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[Kinetics of PCBs in a population of 27 exposed individuals].

Because of the casual assumption of PCBs through contaminated foods produced by the family farm (meat, milk and by-product), 27 subjects (14 female and 13 male), whit a mean age of about 31 years (range 2-77), were submitted to a medical check-up. The results confirm the exposure of all the patients, related to the intake-level of contaminated foods, and the presence of a correlation between the age and plasmatic levels of PCBs, about which the authors discuss the possible reasons.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Thermal degradation of the Fusarium mycotoxin deoxynivalenol.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by molds of the Fusarium genus, which are able to infect cereal crops in the field. Concerning its rate of occurrence and mean concentration, DON is one of the most important mycotoxins in cereal commodities. Its toxic effects range from causing diarrhea, vomiting, and gastro-intestinal inflammation to noncompetitive inhibition of the biosynthesis of proteins in eukaryotic cells. To study the stability of DON under food-processing conditions such as cooking or baking, we performed model heating experiments and screened the residue for degradation products. Heating of DON and 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-AcDON), especially under alkaline conditions, gave a mixture of compounds, which were isolated and structurally elucidated by NMR and MS experiments. Three of these compounds were already known (norDON A, norDON B, and norDON C), while four were new and named 9-hydroxymethyl DON lactone, norDON D, norDON E, and norDON F. The significance of the DON degradation products was checked by analyzing commercially available food samples. norDON A, B, and C were detected in 29-66% of the samples in mean concentrations ranging from 3 to 15 microg/kg. Furthermore, cell culture experiments using IHKE cells showed that the compounds that were detected in food samples are less cytotoxic in the formazan dye cytotoxicity assay compared to DON. Whereas DON revealed a median effective concentration (EC50) at 1.1 micromol/L, all other compounds did not show any significant effect up to 100 micromol/L. These findings indicate that the degradation of DON under thermal treatment might reduce the toxicity of DON contaminated food.

Cell Line, Transformed↗
PubMed1990

Selective plating medium for quantitative recovery of food-borne Listeria monocytogenes.

A new plating medium (lithium chloride-ceftazidime agar [LCA]) was designed to quantitatively recover food-borne Listeria monocytogenes in the form of large colonies while inhibiting most other food-borne microorganisms. This medium included brain heart infusion agar as the nutritive agar base and a combination of selective agents (LiCl, glycine anhydride, and ceftazidime). Comparison of LCA and lithium chloride-phenylethanol-moxalactam agar (LPM) indicated that both were equally effective for the enumeration of the cold-tolerant pathogen in artificially and naturally contaminated foods. However, LCA was more effective than LPM in the recovery of sublethally heat-injured cells. Moreover, Listeria colonies on LCA exhibited a more distinct bluish hue than those on LPM when viewed by the Henry oblique transillumination technique.

Culture Media↗
PubMed2001

[Epidemiologic aspects of common gastrointestinal food toxin infections in the Bizerte region based on surveillance center analyses from 1994 to 1999].

The Common Food Toxin Infections has been subject of constant and exhaustive supervision watch over since 1994 in Bizerta. 77 centers in total has been recorded during the six last years (1994 to 1999) and have shown 738 patients. The evolution of incidental rate declared has been considered by annual fluctuations with extreme rates as 11.2 for 10,000 inhabitants in 1995 and 41.5 for 10,000 inhabitants in 1999. The classic season peak each year, and so 58.4% of centers has been notified during the months of July, August and September. The average size of centers is 9.5 persons with an extension of 02 to 40 persons. One death has been deplored a weak spreading rate of 0.14%. The hospitalization recommended for 106 patients (14.4%). About three quarters of the centers has been concerned by the familial. The cooked food is being at the top of contaminating food (49.3%).

Food Contamination↗
PubMed1975

A large food-borne outbreak of hepatitis A. Possible transmission via oropharyngeal secretions.

In Minneapolis, 107 cases of hepatitis A were identified and traced primarily to consumption of cold sandwiches served for lunch in a department store's popular basement restaurant. A sandwich-maker in the restaurant was the index patient. The date of onset of her illness and the dates of food consumption and onset of illness of infrequent restaurant patrons were consistent with accepted periods of infectivity and incubation for hepatitis A. Because the sandwich-maker frequently touched her hands to her mouth when she worked, and because we could not find evidence for fecal, airborne, or other modes of transmission, we believe that she may have contaminated food with infectious oropharyngeal secretions. The secondary attack rate was much lower among household contacts who received immune serum globulin than among those who had not.

Disease Outbreaks↗
PubMed2004

A protocol for quantitative measurement of light intensity levels in food service operations.

Food service workers conduct informal inspections of food service operations to ensure that food contamination does not occur. This activity requires proper lighting. Compliance with lighting standards is usually assessed by a qualitative, visual inspection method. Recent studies suggest, however, that qualitative inspections only minimally reduce risks of foodborne-disease outbreaks. To evaluate the efficacy of qualitative lighting level assessments, this study quantitatively measured lighting in walk-in coolers and at food preparation counters in 57 food service establishments. Measurements were conducted alongside regular sanitarian inspections. Of the 55 walk-in coolers evaluated, 12 had fluorescent and 43 had incandescent lighting. The geometic mean (GM) light level at the center of coolers with fluorescent lighting was 15.3 foot-candles (ft-c) (range: 6.4-85.5). Seventy-five percent of these coolers met the standard of 10 ft-c. The GM level at the center of coolers with incandescent lighting was 3.43 ft-c (range: 1.0-16.7). Seven percent of the incandescently lit coolers met the standard. Inadequate cooler illumination was indicated on only four sanitarian inspection reports. The GM level at 185 food preparation counters was 38.7 ft-c (range: 2.9-196.8). At 47 percent of the establishments, no counters met the 50 ft-c standard. Twenty-three percent of the establishments met the standard at all evaluated counters. Inadequate counter illumination was noted only once by a sanitarian. Qualitative assessments did not identify most of the lighting standard violations. Additional training and integration of quantitative assessments into inspections are warranted. Fluorescent lighting produced significantly higher light levels and pass rates in coolers and should become the lighting type of choice. Finally, gaps in the standards were identified and should be addressed.

Food Contamination↗
PubMed1997

[Non-vaccinal prophylaxis for orally transmitted diseases].

Many diseases are transmitted to man by consumption of contaminated food and drinking water. Orally transmitted diseases are among the main risks for travelers in developing and tropical countries. A variety of clinical manifestations can be observed but the diarrhea is the most common. In many cases bacterial gastroenteritis, typho-paratyphoidal fever, brucellosis, viral hepatitis, and various parasitic diseases can develop after various periods of incubation following consumption of contaminated food or drink with no initial reaction. Vaccination can afford protection against only few diseases. Prevention by applying good hygiene and common sense is the best method. By following the standard list of food precautions, travelers can minimize the main risks. Drug prophylaxis is recommended only under special circumstances. Travel medicine providers must have up-to-date information and possess the persuasive powers necessary to convince travelers to apply recommendations despite the major inconveniences.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1993

Polymerase chain reaction for the rapid identification of Clostridium botulinum type A strains and detection in food samples.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the detection of Clostridium botulinum type A, a cause of human botulism. A two primer set and an oligonucleotide detection probe were used to specifically detect Cl. botulinum type A neurotoxin gene (BoNT/A). After 40 cycles of amplification, detection of a 798 bp amplified DNA fragment was carried out by agarose gel electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization. This assay was able to detect 12.5 fg of purified target DNA or five bacteria per reaction. The sensitivity in artificially contaminated food samples after an 18 h enrichment step ranges from 10 to 10(3) bacteria per g according to the type of food samples. No cross-reactions were observed with the other Cl. botulinum toxinotypes and other bacteria found routinely in food. This PCR method may provide a suitable and rapid alternative to standard techniques for detection of Cl. botulinum type A in food samples.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Mercury content in tinned molluscs (mussel, cockle, variegated scallop, and razor shell) normally consumed in Spain, 2005.

Concentrations of mercury were determined for tinned molluscs (Mollusca, Bivalvia), i.e., mussels (Mytilus spp.), cockles (Cerastoderma edule), variegated scallops (Chlamys varia), and razor shells (Ensis spp.), consumed in Spain. A total of 220 samples were analyzed: 120 mussels, 40 cockles, 24 variegated scallops, and 36 razor shells. Samples were obtained weekly from markets in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) over a period of 12 months. All observed concentrations of mercury were below the maximum permitted for human consumption (0.5 mg/kg) as defined by European Community Decision 93/ 351/CE. Mercury concentrations were 27.28 +/- 12.43 microg/kg for mussels, 66.59 +/- 23.53 microg/kg for cockles, 33.68 +/- 15.76 microg/kg for variegated scallops, and 21.26 +/- 12.24 microg/kg for razor shells. To evaluate the importance of mercury as a food contaminant, the percentage ingested daily, the weight of mercury in the diet, and the calculated percentage of this metal in the diet contributed by reference species were estimated.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

A beta-glucuronidase-based agar medium for the differential detection of the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii from foods.

A selective and differential solid medium, Debaryomyces differential medium (DDM), was used for the isolation of Debaryomyces hansenii. This medium is formulated to allow detection of the beta-glucuronidase enzyme using the chromogenic substrate magenta-glucuro.CHA (5Br-6Cl-3indolyl-beta-D-glucuronide, cyclohexylammonium salt). Of the more than 120 microorganisms tested, including yeasts, bacteria, and a filamentous fungus, only D. hansenii produced violet colonies, thus permitting its easy discrimination from other organisms. When quality assessment tests were performed, optimal productivity and selectivity were obtained for D. hansenii. The medium was also satisfactory when used to test naturally contaminated food products.

Chromogenic Compounds↗
PubMed2000

Modification of the bile salts-Irgasan-brilliant green agar for enumeration of Aeromonas species from food.

The present study evaluated the productivity of BIBG medium for the isolation of Aeromonas spp. from food and describes a modification of the BIBG medium (mBIBG) (increased pH (8.7), replacement of xylose by soluble starch as a carbon source, decreased concentration of bile salts) to increase its selectivity and electivity. Using the mBIBG medium, growth of the majority of the Enterobacteriaceae (9/10) was suppressed except for Citrobacter freundii. The mBIBG medium supported growth of Pseudomonas species but a clear distinction between Aeromonas and Pseudomonas colonies could be made. Interpretation of the mBIBG medium should be performed after 24 h of incubation. It was noted that three of the 27 Aeromonas strains tested did not develop on the mBIBG medium. The ability or inability to grow on a selective medium is strain-dependent. Enumeration of Aeromonas species (A. hydrophila LMG 3771, A. caviae LMG 3775, A. veronii biovar veronii LMG 9075, A. veronii biovar sobria LMG 13071) from artificially contaminated foods (shrimp, minced meat (beef/pork), precut leek, and shredded carrots) confirmed that the mBIBG medium is suitable for quantitative recovery of aeromonads (ca. 10(2)-10(7) cfu/g) in the presence of a high background flora (10(5)-10(6) cfu/g). Screening of naturally contaminated foods (vegetables, seafood, meat) for the presence of Aeromonas resulted in three out of 14 food samples showing presumptive Aeromonas colonies on mBIBG.

Aeromonas↗
PubMed2006

Computer aided boar semen motility analysis for cereulide detection in different food matrices.

Computer Aided Semen Analysis (CASA) study of the boar semen motility has been demonstrated to be an appropriate assay for detection of cereulide (Bacillus cereus emetic toxin). Application of the boar semen bio-assay to detect cereulide directly in foods requires investigation of potential interference of food components, preservatives and other microbial and chemical food contaminants with the bio-assay. Current study provides evidence that none of included Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins A, B, C and D nor B. cereus Hemolysin BL (HBL) and non-hemolytic enterotoxin (NHE) and three mycotoxins (Sterigmatocystin, Fumonisin B1 and Patulin) exhibited a toxic impact on semen progressive motility. Aflatoxin M1, M3 and zearalenone impaired semen motility only at concentrations (0.004 mg ml(-1), 0.1 mg ml(-1) and 10 mg ml(-1), respectively) much higher than those found in foods and those permitted by legislation, in comparison to cereulide which induces motility cease at concentrations lower than 20 ng ml(-1). Ten commonly used preservatives, namely potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, (DL) malic acid, citric acid, (L+) tartaric acid, acetic acid, (DL) lactic acid, (L+) ascorbic acid, sodium chloride and sucrose induced no cease in spermatozoa motility even at preservative concentrations higher than permitted by legislation. Dioxins, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and acrylamide had no acute effect on spermatozoa motility at concentrations of 500 and 10,000 mg ml(-1), respectively. Robustness of computer aided boar semen motility analysis, tested with 14 different foods inoculated with cereulide producing B. cereus, showed distinct cereulide production in seven samples (although B. cereus growth to counts higher than 8 log CFU g(-1) was noted in 11 samples), in amounts close to those reported in foodborne outbreaks. Test evaluation in 33 samples suspected to hold cereulide showed actual cereulide presence in ten samples and no interference of food matrix with the assay.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Detection of Escherichia coli O157 in foods by a novel polymyxin-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system was developed using polymyxin immobilized in the wells of a microtiter plate as a high-affinity adsorbent for Escherichia coli O157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigens. Extracts from cell suspensions were reacted with polymyxin-coated microwells followed by immunoenzymatic detection of captured LPS antigens using a commercially available anti-E. coli O157 antibody-peroxidase conjugate and a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine substrate. The polymyxin ELISA was highly sensitive and specific for E. coli strains bearing the O157 antigen. When this ELISA was combined with enrichment, results were in complete agreement with those of standard culture techniques for the detection of this pathogen in a variety of artificially inoculated and naturally contaminated foods. The polymyxin ELISA is a simple and inexpensive assay for E. coli O157 with a 96-well microtiter plate format, making this system ideally suited for processing large numbers of samples.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of a polymerase chain reaction-based test for detecting Salmonella spp. in food samples: Probelia Salmonella spp.

A commercially available polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit was evaluated for the detection of Salmonella spp. in food samples. The test combines PCR amplification and sandwich hybridization of the amplified DNA in microtiter plates. The sensitivity and specificity was evaluated with 52 Salmonella strains and 51 non-Salmonella strains and showed that the test was entirely reliable. The threshold sensitivity was 10(2) CFU/ml. The limit of detection of dead cells that determines the minimum detection level of dead cells in food samples was superior to 10(6) CFU/25 g, a level rarely achieved in naturally contaminated samples. After an 18-h pre-enrichment step, the test could detect viable Salmonella in artificially contaminated food samples, even for the lower contamination level (3 CFU/25 g). There was complete agreement between the PCR test and the ISO 6579 bacteriological reference method with artificially contaminated samples. Regarding the accuracy of the results obtained from 253 naturally or noncontaminated foods and from 32 artificially contaminated foods, the agreement percentage was 99.6%. The fidelity of the technique was evaluated in a collaborative study with eight European laboratories and showed a correlation of 98.4%.

Colony Count, Microbial↗
PubMed2000

[A study on the epidemiology and preventive measure on epidemic haemorrhage fever in army barrack area in Shandong].

OBJECTIVE: In order to guide the army and civilians to carry out the prevention on epidemic haemorrhage fever (EHF), it's necessary to elucidate the epidemic feature of natural epidemic foci and the risk factors of EHF in the army - stationed areas. METHODS: Samples were tested by pathogenic and serologic means before data was collected and analyzed by case - control or family - control studies. RESULTS: Cases belong to house - mouse type (91.48%), field - mouse type (7.21%) and unclassified (1.31%) coexist in the stationed area. In the two types of noticed cases, no significant difference in distributions of sex, profession and ages. Most house - mouse type cases occurred in the peak time from March to June and field - mouse type in November to next February. The type of EHF virus antigen of mice and the type of serum were both accordant with their host types. Dwelling in border area, living rooms with mice, dogs raising, injury of mouth tissue, eating food contaminated by mice, and household with mice living around were more frequently seen in cases themselves and in families of the cases than in controls of both groups (P < 0.05). The mice intensity could be under control to 1.0%, if comprehensive measure on mice control can be implemented. CONCLUSIONS: The stationed area is an epidemic area mixed with both house - mouse and field - mouse types, with majority of house - mouse type. It was house - mouse type virus infection that caused the epidemic area expanded and the number of cases increased radically these years. EHF was epidemic in spring and summer season in the stationed area mainly because the infections were among family members. Food contaminated by mice or close contact with mice played an important role. Mice eradication and prevention were the leading measures to prevent EHF, from our more than ten years of experiences.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

A 16S rDNA-based PCR method for rapid and specific detection of Clostridium perfringens in food.

A 16S rDNA-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for the rapid and specific detection of Clostridium perfringens in food. The PCR primers were designed by a GenBank computer search and they are complementary only with the 16S rRNA gene of C. perfringens by sequence alignment. The PCR product is a 279 BP DNA fragment. All C. perfringens strains tested were positive in the PCR assay and all other species tested were negative, including 11 other species of Clostridium and 38 species of other common bacteria. As few as two cells of C. perfringens in pure culture were detectable. High numbers of other bacterial species did not interfere with the detection of C. perfringens. The PCR amplification required only 30 min to complete. The method can be used for detection of C. perfringens in contaminated food. Samples from 100 g of chicken drumsticks which were inoculated with 20, 200 or 2000 cells of C. perfringens were subjected to the PCR assay and all produced positive results.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Vector potential of cockroaches for Helicobacter pylori infection.

OBJECTIVES: The routes of human infection with Helicobacter pylori remain unclear. In the present study, we examined cockroaches as possible vectors for transmission of H. pylori. METHODS: We used a common species of cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa). After a 3-day fast, cockroaches were placed on agar plates containing freshly grown H. pylori (Sydney strain) (challenge group) or on sterile agar plates without H. pylori (control group). After 24 h of challenge, cockroaches were moved to disinfected containers, and sterile food and water were provided. The external surfaces (legs and body) and excreta of the cockroaches were sampled for culture, rapid urease test, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: H. pylori were culturable from the excreta of the challenge group for 24 h postchallenge. Positive rapid urease test results were obtained up to day 3, and PCR analysis was positive for H. pylori DNA up to day 7 from the excreta. In contrast, H. pylori were not culturable from the external surfaces of the cockroaches. The rapid urease test was positive for only 8 h, and PCR analysis was positive for H. pylori DNA for 1 day from the external surface. CONCLUSIONS: Cockroaches usually live in unsanitary environments and may contaminate foods and food containment areas such as pantries. Transmission of H. pylori infection could be achieved via inadvertent ingestion of foods contaminated with cockroach excreta containing viable H. pylori.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in UHT milk in Turkey.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) appears in milk as a direct result of the ingestion of food contaminated with aflatoxin B1 by cattle. The role of milk in human nutrition is well-known. The purpose of the study was to determine the levels of AFM1 in UHT milk samples in Central Anatolia, Turkey. The occurrence of AFM1 contamination in UHT milk samples was investigated by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique. A total of 129 samples of commercial UHT whole milk were analysed. The mean value was 108.17 ng/L. There was a high incidence rate of AFM1, with 75 (58.1%) milk samples being contaminated. Although 68 (53%) were below the limit, the remaining 61 (47%) were well above the limit permitted by the EU. Four of the samples exceeded the prescribed limit of US regulations. It can be concluded that AFM1 levels in the samples purchased in Central Anatolia Region, appear to be a serious public health problem at the moment. Dairy farmers must be educated by the government authorities on potential health consequences of aflatoxins.

Aflatoxin M1↗