Published Article / Various foodstuffs have a very low pH and bacteria have been reported to survive such products. Acid substances, such as organic acids are common food preservatives. These substances also lower the pH of processed foods. Decontamination with organic acids which could result in the emergence of acid tolerant food-borne pathogens is causing concern. The objectives of the study were to determine the development of acid tolerance in important food-borne pathogenic bacteria, to investigate evolving changes in the phenotypic characteristics as a result this acid tolerance, and to explore the possibility of repercussions in successful food preservation with organic acids. Bacterial strains were screened for acid-tolerance, by determining viable counts immediately before acid challenge and at various times after challenge. Strains were exposed to increasing concentrations of hydrochloric acid, acidic foodstuff and two organic acids (acetic and citric acid). Protein profiles were generated by SDS-PAGE examined for possible modification(s) as a result of acid tolerance development. Susceptibility to seven organic acids levels were scrutinised to evaluate the probability of a correlation between altered antimicrobial activity and acid tolerance. Salmonella enterica sv. Enteritidis ATCC 13076 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 indicated rapid development of acid tolerance, after 36h of acid exposure. In Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium ATCC 14028, E. coli 0111 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 intermediate intrinsic acid tolerance was obvious. On comparing susceptibility of these pathogens to the organic acids, it was demonstrated that pH played a significant role in inhibitory activity, as it is known that these compounds exhibit optimum antimicrobial activity at a lower pH (pH ≤ 5). Further investigations will be conducted to elucidate the two-way role of pH in foodstuff and the addition of an organic acid, in determining if microorganisms are losing their susceptibility for the preservative as a result of sub-optimal pH levels, or if they become acid-tolerant after surviving exposure to organic acids.

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen able to adapt and survive in a wide range of habitats in addition to being able to overcome host defences. The need to prevent L. monocytogenes entering the food chain and the role that stress plays during the course of an infection, means that the starvation-survival and stress resistance mechanism of this organism are thus of significant interest. The starvation-survival response of L. monocytogenes EGD in a chemically defined medium was induced under glucose- or multiple nutrient-, but not amino acid-limitation. This resulted in 90 to 99.9% loss of viability within 2 days, with viability maintained during prolonged starvation. Surviving cells were reduced in size and developed increased general stress resistance. L. monocytogenes EGD demonstrated densitydependent starvation-survival under multiple nutrient- but not under glucose-limitation. Protein synthesis was required for long-term survival only for the first 8 hours of starvation and survival became independent of cell wall biosynthesis during long-term starvation. Strains bearing mutations in the gene regulators sigB (DESOII) or prfA (DES012) showed a to-fold reduction in starvation-survival compared to EGD after 20 days of glucose limitation. DESOl1 had reduced exponential phase acid stress resistance, but increased H202 resistance. Resistance to H20 2 in exponential phase and long-term starved DES012 cells was over 290- fold and 380-fold greater than in EGD (after 20 minutes and 50 minutes exposure respectively), whilst exponential- and post-exponential-phase acid resistance in the DESOl2 was at least 10-fold greater than in EGD. Both DESOII and DESOl2 also exhibited altered catalase expression. Four transposon insertion mutants (two pairs of siblings) defective in starvation-survival were isolated from a glucose-limitation screen. Both sets of mutations resulted in decreased starvation-survival and altered stress resistance properties. Characterisation of the transposon insertion sites in DES028 and DES029 revealed disruption of a putative ORF encoding for a homologue of YuIB, a DeoR-family transcriptional regulator from Bacillus subtilis. In the isolates DES035 and DES045, the transposon insertion was found to disrupt a putative ORF encoding for a homologue of PhaQ, a protein associated with inclusion bodies of the storage polymer polyhydroxyalkanoic acid in Bacillus megaterium. The roles of these two loci in the starvation-survival response and in stress resistance are discussed.

No description available.

Due to the rapid nature of microwave heating, the microbiological safety of foods prepared in the microwave has been in question for several years. Because foods are heated from the inside out and are strictly governed by their own internal properties such as ionic content, moisture level and specific heat, work must be done to further master control of such properties so microwave cooking can be more predictable, controlled and ensure control pathogens. This study concentrated on the effect of fat content, evaporative cooling and food type on the rate of food borne pathogen survival rates in microwave heated foods. Foods investigated in this study included fresh, raw broccoli spears; a regular, whole muscle breaded chicken patty and a fat free, breaded, formed chicken patty; and raw ground beef patties at three differing fat percentages. All foods were tested in triplicate. A Sharp® 1000W Light-Duty Commercial Microwave Oven was used to treat inoculated samples according to their recommended cooking times. Two sets of samples were treated, one wrapped with Saran™ Wrap and the other without wrap. F-values were determined for each product. Raw ground beef patties at fat contents of 30%, 15% and 7%, heated for the same time had F-values ranging from 0.03 to 126.20. The lower the fat content, the lower the lethality. Regular and fat free chicken tenders had similar patterns. F-values for fresh broccoli indicted that vegetative pathogens survived the recommended microwave process. Covering in Saran™ Wrap had some preventive effect on evaporative cooling depending on the food tested and significantly (p < 0.05) increased most F-values. Inoculated pack studies were performed in triplicate on each food with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Survival was determined by presence or absence of growth of each pathogen after enrichment. Listeria monocytogenes survived in all samples except for the 30% fat ground beef patties. The Salmonella species had a lower survival rate; however, it was still present in uncovered 15% fat ground beef, covered 7% fat ground beef, uncovered chicken patties (both types) and in all broccoli samples tested. E. coli O157:H7 survived in all samples except the 30% fat ground beef samples. Results indicate that higher fat contents seem to ensure lower rates of pathogen survival. This was especially true for the raw ground beef, which had received no prior processing other than the grinding of the whole muscle. There were fewer survival differences in the preprocessed, frozen chicken patties. Both were shown to support no pathogen survival in covered samples, except the fat free chicken patties. Listeria monocytogenes was shown to consistently survive the suggested cooking time in these samples. This is consistent with expectations that fat free food samples would display more survival than regular fat samples. Overall, covering samples with Saran™ had little effect on pathogen survival rates. There were survival differences in some covered and uncovered samples consistent with expectations that covered samples would show less survival than uncovered, but further work including more samples would be necessary to ensure that the covered or uncovered variable made the true difference in pathogen survival. Finally, broccoli demonstrated consistent pathogen survival in all categories of testing. This indicates microwave oven prepared vegetables could be a prime source of pathogen transmission to consumers. Further work needs to concentrate on determining the correct processing times and parameters that need to be met to ensure safe food. / Master of Science

Within the last decade antibiotic resistant bacteria have become a major public health concern. A possible major contribution to this problem is thought to be the overuse of antibiotics in food animals. An estimated 70% of antibiotics dispensed yearly throughout the United States are distributed to the livestock industry as growth promoters, prophylactic, and therapeutic treatments, according to the Center for Disease Control and FDA. When food animals are exposed to low doses of antibiotics frequently over a long period of time the bacteria are able to develop resistance to antibiotics. Livestock harbor foodborne pathogens that are generally commensal bacteria in the animals themselves but can cause illness to the people exposed. The problem occurs when treatment becomes difficult, there is some speculation that livestock animals are a main contributor to the increase in antibiotic resistant foodborne pathogens. Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are pathogens that can be isolated from livestock and cause serious illness in humans. Objectives of this study include isolating S. aureus and Salmonella from samples collected from food animals, investigating the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the confirmed S. aureus and Salmonella isolates from animals raised in various areas of Southern New Mexico and Arizona. In this study, samples were collected from various food animals post-harvest at a USDA inspected, non-commercial animal harvest facility in Arizona, and evaluated for the presence of S. aureus and Salmonella. Samples were collected from 129 animals of the following types: Bovine (cow), Caprine (goat), Ovine (sheep), and Porcine (pig). S. aureus and Salmonella were isolated from three different types of samples per animal including hide samples, sub iliac and mesenteric lymph nodes, and nasal swabs. Each sample was cultured separately in enrichment media followed by selective/differential media. Once the pathogen was confirmed via 16s rRNA PCR for S. aureus, invA3 PCR for Salmonella, gel electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing, and other biochemical tests, an antibiotic susceptibility test was performed to check the resistance characteristics of each isolate. The pathogen was exposed to eight different antibiotics- Ampicillin, Cefoxitin, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, and Tetracycline; commonly used among animals and humans via the disc diffusion assay. A total of 59 and 60 of 369 samples were confirmed positive for S. aureus and Salmonella, respectively. The animal type that harbored the most Salmonella overall were Bovine/cattle and the sample type that harbored the most Salmonella overall were lymph nodes. The animal type that harbored the most S. aureus overall were porcine/pigs and the sample type that harbored the most S. aureus overall were lymph nodes. 18 out of 129 livestock animals sampled in this study were found to carry both Salmonella and S. aureus and were isolated from: 6-Porcine, 5-Bovine, 5-Caprine, and 2-Ovine. The overall antibiotic resistance prevalence in S. aureus and Salmonella were 22.88% and 32.71%, respectively. Antibiotic resistance patterns were seen in both S. aureus and Salmonella isolated from all different livestock and sample types. Of these S. aureus isolates 43 showed resistance to at least one type of antibiotic, and the most resistance was seen to Ampicillin. 53 Salmonella isolates showed resistance to at least one type of antibiotic, and the most resistance was seen to Erythromycin. The implications of this study indicate that there are antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella found in various food animals and sample types. Most of these Salmonella and S. aureus isolates were resistant to more than one antibiotic. Appropriate control measures are needed to mitigate the problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria among food animals. These control measures could also reduce the spread of resistance from one bacterium to another and possibly lessen the antibiotic resistance problem and infections.

No description available.

Além de micro-organismos causadores de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos, a presença de bactérias resistentes a antimicrobianos deve ser monitorada para garantir a inocuidade da carne suína. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de Salmonella enterica e Listeria monocytogenes em amostras de fezes e carcaças suínas, e avaliar a resistência a antimicrobianos entre isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes das mesmas origens. Dois ciclos de amostragem foram conduzidos em três matadouros-frigoríficos localizados no Estado de Santa Catarina. Em cada ciclo, fezes colhidas a partir do piso da pocilga de espera, e suabes de superfície de 14 carcaças no pré-resfriamento foram amostrados em três lotes abatidos. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à presença dos gêneros Salmonella e Listeria e foi determinada a média de coliformes totais nas carcaças em cada ciclo de amostragem. Isolados de E. coli foram avaliados quanto à frequência de resistência a antimicrobianos pelo método de difusão em ágar. Das fezes colhidas 83,33% (15/18) apresentaram Salmonella sp., e 5,5% (1/18) L. monocytogenes. Do total de 252 carcaças, 27,38% (69/252) foram positivas para Salmonella sp. e 19,84% (50/252) para L. monocytogenes. Em 3,17% (8/252) carcaças houve o isolamento concomitante dos dois patógenos. Os isolados de Salmonella foram classificados em dez sorovares distintos, predominando S. Typhimurium nas fezes e S. Derby nas carcaças. A média de coliformes totais nas carcaças variou de 5,27x101 a 9,73x103. Em relação ao teste de resistência frente a antimicrobianos realizado em isolados de E. coli, observou-se maior frequência de resistência em isolados de fezes do que nos originados de carcaças, com diferença significativa para tetraciclina (P<0,001), ampicilina (P<0,001) e sulfonamida (P=0,022). Entre os matadouros-frigoríficos, houve diferença na frequência de isolados resistentes para florfenicol e gentamicina (P<0,05) em isolados de fezes, e para ácido nalidíxico, sulfonamida e tetraciclina (P<0,05) em isolados de carcaça. A elevada frequência de resistência a princípios ativos utilizados na suinocultura indicam pressão de seleção exercida pelo uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos e podem resultar na co-seleção de genes de resistência localizados em cassetes gênicos. Os isolados multi-resistentes foram mais presentes nas fezes quando comparados com carcaças (P<0,001), sugerindo que há diminuição da frequência de isolados resistentes ao longo do processo de abate. Com os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, conclui-se que maior atenção deve ser dispensada ao monitoramento das etapas do abate para identificar possíveis falhas que estão determinando a presença de carcaças contaminadas na fase de pré-resfriamento, além da necessidade do uso mais prudente dos antimicrobianos na suinocultura. / Besides the contamination of pig carcasses with food borne pathogens, the presence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials represent a new hazard that should be monitored in order to ensure the safety of pork. This study aimed at determining the frequency of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in samples of swine feces and carcasses, and at evaluating antimicrobial resistance among isolates of Escherichia coli from the same origin. Two cycles of sampling were carried out in three slaughterhouses located in the State of Santa Catarina. For each cycle, feces collected from the floor of the pen, and surface swabs of 14 carcasses at the pre-chill were sampled in three slaughtered batches. The samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria, and the average of total coliforms on carcasses in each sampling cycle was determined. Isolates of E. coli were evaluated for the frequency of antimicrobial resistance by the agar diffusion method. Out of the feces collected 83.33% (15/18) had Salmonella sp., and 5.5% (1/18) L. monocytogenes. Out of the total of 252 carcasses, 19.84% (50/252) were positive for Salmonella sp. and 27.38% (69/252) for L. monocytogenes. In 3.96% (10/252) carcasses both pathogens were isolated. Salmonella isolates were classified in ten serovars, predominantly S. Typhimurium in the feces and S. Derby on the carcasses. The average of total coliforms on carcasses varied between 5.27x101 to 9.73x103. Regarding the antimicrobial resistance tests carried out in isolates of E. coli, we observed a higher frequency of resistance in isolates from feces than from carcasses, with a significant difference for tetracycline (P<0.001), ampicillin (P<0.001) and sulfonamide (P=0.022). Among the slaughterhouses, there were differences in the frequency of resistance against florfenicol and gentamicin (P<0.05) in isolates from feces, and against nalidixic acid, sulfonamide and tetracycline (P<0.05) in isolated from carcasses. The high frequencies of resistance to drugs used in swine production indicate selection pressure exerted by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and may result from co-selection of resistance genes located in gene cassettes. Multi-resistant isolates were more frequent in the feces compared to carcasses (P<0.001), suggesting that there is a decrease in the frequency of resistant isolates during the slaughter process. From the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that more attention should be paid to monitoring the stages of the slaughter in order to identify possible flaws that are causing the presence of contaminated carcasses at the pre-chill, as well as the need for more prudent use of antimicrobials in swine production.

Além de micro-organismos causadores de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos, a presença de bactérias resistentes a antimicrobianos deve ser monitorada para garantir a inocuidade da carne suína. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de Salmonella enterica e Listeria monocytogenes em amostras de fezes e carcaças suínas, e avaliar a resistência a antimicrobianos entre isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes das mesmas origens. Dois ciclos de amostragem foram conduzidos em três matadouros-frigoríficos localizados no Estado de Santa Catarina. Em cada ciclo, fezes colhidas a partir do piso da pocilga de espera, e suabes de superfície de 14 carcaças no pré-resfriamento foram amostrados em três lotes abatidos. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à presença dos gêneros Salmonella e Listeria e foi determinada a média de coliformes totais nas carcaças em cada ciclo de amostragem. Isolados de E. coli foram avaliados quanto à frequência de resistência a antimicrobianos pelo método de difusão em ágar. Das fezes colhidas 83,33% (15/18) apresentaram Salmonella sp., e 5,5% (1/18) L. monocytogenes. Do total de 252 carcaças, 27,38% (69/252) foram positivas para Salmonella sp. e 19,84% (50/252) para L. monocytogenes. Em 3,17% (8/252) carcaças houve o isolamento concomitante dos dois patógenos. Os isolados de Salmonella foram classificados em dez sorovares distintos, predominando S. Typhimurium nas fezes e S. Derby nas carcaças. A média de coliformes totais nas carcaças variou de 5,27x101 a 9,73x103. Em relação ao teste de resistência frente a antimicrobianos realizado em isolados de E. coli, observou-se maior frequência de resistência em isolados de fezes do que nos originados de carcaças, com diferença significativa para tetraciclina (P<0,001), ampicilina (P<0,001) e sulfonamida (P=0,022). Entre os matadouros-frigoríficos, houve diferença na frequência de isolados resistentes para florfenicol e gentamicina (P<0,05) em isolados de fezes, e para ácido nalidíxico, sulfonamida e tetraciclina (P<0,05) em isolados de carcaça. A elevada frequência de resistência a princípios ativos utilizados na suinocultura indicam pressão de seleção exercida pelo uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos e podem resultar na co-seleção de genes de resistência localizados em cassetes gênicos. Os isolados multi-resistentes foram mais presentes nas fezes quando comparados com carcaças (P<0,001), sugerindo que há diminuição da frequência de isolados resistentes ao longo do processo de abate. Com os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, conclui-se que maior atenção deve ser dispensada ao monitoramento das etapas do abate para identificar possíveis falhas que estão determinando a presença de carcaças contaminadas na fase de pré-resfriamento, além da necessidade do uso mais prudente dos antimicrobianos na suinocultura. / Besides the contamination of pig carcasses with food borne pathogens, the presence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials represent a new hazard that should be monitored in order to ensure the safety of pork. This study aimed at determining the frequency of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in samples of swine feces and carcasses, and at evaluating antimicrobial resistance among isolates of Escherichia coli from the same origin. Two cycles of sampling were carried out in three slaughterhouses located in the State of Santa Catarina. For each cycle, feces collected from the floor of the pen, and surface swabs of 14 carcasses at the pre-chill were sampled in three slaughtered batches. The samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria, and the average of total coliforms on carcasses in each sampling cycle was determined. Isolates of E. coli were evaluated for the frequency of antimicrobial resistance by the agar diffusion method. Out of the feces collected 83.33% (15/18) had Salmonella sp., and 5.5% (1/18) L. monocytogenes. Out of the total of 252 carcasses, 19.84% (50/252) were positive for Salmonella sp. and 27.38% (69/252) for L. monocytogenes. In 3.96% (10/252) carcasses both pathogens were isolated. Salmonella isolates were classified in ten serovars, predominantly S. Typhimurium in the feces and S. Derby on the carcasses. The average of total coliforms on carcasses varied between 5.27x101 to 9.73x103. Regarding the antimicrobial resistance tests carried out in isolates of E. coli, we observed a higher frequency of resistance in isolates from feces than from carcasses, with a significant difference for tetracycline (P<0.001), ampicillin (P<0.001) and sulfonamide (P=0.022). Among the slaughterhouses, there were differences in the frequency of resistance against florfenicol and gentamicin (P<0.05) in isolates from feces, and against nalidixic acid, sulfonamide and tetracycline (P<0.05) in isolated from carcasses. The high frequencies of resistance to drugs used in swine production indicate selection pressure exerted by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and may result from co-selection of resistance genes located in gene cassettes. Multi-resistant isolates were more frequent in the feces compared to carcasses (P<0.001), suggesting that there is a decrease in the frequency of resistant isolates during the slaughter process. From the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that more attention should be paid to monitoring the stages of the slaughter in order to identify possible flaws that are causing the presence of contaminated carcasses at the pre-chill, as well as the need for more prudent use of antimicrobials in swine production.

Além de micro-organismos causadores de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos, a presença de bactérias resistentes a antimicrobianos deve ser monitorada para garantir a inocuidade da carne suína. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de Salmonella enterica e Listeria monocytogenes em amostras de fezes e carcaças suínas, e avaliar a resistência a antimicrobianos entre isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes das mesmas origens. Dois ciclos de amostragem foram conduzidos em três matadouros-frigoríficos localizados no Estado de Santa Catarina. Em cada ciclo, fezes colhidas a partir do piso da pocilga de espera, e suabes de superfície de 14 carcaças no pré-resfriamento foram amostrados em três lotes abatidos. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à presença dos gêneros Salmonella e Listeria e foi determinada a média de coliformes totais nas carcaças em cada ciclo de amostragem. Isolados de E. coli foram avaliados quanto à frequência de resistência a antimicrobianos pelo método de difusão em ágar. Das fezes colhidas 83,33% (15/18) apresentaram Salmonella sp., e 5,5% (1/18) L. monocytogenes. Do total de 252 carcaças, 27,38% (69/252) foram positivas para Salmonella sp. e 19,84% (50/252) para L. monocytogenes. Em 3,17% (8/252) carcaças houve o isolamento concomitante dos dois patógenos. Os isolados de Salmonella foram classificados em dez sorovares distintos, predominando S. Typhimurium nas fezes e S. Derby nas carcaças. A média de coliformes totais nas carcaças variou de 5,27x101 a 9,73x103. Em relação ao teste de resistência frente a antimicrobianos realizado em isolados de E. coli, observou-se maior frequência de resistência em isolados de fezes do que nos originados de carcaças, com diferença significativa para tetraciclina (P<0,001), ampicilina (P<0,001) e sulfonamida (P=0,022). Entre os matadouros-frigoríficos, houve diferença na frequência de isolados resistentes para florfenicol e gentamicina (P<0,05) em isolados de fezes, e para ácido nalidíxico, sulfonamida e tetraciclina (P<0,05) em isolados de carcaça. A elevada frequência de resistência a princípios ativos utilizados na suinocultura indicam pressão de seleção exercida pelo uso indiscriminado de antimicrobianos e podem resultar na co-seleção de genes de resistência localizados em cassetes gênicos. Os isolados multi-resistentes foram mais presentes nas fezes quando comparados com carcaças (P<0,001), sugerindo que há diminuição da frequência de isolados resistentes ao longo do processo de abate. Com os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, conclui-se que maior atenção deve ser dispensada ao monitoramento das etapas do abate para identificar possíveis falhas que estão determinando a presença de carcaças contaminadas na fase de pré-resfriamento, além da necessidade do uso mais prudente dos antimicrobianos na suinocultura. / Besides the contamination of pig carcasses with food borne pathogens, the presence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials represent a new hazard that should be monitored in order to ensure the safety of pork. This study aimed at determining the frequency of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in samples of swine feces and carcasses, and at evaluating antimicrobial resistance among isolates of Escherichia coli from the same origin. Two cycles of sampling were carried out in three slaughterhouses located in the State of Santa Catarina. For each cycle, feces collected from the floor of the pen, and surface swabs of 14 carcasses at the pre-chill were sampled in three slaughtered batches. The samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria, and the average of total coliforms on carcasses in each sampling cycle was determined. Isolates of E. coli were evaluated for the frequency of antimicrobial resistance by the agar diffusion method. Out of the feces collected 83.33% (15/18) had Salmonella sp., and 5.5% (1/18) L. monocytogenes. Out of the total of 252 carcasses, 19.84% (50/252) were positive for Salmonella sp. and 27.38% (69/252) for L. monocytogenes. In 3.96% (10/252) carcasses both pathogens were isolated. Salmonella isolates were classified in ten serovars, predominantly S. Typhimurium in the feces and S. Derby on the carcasses. The average of total coliforms on carcasses varied between 5.27x101 to 9.73x103. Regarding the antimicrobial resistance tests carried out in isolates of E. coli, we observed a higher frequency of resistance in isolates from feces than from carcasses, with a significant difference for tetracycline (P<0.001), ampicillin (P<0.001) and sulfonamide (P=0.022). Among the slaughterhouses, there were differences in the frequency of resistance against florfenicol and gentamicin (P<0.05) in isolates from feces, and against nalidixic acid, sulfonamide and tetracycline (P<0.05) in isolated from carcasses. The high frequencies of resistance to drugs used in swine production indicate selection pressure exerted by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and may result from co-selection of resistance genes located in gene cassettes. Multi-resistant isolates were more frequent in the feces compared to carcasses (P<0.001), suggesting that there is a decrease in the frequency of resistant isolates during the slaughter process. From the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that more attention should be paid to monitoring the stages of the slaughter in order to identify possible flaws that are causing the presence of contaminated carcasses at the pre-chill, as well as the need for more prudent use of antimicrobials in swine production.

Master of Science / Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology / Tiruvoor G. Nagaraja / Sanjeevkumar Narayanan / Antimicrobials are included in finishing cattle diets for growth promotion, feed efficiency, and protection against liver abscesses. The inclusion of in-feed antimicrobials at or below therapeutic concentrations may provide a selective pressure for antimicrobial resistant microorganisms. Additionally, heavy metals such as copper and zinc may be included in cattle diets because of growth-promoting effects. Heavy metal resistance genes are on transferable plasmids that also contain antimicrobial resistance genes. The objectives of this research were to 1) determine the prevalence of food-borne pathogens, Salmonella and E. coli O157, in cattle fed diets with or without monensin and tylosin and 0 or 25% wet corn distiller's grains (WDGS), 2) determine the prevalence of food-borne pathogens in cattle fed elevated concentrations of copper and zinc 3) evaluate the effect of antimicrobials on antimicrobial susceptibility of food-borne pathogens and commensal fecal bacteria, and 4) determine a possible association between in-feed antimicrobials and the concentration of antimicrobial resistance genes in the feces of cattle. Inclusion of 25% WDGS was associated with a higher prevalence of E. coli O157 on one of two sample collection days; however, there was no association between the use of monensin and tylosin, or copper and zinc on the prevalence of food-borne pathogens. Including monensin and tylosin in cattle diets was associated with an increased resistance of enterococci to macrolides, but was not related to concentration of the common macrolide resistance gene, ermB. In cattle fed diets with copper and/or zinc, no differences were observed in antimicrobial susceptibility or the concentration of antimicrobial resistance genes. In conclusion, results indicate that including growth-promoting antimicrobials in cattle diets at below therapeutic concentrations only limitedly impacted antimicrobial susceptibility and concentration of fecal antimicrobial resistance genes; however, this research encompassed only a select number of microorganisms. The positive association between WDGS and E. coli O157 prevalence in cattle has important implications for food safety, and warrants further investigation.