was transplanted and contaminated irrigation water was applied twice and three times on the plants after the seedlings were transplanted, for sprinkle and surface irrigation, respectively. E. coli O157:H7 survived in soil samples for 9 weeks at levels, 4.50 log cfu gdw(-1) (dw, dry weight) in fall and 1.50 log cfu gdw(-1) in spring. The pathogen survives better in fall, indicating an important influence of environmental factors. E. coli O157:H7 population in lettuce leaves after sprinkle irrigation was very high (between 10(3) and 10(6) cfu g(-1)), but decreased to undetectable levels at field conditions. There was also transfer of E. coli O157:H7 from soil contaminated with compost or irrigated with contaminated water to lettuce leaves, mainly to the outer ones. The mean counts for aerobic mesophilic, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae populations were also influenced by environmental conditions; higher levels were observed under fall conditions than in spring conditions. Contamination of lettuce plants in the field can occur through both contaminated composted manure and irrigation water and persist for several months.

Human enteric pathogen internalization by root uptake into food crops

With an increasing number of outbreaks and illnesses associated with produce contaminated before harvest, understanding the potential and mechanisms of produce contamination by enteric pathogens can aid in the development of preventative and post-harvest processing measures to reduce microbial populations. Enteric pathogens localized at subsurface sites on leafy green plant tissue prevent their removal during washing and inactivation by sanitizers. Root uptake of enteric pathogens and subsequent internalization has been a large area of research with results varying due to differences in experimental design, systems tested, and pathogens and crops used. The potential for uptake of foodborne pathogen, both bacterial and viral, through roots into food crops is reviewed. Various factors shown to affect the ability of human pathogens to internalize include growth substrate (soil vs. hydroponic solution), plant developmental stage, pathogen genus and/or strain, inoculum level, and plant species and cultivar. Several mechanisms of internalization ("active" vs. "passive") of bacteria to plant roots have also been hypothesized.

Escherichia coli survival in lettuce fields following its introduction through different irrigation systems

AIMS

  This study aimed to assess the contamination risk of Escherichia coli in commercial lettuce grown under three different irrigation systems (overhead sprinkler, subsurface drip and surface furrow).

METHODS AND RESULTS

  Three replicated field trials were conducted. In an initial trial, we consistently observed higher mesophilic bacteria counts under sprinkler irrigation but visual quality was found to be dependent on the water potential of leaves at harvest. Further, in the other two trials, E. coli K-12 strains LMM1010 and ATCC 25253, was injected into the water stream of the different irrigation systems to determine survival in the field. Results showed that product samples were positive for E. coli up to 7 days when using sprinkler irrigation, whereas only one product sample was found positive for E. coli when using other irrigation methods. Survival of bacteria in soil persisted longer in furrow-irrigated areas, ranging from an estimated 17 days in winter months to 5 days during the warmer summer periods. This finding combined with results from a parallel 3-year survey of canal waters indicate that while highest risk of finding E. coli in irrigation water is in warmer months, the survival in soil is lower during the same time period.

CONCLUSIONS

  Our results in a study set under common commercial conditions confirmed the enhanced risk of E. coli contamination when using sprinkle irrigation. Furthermore, E. coli persistence in furrow-irrigated soil validates the importance of an early irrigation termination for both sprinkler and furrow methods.

Understanding the role of agricultural practices in the potential colonization and contamination by Escherichia coli in the rhizospheres of fresh produce

To better protect consumers from exposure to produce contaminated with Escherichia coli, the potential transfer of E. coli from manure or irrigation water to plants must be better understood. We used E. coli strains expressing bioluminescence (E. coli O157:H7 lux) or multiantibiotic resistance (E. coli²(+)) in this study. These marked strains enabled us to visualize in situ rhizosphere colonization and metabolic activity and to track the occurrence and survival of E. coli in soil, rhizosphere, and phyllosphere. When radish and lettuce seeds were treated with E. coli O157:H7 lux and grown in an agar-based growth system, rapid bacterial colonization of the germinating seedlings and high levels of microbial activity were seen. Introduction of E. coli²(+) to soil via manure or via manure in irrigation water showed that E. coli could establish itself in the lettuce rhizosphere. Regardless of introduction method, 15 days subsequent to its establishment in the rhizosphere, E. coli²(+) was detected on the phyllosphere of lettuce at an average number of 2.5 log CFU/g. When E. coli²(+) was introduced 17 and 32 days postseeding to untreated soil (rather than the plant surface) via irrigation, it was detected at low levels (1.4 log CFU/g) on the lettuce phyllosphere 10 days later. While E. coli²(+) persisted in the bulk and rhizosphere soil throughout the study period (day 41), it was not detected on the external portions of the phyllosphere after 27 days. Overall, we find that E. coli is mobile in the plant system and responds to the rhizosphere like other bacteria.

Transfer of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from soil, water, and manure contaminated with low numbers of the pathogen to lettuce plants

The sources of contamination of leafy greens remain unclear, but it is evident that contaminated water, soil amendments, and wildlife likely contribute. The objective of the present study was to determine transfer of low numbers of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from soil, manure-amended soil, and water to growing lettuce plants. Lettuce plants, young (12 days of age) or mature (30 days of age), were grown in soil, manure-amended soil, or irrigated with water containing 10(1), 10(2), 10(3), or 10(4) CFU E. coli O157:H7 per g or ml. Harvested plants were processed to determine whether E. coli O157:H7 was associated with the entire plant or within internal locations. Young plants (12 days) were harvested at 1, 10, 20, and 30 days postexposure. No samples were positive for E. coli O157:H7 after direct plating of serial dilutions. Enrichment of all samples from young plants exposed to contaminated soil, manure-amended soil, and irrigation water demonstrated that approximately 21% (113 of 552) of plants were positive for E. coli O157:H7. Approximately 30% (36 of 120) of the mature plants initially irrigated with or grown in contaminated soil (including manure-amended soil) for 15 days were positive for E. coli O157:H7. Based on sterilization of surface tissue, E. coli O157:H7 was in protected locations of lettuce tissue. The results suggest that lettuce exposed to, and grown in the presence of, low numbers of E. coli O157:H7 may become contaminated and thus present a human health risk.

Effects of plant maturity and growth media bacterial inoculum level on the surface contamination and internalization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in growing spinach leaves

The incidence of foodborne outbreaks linked to fresh produce has increased in the United States. Particularly noteworthy was the 2006 Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with prepackaged baby spinach. This study aimed to determine whether E. coli O157:H7 would be present in the aerial leaf tissue of a growing spinach plant when introduced at various plant maturities and different inoculum levels in a greenhouse setting. Spinach seeds of a commercial variety were sown in 8-in. (20.32-cm) pots. After seed germination, two levels (10(3) and 10(7) CFU/ml) of an E. coli O157:H7 green fluorescent protein-expressing strain were introduced into the plant growth media weekly for a total of five times. Inoculated spinach plants were examined weekly for the presence of E. coli O157:H7 on leaves and in surrounding growth media. Among 120 spinach plant samples examined for internal leaf contamination, only one yielded a positive result. Surface leaf contamination occurred occasionally and clustered between 3 and 5 weeks of age, but not among leaves younger than 3 weeks of age. On the other hand, when inoculated at the 10(7) CFU/ml level, the E. coli O157:H7 green fluorescent protein strain survived the entire cultivation period, although with gradually reduced levels. The experiments demonstrated that internalization of E. coli O157:H7 of growing spinach plant leaves under greenhouse conditions was a rare event, but surface contamination did occur, primarily when the plants reached 3 weeks of age. The study provided important data to further assess the association between spinach age and potential contamination of E. coli O157:H7.

Lack of internalization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) after leaf surface and soil inoculation

Survival and internalization characteristics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in iceberg, romaine, and leaf lettuce after inoculation of leaf surfaces and soil were determined. A five-strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 in water and cow manure extract was used as an inoculum for abaxial and adaxial sides of leaves at populations of 6 to 7 log and 4 log CFU per plant. The five strains were individually inoculated into soil at populations of 3 and 6 log CFU/g. Soil, leaves, and roots were analyzed for the presence and population of E. coli O157:H7. Ten (4.7%) of 212 samples of leaves inoculated on the adaxial side were positive for E. coli O157:H7, whereas 38 (17.9%) of 212 samples inoculated on the abaxial side were positive. E. coli O157:H7 survived for at least 25 days on leaf surfaces, with survival greater on the abaxial side of the leaves than on the adaxial side. All 212 rhizosphere samples and 424 surface-sanitized leaf and root samples from plants with inoculated leaves were negative for E. coli O157:H7, regardless of plant age at the time of inoculation or the location on the leaf receiving the inoculum. The pathogen survived in soil for at least 60 days. Five hundred ninety-eight (99.7%) of 600 surface-sanitized leaf and root samples from plants grown in inoculated soil were negative for E. coli O157:H7. Internalization of E. coli O157:H7 in lettuce leaves and roots did not occur, regardless of the type of lettuce, age of plants, or strain of E. coli O157:H7.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on the intact and damaged portions of lettuce and spinach leaves by using allyl isothiocyanate, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde in vapor phase

Antimicrobials in the vapor phase might be more effective in inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells attached to leafy greens than aqueous antimicrobials. We determined the activity of allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol against E. coli O157:H7 on intact and damaged lettuce and spinach tissue. Samples were treated with various concentrations of antimicrobial in the vapor phase at 0, 4, and 10 degrees C in an enclosed container. On intact lettuce surface, the vapor of the lowest concentration of these antimicrobials inactivated >4 log of E. coli O157:H7 at 0 and 4 degrees C in 4 days and at 10 degrees C in 2 days. However, at the tissue damaged by cutting, the highest concentration reduced the population by 4 log at 0 degrees C and 2 to 4 log at 4 degrees C in 4 days. These concentrations also reduced the population of the pathogen by 1 to 3 log at 10 degrees C in 2 days. The pathogen population on spinach surface was reduced by 1 log less than on lettuce surface. However, reduction of the pathogen within spinach tissue was 2 and 3 log less than within lettuce tissue at 0 and 4 degrees C, respectively. Overall, greater inactivation occurred on lettuce than spinach leaves and on the leaf surfaces than at the damaged area. Using antimicrobials in the vapor phase may improve the safety of refrigerated leafy greens marketed in sealed packages.

A novel approach to investigate the uptake and internalization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in spinach cultivated in soil and hydroponic medium

Internalization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 into spinach plants through root uptake is a potential route of contamination. A Tn7-based plasmid vector was used to insert a green fluorescent protein gene into the attTn7 site in the E. coli chromosome. Three green fluorescent protein-labeled E. coli inocula were used: produce outbreak O157:H7 strains RM4407 and RM5279 (inoculum 1), ground beef outbreak O157:H7 strain 86-24h11 (inoculum 2), and commensal strain HS (inoculum 3). These strains were cultivated in fecal slurries and applied at ca. 10(3) or 10(7) CFU/g to pasteurized soils in which baby spinach seedlings were planted. No E. coli was recovered by spiral plating from surface-sanitized internal tissues of spinach plants on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Inoculum 1 survived at significantly higher populations (P < 0.05) in the soil than did inoculum 3 after 14, 21, and 28 days, indicating that produce outbreak strains of E. coli O157:H7 may be less physiologically stressed in soils than are nonpathogenic E. coli isolates. Inoculum 2 applied at ca. 10(7) CFU/ml to hydroponic medium was consistently recovered by spiral plating from the shoot tissues of spinach plants after 14 days (3.73 log CFU per shoot) and 21 days (4.35 log CFU per shoot). Fluorescent E. coli cells were microscopically observed in root tissues in 23 (21%) of 108 spinach plants grown in inoculated soils. No internalized E. coli was microscopically observed in shoot tissue of plants grown in inoculated soil. These studies do not provide evidence for efficient uptake of E. coli O157:H7 from soil to internal plant tissue.

Effect of route of introduction and host cultivar on the colonization, internalization, and movement of the human pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 in spinach

Human pathogens can contaminate leafy produce in the field by various routes. We hypothesized that interactions between Escherichia coli O157:H7 and spinach are influenced by the route of introduction and the leaf microenvironment. E. coli O157:H7 labeled with green fluorescent protein was dropped onto spinach leaf surfaces, simulating bacteria-laden raindrops or sprinkler irrigation, and survived on the phylloplane for at least 14 days, with increasing titers and areas of colonization over time. The same strains placed into the rhizosphere by soil infiltration remained detectable on very few plants and in low numbers (10(2) to 10(6) CFU/g fresh tissue) that decreased over time. Stem puncture inoculations, simulating natural wounding, rarely resulted in colonization or multiplication. Bacteria forced into the leaf interior survived for at least 14 days in intercellular spaces but did not translocate or multiply. Three spinach cultivars with different leaf surface morphologies were compared for colonization by E. coli O157:H7 introduced by leaf drop or soil drench. After 2 weeks, cv. Bordeaux hosted very few bacteria. More bacteria were seen on cv. Space and were dispersed over an area of up to 0.3 mm2. The highest bacterial numbers were observed on cv. Tyee but were dispersed only up to 0.15 mm2, suggesting that cv. Tyee may provide protected niches or more nutrients or may promote stronger bacterial adherence. These findings suggest that the spinach phylloplane is a supportive niche for E. coli O157:H7, but no conclusive evidence was found for natural entry into the plant interior. The results are relevant for interventions aimed at minimizing produce contamination by human pathogens.

Concentration and detection of Salmonella in mung bean sprout spent irrigation water by use of tangential flow filtration coupled with an amperometric flowthrough enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The development of a culture-free method for Salmonella screening of spent irrigation water derived from sprouting mung bean beds is described. The system used tangential flow filtration (TFF) to nonspecifically concentrate cells from large (2- to 10-liter) sample volumes. The retentate (100 ml) from the TFF was then flowed over an anti-Salmonella antibody-modified cellulose acetate membrane. The captured Salmonella was detected by reacting with a secondary anti-Salmonella and goat anti-rabbit biotin labeled antibody, followed by avidin-tagged glucose oxidase. The hydrogen peroxide generated from the enzymic oxidation of glucose was amperometrically detected at an underlying platinum electrode. It was found that 10 liters of Salmonella suspensions of 2 log CFU/ml could be concentrated to 4 log CFU/ml with 60% recovery regardless of the flow rate (112 to 511 ml/min) or transmembrane pressure (0 to 20 lb/in2) applied. The solids content of spent irrigation water negatively affected the filtration rate of TFE. This was most evident in spent irrigation water collected in the initial 24 h of the sprouting period, where the solids content was high (4,170 mg/liter) compared with samples collected at 96 h (560 mg/ liter). Trials were performed using mung bean beds inoculated with different Salmonella levels (1.3 to 3.3 log CFU/g). By using the optimized TFF and flowthrough immunoassay it was possible to detect Salmonella in spent irrigation water at levels of 2.43 log CFU/ml within 4 h. The integrated concentration and detection system will provide a useful tool for sprout producers to perform in-house pathogen screening of spent irrigation water.

Evaluation of treatments for elimination of foodborne pathogens on the surface of leaves and roots of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Several outbreaks of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections have been associated with consumption of leafy greens. Questions remain concerning the ability of these pathogens to become internalized within lettuce and spinach tissues. An effective validated surface disinfection method for lettuce is needed before factors affecting internalization of pathogens can be studied. The objective of this study was to develop a surface disinfection method for lettuce leaves and roots. Iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) leaves cut into pieces (3 by 3 cm) and lettuce roots were inoculated by immersing in suspensions of five-strain mixtures of green fluorescent protein-labeled E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, or Listeria monocytogenes at populations of 7 to 8 log CFU/ml for 10 min at 20 +/- 1 degrees C. Inoculated samples were placed in a laminar flow biosafety cabinet for 30 min before treating with disinfectants. Thirteen surface disinfection methods were compared for their efficacy in killing E. coli O157:H7 on lettuce leaf and root surfaces. E. coli O157:H7 initially at 5.8 or 6.8 log CFU/leaf piece or root was not detected by enumeration (< 0.6 log CFU per leaf piece) on samples treated for 20 min with 10,000 microg/ml sodium hypochlorite (NaHCIO) or in solutions containing ethanol and mercuric chloride (HgCl2). With all other methods, E. coli O157:H7 populations ranged from 2.8 to 4.4 CFU per leaf piece or root after treatment. Trends in leaf and root print and enrichment culture results were consistent with enumeration results. Dipping in 80% ethanol for 10 s followed by immersion in 0.1% HgCl2 for 10 min was determined to be the most effective surface disinfection method for inactivating E. coli O157:H7 on lettuce leaves and roots and was also validated for inactivating Salmonella and L. monocytogenes.

Survival and dissemination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on physically and biologically damaged lettuce plants

The ecology of the vegetable leaf surface is important to the survival of enteric pathogens. Understanding changes in ecological parameters during the preharvest stages of production can lead to development of approaches to minimize the hazard of contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables with foodborne pathogens. In this study, survival levels of Escherichia coli O157 over a 10-day period were compared among traumatically injured, phytopathogen-damaged, and healthy lettuce plants. Leaves from lettuce plants cracked along the central vein, plants infected with Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians, and healthy plants were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7. The presence of E. coli O157:H7 populations on inoculated leaves and non-inoculated leaves of these same plants was determined for 10 days. The density of E. coli O157:H7 decreased over time on the inoculated leaves regardless of the treatment. The population of E. coli O157:H7 remained higher on traumatically injured leaves than on healthy plants (P < 0.001). E. coli O157:H7 was detected on leaves other than the direct inoculation site of the enteric pathogen in all three treatments groups. Preharvest damage, especially that caused by traumatic injury, impacted the survivability of E. coli O157:H7. Maintaining healthy plants and minimizing physical damage around the time of harvest might improve the safety of fresh produce.

Inactivation of human pathogens and spoilage bacteria on the surface and internalized within fresh produce by using a combination of ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV) light (254 nm) combined with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) to inactivate bacteria on and within fresh produce.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The produce was steep inoculated in bacterial cell suspension followed by vacuum infiltration. The inoculated samples were sprayed with H(2)O(2) under constant UV illumination. The log count reduction (LCR) of Salmonella on and within lettuce was dependent on the H(2)O(2) concentration, temperature and treatment time with UV intensity being less significant. By using the optimized parameters (1.5% H(2)O(2) at 50 degrees C, UV dose of 37.8 mJ cm(-2)), the surface Salmonella were reduced by 4.12 +/- 0.45 and internal counts by 2.84 +/- 0.34 log CFU, which was significantly higher compared with H(2)O(2) or UV alone. Higher LCR of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pectobacterium carotovora, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Salmonella were achieved on leafy vegetables compared with produce, such as cauliflower. In all cases, the surface LCR were significantly higher compared with the samples treated with 200 ppm hypochlorite. UV-H(2)O(2)-treated lettuce did not develop brown discolouration during storage but growth of residual survivors occurred with samples held at 25 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

UV-H(2)O(2) reduce the bacterial populations on and within fresh produce without affecting the shelf-life stability.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

UV-H(2)O(2) represent an alternative to hypochlorite washes to decontaminate fresh produce.