Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:32:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_mariana_almeida_iglesias.pdf: 683600 bytes, checksum: 7c2d99601551e443f9b19dd649609f3f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-06 / Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause listeriosis, both in humans and in animals. The contamination by this microorganism is difficult to control, given its wide dissemination and physiological adaptability, which allow its development under conditions which are usually unfavorable to other pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, this pathogen has become of concern to the food industry as well as consumers, since it is highly pathogenic, especially in relation to risk group and may be fatal in 30% of cases of listeriosis. Although any isolate of L. monocytogenes can be considered potentially pathogenic for humans, several studies suggest that this micro-organism has a heterogeneous pathogenicity of the strains, which makes it essential to know the gene expression of the pathogen can be understood that the differences in their virulence mechanisms, and how different potential pathogenicity. The present study aimed to verify the occurrence of. L. monocytogenes in slaughterhouses in southern Rio Grande do Sul, and through the isolates, assess their sensitivity to antibiotics, and perform a genotypic characterization by verifying the presence of virulence genes. L. monocytogenes occured in 6% of the samples, detected after bleeding at the point where the collect was held in the leather of the animal, and point 4 (pre-cooling after washing).Twelve isolates were obtained, which were evaluated for sensibility to 15 antimicrobials, of which 100% were susceptible to most antibiotics tested. Resistance to gentamycin (8%), ampicilin (8%), kanamycin (8%) and sulfonamide (83%) were observed in some isolated of L. monocytogenes. Intermediate susceptibility to clindamycin (60%) and erythromycin (8%) was observed, and multidrug-resistant strains were also observed. Proceeded to evaluate the presence of virulence genes (hlyA, plcA, inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ, plcB, iap, actA, mpl and PrfA) and, through the results of PCR, it was observed that all isolates possessed the evaluated genes, also confirmed the expression of the gene of internalin A by RT-PCR, showing the potential pathogenic strains of L. monocytogenes isolated from food in southern Brazil. / Listeria monocytogenes é um patógeno de origem alimentar capaz de causar listeriose, tanto em humanos como em animais. A contaminação por este micro-organismo é de difícil controle, tendo em vista sua ampla disseminação e capacidade fisiológica de adaptação, as quais permitem seu desenvolvimento sob condições que usualmente são desfavoráveis a outras bactérias patogênicas. Assim sendo, esse patógeno tornou-se motivo de preocupação para a indústria de alimentos bem como para os consumidores, uma vez que é altamente patogênica, principalmente em relação ao grupo de risco, podendo ser fatal em até 30% dos casos de listeriose. Embora qualquer isolado de L. monocytogenes possa ser considerado potencialmente patogênico para humanos, vários estudos sugerem que este micro-organismo apresenta patogenicidade heterogênea, o que torna essencial a caracterização molecular de cada isolado, bem como o conhecimento de sua expressão gênica, para que possam ser entendidas as diferenças nos seus mecanismos de patogenicidade.. Em vista do exposto, o presente estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de L. monocytogenes em carcaças bovinas abatidas em dois frigoríficos-matadouros do sul do Rio Grande do Sul e, a partir dos isolados, avaliar sua sensibilidade a antimicrobianos, e realizar a caracterização genotípica, através da verificação da presença de genes de virulência e da expressão da internalina A. A ocorrência de L. monocytogenes nas carcaças foi de 6%, a qual foi detectada no Ponto 1 (após a sangria) e no Ponto 4 (após a lavagem pré-resfriamento). Foram obtidos 12 isolados, os quais foram avaliados quanto a sensibilidade a 15 antimicrobianos, dos quais 100% mostraram-se sensíveis a maioria dos antibióticos testados. Resistência à gentamicina (8%), ampicilina (8%), canamicina (8%) e a sulfonamida (83%) foram observadas em parte dos isolados. Suscetibilidade intermediária foi observada para clindamicina (60%) e eritromicina (8%). Quanto aos isolados multirresistentes, dois deles apresentaram resistência a mais de um agente antimicrobiano. Procedeu-se à avaliação da presença de genes de virulência (prfA, plcA, plcB, hlya, iap, actA, mpl, inlA, inlC e inlJ) e, através dos resultados da PCR, foi possível observar que todos os isolados possuíam os genes avaliados, sendo também confirmada a expressão do gene da internalina A através da técnica de RT-PCR, evidenciando o potencial patogênico das cepas de L. monocytogenes isoladas de alimentos no sul do Brasil.

La listériose est une maladie rare mais grave d’origine alimentaire provoquée par Listeria monocytogenes. En raison de sa capacité de survie importante dans les sols, la présence de cette bactérie dans les effluents d’élevages porcins destinés à être épandus constitue un problème de santé publique. L’un des facteurs pouvant expliquer la persistance de L. monocytogenes dans l’environnement est sa capacité à entrer dans un état viable mais non cultivable (VNC). Nos travaux avaient pour objectif, d’une part de suivre le comportement de L. monocytogenes dans les effluents d'élevages porcins (lisier et effluent de lagune) et notamment les formes VNC, et d’autre part d’étudier son adaptation lors de son transfert dans les effluents de lagune et dans le sol. Dans un premier temps, nous avons optimisé les conditions de la qPCR couplée au propidium monoazide (qPCR-PMA) afin d’adapter cette méthode au dénombrement des formes VNC de L. monocytogenes dans le lisier et l’effluent de lagune. Dans un second temps, nous avons comparé par méthode culturale, qPCR-PMA et qPCR, la survie de deux souches de L. monocytogenes RifR de sérogroupes IIb et IVb inoculées dans deux lisiers et dans deux effluents de lagune incubés à 8°C et 20°C. Malgré leur origine et leur sérotype différents, les deux souches ont présenté une survie similaire dans toutes les conditions testées. La survie des deux souches a été affectée par la température (une persistance plus élevée a été observée à 8°C) et par l’origine des effluents. Cette étude a mis en évidence que L. monocytogenes était capable d’entrer dans l’état VNC dans les lisiers et les effluents de lagune indépendamment de la température. Les formes VBNC qui représentaient 83 à 99,8% des bactéries viables après 60 jours d’incubation, sont apparues dès les premières heures de contact avec les effluents. Leur proportion, plus élevée en début d’expérience dans les lisiers que dans les effluents de lagune, était cependant du même ordre de grandeur dans les deux types de matrices après 60 jours. Afin de mieux comprendre l’adaptation de L. monocytogenes lors de son transfert dans l’effluent de lagune et dans le sol, nous avons comparé le transcriptome par la technologie RNA-seq de la souche CIP 110868, isolée d’un lisier, inoculée dans des extraits stériles d’effluent de lagune et de sol. L’analyse du transcriptome a été réalisée à T0 (génome de référence), après 20 minutes et 20 heures d’incubation. L’analyse par enrichissement fonctionnel a révélé des modifications transcriptomiques dès les 20 premières minutes d’incubation dans les deux matrices. Une augmentation du taux de transcrit de gènes impliqués dans le transport de protéines et de sucres a été observée. Le taux de transcrit des gènes contrôlés par le facteur sigmaB est augmenté indiquant la mise en place d’une réponse aux stress osmotiques et thermiques. De plus, l’adaptation de la souche CIP 110868 dans les extraits de sol et d’effluent de lagune s’est accompagnée d’une augmentation au cours du temps des taux de transcrit des gènes impliqués dans la virulence et des gènes sous le contrôle du régulateur prfA. / Listeriosis is a rare but serious illness caused by foodborne Listeria monocytogenes. Because of its important survival capacity in the soil, the presence of this bacteria in effluent from pig farms intended to be spread is a public health problem. One factor that may explain the persistence of L. monocytogenes in the environment is its ability to enter a viable but non-culturable state (VNC). Our studies were aimed, firstly to monitor the behavior of L. monocytogenes in effluent from pig farms (manure and lagoon effluent) including VNC forms, and also to study its adaptation at transfer to the lagoon effluent and soil. First, we have optimized the conditions of qPCR coupled with propidium monoazide (qPCR-LDCs) to adapt this method to count VNC forms of L. monocytogenes in the manure and lagoon effluent. Secondly, we compared by cultivation method, qPCR and qPCR-LDCs, the survival of two strains of L. monocytogenes RifR IIb and IVb serogroups manure inoculated in two and two lagoon effluent incubated at 8 ° C and 20 ° C. Despite their origin and different serotype, the two strains showed a similar survival in all conditions tested. The survival of both strains was affected by the temperature (higher persistence was observed at 8 ° C) and the origin of the effluent. This study showed that L. monocytogenes was able to enter the VNC state in manure and lagoon effluent regardless of temperature. VBNC forms which accounted for 83 99.8% of viable bacteria after 60 days of incubation, appeared in the early hours of contact with effluent. Their proportion, higher at the beginning of experience in the manure lagoon in the effluent, however, was of the same order of magnitude in the two types of matrices after 60 days. To better understand the adaptation of L. monocytogenes when transferred into the lagoon effluent and soil, we compared the transcriptome by RNA-Seq technology CIP 110868 strain, isolated from a slurry inoculated in sterile effluent lagoon and extracts of soil. Transcriptome analysis was performed at T0 (reference genome), after 20 minutes and 20 hours of incubation. Functional enrichment analysis revealed transcriptomic changes during the first 20 minutes of incubation in both matrices. An increase in the gene transcript levels involved in the transport of proteins and sugars was observed. The rate of transcribed genes controlled by the sigmaB factor is increased indicating the establishment of a response to osmotic and thermal stress. In addition, the adaptation of the CIP 110868 strain in soil extracts and lagoon effluent was accompanied by an increase in time of transcript levels of genes involved in virulence and gene under the control the prfA regulator.

Listeria monocytogenes é o agente causal da listeriose, uma doença que pode atingir mulheres grávidas (e seus fetos), crianças, idosos e indivíduos com o sistema imunológico comprometido, A listeriose representa a maioria dos casos de morte decorrente de toxinfecções alimentares. Os alimentos são reconhecidos como fontes primárias da transmissão desta bactéria para o homem e L. monocytogenes já foi isolada de uma grande variedade de alimentos. Superfícies de equipamentos utilizados na produção de alimentos também podem estar contaminadas com este patógeno. Falhas em procedimentos de higienização podem deixar resíduos nos equipamentos de processamento de alimentos e L. monocytogenes pode se aderir a superfícies abióticas e iniciar sua multiplicação, dando origem a biofilmes. A interação com bactérias de outras espécies pode influenciar na forma formação de biofilmes por L. monocytogenes, constituindo um aspecto importante de estudo para auxiliar no controle da contaminação de alimentos por esta bactéria. Leuconostoc mesenteroides é uma bactéria lática normalmente encontrada em alimentos e algumas cepas podem interferir na multiplicação de L. monocytogenes pela produção de bacteriocinas com atividade antilisterial. Os biofilmes representam uma preocupação para indústria de alimentos, pois geralmente os microorganismos aderidos apresentam maior capacidade de resistir a tratamentos antimicrobianos. Neste trabalho, foram coletadas 30 amostras de presunto cozido fatiado, 30 de mussarela fatiada e 30 de superfícies de equipamentos de fatiar alimentos, em estabelecimentos do comércio varejista de Ribeirão Preto SP. As amostras forma avaliadas quanto à presença ou ausência de L. monocytogenes e também foi estudada a capacidade dos isolados em formar biofilmes em cultura pura e em testes de co-cultura. O sanitizante ácido peracético e a bacteriocina nisina foram testados para controlar a formação de biofilme por L. monocytogenes. Os resultados obtidos mostram que os isolados de L. monocytogenes formaram biofilme em superfície de aço inoxidável quando cultivados isoladamente ou em testes de co-cultura com L.mesenteroides. O tratamento da lâmina com ácido peracético inativou todas as células presentes no biofilme. Nas condições utilizadas, nisina não apresentou atividade contra L.monocytogenes em biofilmes. / Listeria monocytogenes is the causal agent of listeriosis, an infection that targets mainly pregnant women (and their fetuses), children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Listeriosis represents the majority of fatal cases of foodborne diseases. Foods are recognized as primary sources of transmission of this bacterium to man and L. monocytogenes has been isolated from of a great variety of foods. Surfaces of equipments used in the production of foods can harbour L. monocytogenes. Failures in sanitization procedures can leave food residues adhered to equipments of food processing and L. monocytogenes can attach to abiotic surfaces, multiply and form biofilms. Interactions among bacteria of diverse species may influence biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes and this is an important issue to be studied to improve food safety. Leuconostoc mesenteroides is a lactic bacterium usually found in foods and some strains can interfere with the multiplication of L. monocytogenes by production of bacteriocins with antilisterial activity. Biofilms represent a special concern to the food industry, because adhered microorganism are generally more resistant to antimicrobial treatments. In this work, we collected 30 samples of sliced cooked ham, 30 of sliced mozzarella cheese and 30 of surfaces of food processing equipments, in the retail market of the city of Ribeirão Preto - SP. The samples were studied for presence or absence of L. monocytogenes. The ability of the isolates to form biofilms was also studied, in pure and in co-culture tests. The sanitizer peracetic acid and the bacteriocin nisin were tested to control biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes. L. monocytogenes formed biofilm on stainless steel coupons when cultivated alone or in co-culture with L. mesenteroides. The treatment of stainless steel coupons with peracetic acid inactivated the cells of the biofilm. Under the experimental conditions tested nisin did not present activity against L. monocytogenes in biofilms.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:32:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_marcia_magalhaes_mata.pdf: 1998479 bytes, checksum: c18127c54931180d99c33eb9ceb106cd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-06-24 / L. monocytogenes is the etiologic agent of listeriosis, a severe food-borne disease. This pathogen has also variable ability to adhere to food-processing surfaces. Thus, the aims of this study was at first to evaluate the influence of the temperature (04-10-25-37°C) and time of incubation (24-48-168h) on the formation of attached cells by L. monocytogenes strains of diverse origins, serotypes and lineages using a colorimetric microtitre plate method. After this, comprehensive proteomics experiments using label-free 1D- liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (1D-LC/tandem MS) were performed to determine if the global proteomic responses of L. monocytogenes strains (Siliken and F2365) is altered markedly as attached cells compared to its planktonic state when growth media and temperature are the same. Our results showed that attached cells produced by different origins of L. monocytogenes did not change significantly when subjected to experimental conditions, unlike what was observed with attached cells produced by different serotypes and lineages of L. monocytogenes, which were clearly affected by environmental conditions.such as temperature and time of incubation. The ability of lineage II and serotype 1/2a and 1/2b to form large amount of attached cells when compared with the others in specific conditions indicates that risks from Listeria adherence must be taken seriously in sensitive food environments in order to find safer alternatives to prevent contamination and further dissemination of listeriosis. Only 8 proteins demonstrated substantial changes in common between both strains and temperatures in attached cells compared to their planktonic counterparts. They are: GroEL, DnaK, PtsH, PdxS, Pgi, RpsB, RpsD, and RpsP. Moreover, it was observed that the cell surface protein BapL abundance, though low, was not enhanced in attached cells suggesting its role in adherence could be a generalized contribution to the cell wall hydrophobicity. Interestingly, our experiment suggest that at 25°C the attached cells in both strains undergo flagella synthesis repression. Also, Sig B Regulon can be associate with an enhanced general stress response occurs in lineage II Strain (Siliken) but not in lineage I Strain (F2365) and could relate to the consequences of attachment. The temporal survey-based approach demonstrates clearly that high coverage represents a powerful means to investigate dynamic responses in L. monocytogenes from a functional genomics perspective / L. monocytogenes é o agente etiológico da listeriose, uma doença severa de origem alimentar. Esse patógeno também é capaz de se aderir a uma grande variedade de superfícies do processamento de alimentos. Sendo assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram primeiramente, avaliar a influência da temperatura (04-10-25 e 37°C) e tempo de incubação (24-48-168h) na formação de células aderidas de cepas de L. monocytogenes de diferentes origens, sorotipos e linhagens utilizando o método colorimétrico em placas de microtitulação. Após, experimentos de proteômica abrangentes que não utilizam marcadores, como a Cromatografia líquida de 1D/ espectrometria de massa em tandem (1D-LC/tandem MS) foram realizadas para determinar se o perfil proteico global de células planctônicas e de células aderidas de cepas de L. monocytogenes (Siliken e F2365) foi alterado significativamente quando os meios de crescimento e de temperatura de incubação foram os mesmos. A partir dos resultados obtidos verificou-se que as células aderidas formadas por L. monocytogenes de diferentes origens não sofreram alterações significativas quando submetidas às condições experimentais, diferentemente do que foi observado com as células aderidas formadas por L. monocytogenes de diferentes sorotipos e linhagens, as quais foram claramente afetadas pelas condições do ambiente. A habilidade da linhagem II e dos sorotipos 1/2a e 1/2b de formar grande quantidade de células aderidas quando comparadas com as demais, em condições específicas, indica alto risco de contaminação e disseminação da listeriose, bem como a sobrevivência e persistência deste micro-organismo no ambiente. Com base na análise proteômica, apenas oito proteínas demonstraram alterações substanciais em comum entre ambas as cepas e temperaturas em células aderidas comparadas com suas respectivas células planctônicas. São elas: GroEL, DnaK, PtsH, PdxS, Pgi, RpsB, RpsD, and RpsP. Verificou-se também que a abundância da proteína de superfície celular BapL, embora baixa, não foi aumentada em células aderidas sugerindo que o seu papel na adesão pode ser uma contribuição generalizada para a hidrofobicidade da parede celular. De forma muito interessante, nosso experimento sugere que células aderidas a 25°C por ambas as cepas levam a uma síntese de repressão flagelar. E ainda, Sig B Regulon pode estar associado com o aumento em geral da resposta ao estresse ocorrido na cepa de linhagem II (Siliken) mas não na cepa de linhagem I (F2365) o que pode estar relacionado com as consequências da adesão. A técnica utilizada no experimento demonstrou claramente que com alta abrangência é possível estudar proteomas bacterianos representando assim uma ferramenta poderosa para investigar respostas dinâmicas em L. monocytogenes através de uma perspectiva de genômica funcional.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:33:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_marcelo_mendonca.PDF: 4204978 bytes, checksum: e41a9490cdb350a5e7add8e129afdd82 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-12-01 / The conventional methods used to detect the Listeria monocytogenes in foods are laborious and expensive, requiring several days for final identification. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) based immunoassays are highly specific and rapid to perform, especially when MAbs are raised to conserved virulence factors in the pathogen. Among diverse virulence factors of L. monocytogenes, the surface protein internalin A (InlA) is one of the most well-known and characterized protein, being an excellent target as it is highly exposed on the surface and exclusive of pathogenic species. In this work we report the production, characterization and use of a panel of MAbs against InlA (2D12, 3B7, 4E4), and a MAb (3F8) which specifically recognizes all bacteria belonging the genus Listeria. MAbs were produced by the immunization of BALB/c mice with a recombinant InlA together with heat killed L. monocytogenes. The MAbs produced showed excellent reativities by indirect ELISA, Western blot and immunofluorescence. A Cy5 conjugated anti-InlA MAb-2D12 was used as detection antibody for L. monocytogenes in a sandwich-like fiber optic immunoassay. Using MAb-2D12 as capture antibody on the waveguides, the limit of detection was ~3 x 102 CFU.mL-1, and when MAb-3F8 was used for capture the limit of detection was ~1 x 105 CFU.mL-1. Furthermore, MAbs 2D12 and 3F8 were used to coat paramagnetic beads and tested in the immunomagnetic separation (IMS) of L. monocytogenes from pure cultures, and artificially contaminated cheeses and hotdogs. After IMS capture, bacteria were released from the beads, used in the fiber optic assay or plated on agar for counting. In parallel, the capture of L. monocytogenes was confirmed by real-time qPCR and light-scattering technology (BARDOT). Using IMS to concentrate and separate L. monocytogenes, followed by a fiber optic platform, it was possible to detect in less than 22 h, approximately 40 CFU/g of L. monocytogenesi, even in the presence of L. innocua in cheese and hot dogs artificially contaminated. In addition, using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) the protein to which MAb-3F8 binds, was identified as fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA). The results presented in this work indicate that using both systems together, the IMS and fiber optic immunosensor, were more reliable and faster, and could be applied in the routinely for detection of L. monocytogenes in food. Moreover, both MAbs have the potential to useful in others biosensor platforms, as well as in other detection and functionality immunoassays for InlA and FBA in Listeria. / Os métodos convencionais empregados para detecção de Listeria monocytogenes em alimentos são laboriosos e onerosos, requerendo vários dias para sua identificação final. A utilização de anticorpos monoclonais (MAbs) em imunoensaios para detecção rápida de bactérias tem como vantagem a alta especificidade e rapidez, principalmente quando direcionados para fatores de virulência conservados. Dentre os diversos fatores de virulência de Listeria, a proteína de membrana internalina A (InlA), é umas das mais bem caracterizadas, sendo um excelente alvo por ser altamente exposta na superfície e exclusiva de espécies patogênicas. Neste trabalho é relatado a produção, caracterização e utilização em métodos de diagnósticos de um painel de MAbs contra a InlA (2D12, 3B7, 4E4), e de um MAb (3F8) que reconhece especificamente todas as bactérias do gênero Listeria. Na produção dos MAbs, camundongos BALB/c foram imunizados com uma proteína recombinante InlA (rInlA) concomitantemente com L. monocytogenes inativadas por fervura. Os MAbs gerados demonstraram excelente reatividade por ELISA indireto, Western blot e imunofluorescência. O MAb anti-InlA 2D12 marcado com Cy5 foi usado como anticorpo de detecção de L. monocytogenes, no sistema tipo sanduíche de sensor de fibra óptica. Usando MAb-2D12 como anticorpo de captura nas fibras ópticas, obteve-se um limite de detecção de ~3 x 102 CFU.mL-1, e um limite de detecção de ~1 x 105 CFU.mL-1 foi visualizado com MAb-3F8 como captura. Os MAbs anti-InlA 2D12 e anti-Listeria 3F8 foram posteriormente utilizados para sensibilizar esferas paramagnéticas e testados na separação imunomagnética (IMS) de L. monocytogenes em culturas puras, e em queijo e salsichas tipo hotdog artificialmente contaminados. Após a captura por IMS, as bactérias foram liberadas, incubadas com a fibra óptica ou plaqueadas em agares para contagem. Em paralelo, a confirmação da captura de L. monocytogenes foi realizada por PCR quantitativo em tempo real e por light-scattering technology (BARDOT). Utilizando IMS para separar e concentrar L. monocytogenes, seguido da utilização em plataforma de fibra óptica, foi possível realizar a detecção em menos de 22 horas, de aproximadamente 40 UFC/g de L. monocytogenes em presença de L. innocua, em queijo e salsicha artificialmente contaminados. Além disso, a proteína alvo do MAb3F8 foi identificado como frutose 1,6-bifosfato aldolase através de espectrometria de massa (MALDI-TOF-MS). Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho indicam que a utilização em conjunto dos sistemas de IMS e fibra óptica com os MAb-2D12 e MAb3F8, foram confiáveis e rápidos, e assim, podendo ser empregados em imunoensaios de rotina para detecção de L. monocytogenes em alimentos. Contudo, ambos MAbs possuem ainda grande potencial para serem mais explorados em outras plataformas de biossensores, assim como, em outros imunoensaios de detecção e funcionalidade de InlA e FBA em Listeria

The primary aim of this investigation was to identify and assess the interactions (synergies and antagonisms) that exist between 20 minute detergent and 5 minute disinfectant treatments upon three factory isolated strains of surface adhered (1-hour attached) and surface adapted (24-hour biofilm) populations of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, plus a comparison with vero-toxin producing strains of E. coli, when used as part of a cleaning and disinfection regime. The detergents chosen for assessment were two non-ionic (91/4 - Alcohol Ethoxylate and KCL5 - Polyethoxylated Alcohol), two anionic (LX28 - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Nec28 - Sodium Laurylether Sulphate) and two novel bismuth thiols (BisEDT - 1:1 Bismuth nitrate 1,2-ethanedithiol and BisTOL - 2:1 Bismuth nitrate 3,4-dimercaptotoluene), developed at Winthrop University Hospital, New York. The disinfectants chosen for assessment were a quaternary ammonium compound (BAC - Benzyl alkonium Chloride) and a chlorine releasing agent (NaDCC - Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate). The investigation showed that there were no specific cleaning and disinfection regimes that will adequately target both E. coli and L. monocytogenes strains. It was also concluded that to maximise the removal and disinfection of persistent strains of a given microorganism, it may be necessary to design a regime to specifically target not just the species, but the strain involved and where possible requires mechanical cleaning. The novel bismuth thiols were seen to be promising detergents to aid in the removal of E. coli strains and warrant further attention for future studies. Finally, an investigation to identify possible mechanisms of resistance to disinfectant treatments following detergent treatment, showed that different detergents can induce expression of the stress response proteins, HSP60 and HSP70, at differing levels of expression after the same contact time and against different states of adherent populations, i.e. 1-hour attached or 24-hour biofilm populations.

Laticínios são facilmente susceptíveis à contaminação por L. monocytogenes, que pode vir a formar biofilmes nos equipamentos e utensílios e se tornar reservatório de uma recontaminação de produtos lácteos pasteurizados. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a formação de biofilmes por L. monocytogenes em diferentes condições encontradas em laticínios como temperatura, tempo e presença de E. coli, assim como avaliar a eficiência do processo de limpeza utilizado, Clean in Place (CIP), frente a esses biofilmes formados. Para isso, foi utilizado um modelo experimental com cupons de aço inoxidável da mesma especificação do pasteurizador de leite. Os cupons foram imersos em um béquer contendo leite UHT integral e TSB-YE, contaminados artificialmente com uma suspensão de L. monocytogenes. Os cupons permaneceram durante um período de dez horas sob agitação constante a temperatura de 5 e 35ºC, visando a aderência das cepas na superfície, seguida de incubação em diferentes tempos (18 e 114 horas) e temperaturas (5 e 35ºC) para a formação do biofilme, seguidos do processo CIP. As populações bacterianas dos biofilmes foram avaliadas por amostragem por suabe e por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). A formação de biofilme por L. monocytogenes foi significativamente influenciada pela temperatura, sendo que a de 5°C prolongou sua sobrevivência sobre aço inoxidável, provavelmente pela formação de polímeros extracelulares, produzidos em maior número a esta temperatura. Portanto a refrigeração não deve ser usada como única forma de prevenção da contaminação dos alimentos. O substrato e a presença de E. coli não influenciaram na formação de biofilmes pela L. monocytogenes. Em todas as condições estudadas, o processo de limpeza CIP foi eficiente para remover as células de L. monocytogenes a níveis não detectados pelo método suabe ou tornando essas células inviáveis. / Dairy industries are easily susceptible to contamination by L. monocytogenes, which could form biofilms in equipments and utensils and become a source of recontamination of pasteurized dairy products. The objective of this work was to analyze the formation of biofilms by L. monocytogenes at different conditions found in dairy industries such as temperature, time and presence of E. coli, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of the cleaning process used called Clean in Place (CIP) against the biofilms formed. To do so, an experimental model with stainless steel coupons of the same specification as the milk pasteurizer was used. The coupons were immersed in a glass flask containing whole UHT milk and Tryptic Soy BOH + 0.6% Yeast Extract (TSB-YE), artificially contaminated with a suspension of L. monocytogenes. The coupons remained for a period of ten hours under constant agitation at temperature of 5 and 35oC, aiming at the adherence of the strains on the surface, followed by incubation at different times (18 and 114 hours) and temperatures (5 and 35oC) for the formation of the biofilm, followed by CIP process. The bacterial populations of biofilms were evaluated by sampling through swab and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation of biofilms by L. monocytogenes was significantly influenced by temperature, and temperature of 5°C prolonged their survival on stainless steel, probably due to the formation of extracellular polymers, produced in greater numbers at this temperature. Therefore, refrigeration should not be used as the only way to prevent food contamination. The substrate and the presence of E. coli did not influence the formation of biofilms by L. monocytogenes. In all conditions studied, the CIP cleaning process was efficient to remove L. monocytogenes cells at levels not detected through the swab method or making these cells unviable.

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular bacterium that utilizes two phospholipases C (PLCs) and a pore-forming cytolysin (listeriolysin O, LLO) to escape the phagosome. However, prior to escape, the bacterium must overcome a number of phagosomal defenses, including autophagy and NOX2 NADPH oxidase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Autophagy, the cellular process of self-digestion, is a key component of innate immunity. Previously, it has been shown that L. monocytogenes is targeted by autophagy (LC3+) at 1 h post infection (p.i.) but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, I show that at 1 h p.i., diacylglycerol (DAG) and ROS production are required for autophagy targeting to the bacteria, which are predominantly in phagosomes. It has been shown that autophagy targeting of cytosolic L. monocytogenes is mediated via protein ubiquitination. However, protein ubiquitination is not associated with LC3+ bacteria at 1 h p.i.. Thus, my data suggest that distinct signals mediate autophagy targeting of L. monocytogenes depending on the location within host cells. Given that ROS mediate autophagy targeting to L. monocytogenes and that previous studies have demonstrated that ROS production limits bacterial escape, I investigated how L. monocytogenes overcomes ROS production prior to phagosomal escape. I found that LLO inhibits ROS production by preventing NOX2 NADPH oxidase localization to L. monocytogenes-containing phagosomes. LLO-deficient bacteria can be complemented by perfringolysin O, a related cytolysin, suggesting that other pathogens may also use pore-forming cytolysins to inhibit ROS production. While PLCs can activate ROS production, this effect is alleviated by LLO pore-formation. Therefore, the combined activities of PLCs and LLO allow L. monocytogenes to efficiently escape the phagosome while avoiding microbicidal ROS. Together, this thesis provides a clearer understanding of the balance between host defense versus bacterial evasion. Greater insight into host-bacterial interaction may lead to better therapeutics that can “tip the balance” in the host’s favour.

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular bacterium that utilizes two phospholipases C (PLCs) and a pore-forming cytolysin (listeriolysin O, LLO) to escape the phagosome. However, prior to escape, the bacterium must overcome a number of phagosomal defenses, including autophagy and NOX2 NADPH oxidase production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Autophagy, the cellular process of self-digestion, is a key component of innate immunity. Previously, it has been shown that L. monocytogenes is targeted by autophagy (LC3+) at 1 h post infection (p.i.) but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, I show that at 1 h p.i., diacylglycerol (DAG) and ROS production are required for autophagy targeting to the bacteria, which are predominantly in phagosomes. It has been shown that autophagy targeting of cytosolic L. monocytogenes is mediated via protein ubiquitination. However, protein ubiquitination is not associated with LC3+ bacteria at 1 h p.i.. Thus, my data suggest that distinct signals mediate autophagy targeting of L. monocytogenes depending on the location within host cells. Given that ROS mediate autophagy targeting to L. monocytogenes and that previous studies have demonstrated that ROS production limits bacterial escape, I investigated how L. monocytogenes overcomes ROS production prior to phagosomal escape. I found that LLO inhibits ROS production by preventing NOX2 NADPH oxidase localization to L. monocytogenes-containing phagosomes. LLO-deficient bacteria can be complemented by perfringolysin O, a related cytolysin, suggesting that other pathogens may also use pore-forming cytolysins to inhibit ROS production. While PLCs can activate ROS production, this effect is alleviated by LLO pore-formation. Therefore, the combined activities of PLCs and LLO allow L. monocytogenes to efficiently escape the phagosome while avoiding microbicidal ROS. Together, this thesis provides a clearer understanding of the balance between host defense versus bacterial evasion. Greater insight into host-bacterial interaction may lead to better therapeutics that can “tip the balance” in the host’s favour.

The natural water inside green coconuts is regarded as a healthy drink due to the elements of nutritional and therapeutic value. Since there is chance of contamination of tender coconut water (TCW) with psychrophilic microbes during extraction from its hard shell if stored at 4 ºC, thermal pasteurization is currently practiced. However, the thermal treatment of TCW causes a rise in off flavors and loss of the vital nutrients. To solve this problem, a non-thermal pasteurization technology is desirable. The goal of this research was to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of ultraviolet light C (UVC) as non-thermal pasteurization of TCW and evaluation of physico-chemical and sensory quality of the treated TCW in comparison to the fresh TCW. A dean flow ultraviolet reactor was used with wavelength of 254 nm at the residence time of 14.0 seconds. The independent variables were three Reynold numbers (Re1 = 198.8, Re2 = 397.7 and Re3 =596.4) and two different diameters of transparent PFA tubes (3.2 mm and 1.6 mm). TCW was inoculated with cultures of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes separately up to 8 log10 CFU/mL and inactivation by cold pasteurization was evaluated with number of log reduction of each bacteria. Physico-chemical properties like total solid content (TSS) and pH were analyzed throughout the storage period of four weeks. The sensorial quality, flavor and color of the coconut water was also evaluated by a panel of 30 people to compare the organoleptic characteristics of UVC treated samples with untreated fresh coconut water. In case of Escherichia coli W1485, UVC treatment gave the log reduction of 5.27 and 4.74 log10 CFU/mL in coconut water for 1.6 mm and 3.2 mm ID reactors, respectively. Whereas the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes were 4.18 and 2.96 log10 CFU/mL for 1.6 mm and 3.2 mm ID reactors, respectively. In case of both the bacteria, as the tube size increased, microbial reduction decreased; and as the Reynold number increased, microbial reduction also increased except where there was an interaction effect. The change of tube diameters gave significantly different inactivation for both test bacteria at all Reynolds number except at Re2 and Re3 in case of Escherichia coli. The different levels of Reynolds number were not significantly variant when compared with consecutive levels, but Re1 to Re3 were significantly different for both test bacteria. The physico-chemical and sensorial changes of cold pasteurized TCW weres not significantly different compared to the fresh TCW, providing the conformity of retention of natural and organoleptic characteristics of TCW.