Salmonella é uma das principais causas de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos em todo o mundo, sendo que no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) esse microrganismo tem sido apontado como um dos principais agentes de toxinfecções alimentares nos últimos anos. Neste trabalho foram caracterizados isolados de Salmonella envolvidas em salmoneloses ocorridas no RS, no período de 2007 a 2013. Entre os 163 isolados investigados, 138 (84,7%) foram sorotipificados com S. Enteritidis, enquanto os outros isolados foram S. Schwarzengrund (n = 9 – 5,5 %), S. Typhimurium (n = 6 – 3,7%), S. Infantis (n = 1 – 0,6 %), S. Agona (n = 1 – 0,6 %), S. Derby (n = 1 – 0,6 %), S. London (n = 1 – 0,6 %), S. Give (n = 1 – 0,6 %), S. Panama (n = 1 – 0,6 %) e S. enterica (n = 4 – 2,5 %). Os principais alimentos envolvidos nos surtos foram maionese caseira (17,39%), seguido dos produtos de confeitaria (15,94 %) e carnes (12,32 %). A resistência da S. Enteritidis a 12 agentes antimicrobianos também foi investigada. As maiores porcentagens de resistência foram encontradas em relação à nitrofurantoína (94,2 %) e ao ácido nalidíxico (89,1 %). A resistência para duas drogas foi verificada em 80,43 % dos isolados. Sendo que a multirresistência para três ou cinco antimicrobianos foi verificada em quatro e dois isolados, respectivamente. Quando os isolados foram submetidos à PCR-Ribotipificação, apenas um perfil de bandas foi identificado. Os resultados de PCR-Ribotipificação sugerem que uma mesma cepa de S. Enteritidis foi isolada a partir de alimentos envolvidos em salmoneloses ocorridas em diferentes municípios do Estado do RS no período de 2007 a 2013. Uma vez que o mesmo perfil de bandas foi identificado em S. Enteritidis causadoras de salmoneloses, durante 1999 a 2006, os resultados indicam que a mesma cepa de S. Enteritidis tem causado surtos alimentares no RS, durante o período de 1999 a 2013. / Salmonella is a major cause of Foodborne Diseases worldwide, and in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) this microorganism has been identified as the main agent of foodborne diseases in last years. In this work, Salmonella isolates responsible for salmonellosis occurred in the State of RS, in the period 2007 to 2013 were characterized. Among the 163 isolates investigated, 138 (84.7 %) were serotyped as S. Enteritidis, whereas the other isolates were S. Schwarzengrund (n = 9 – 5.5 %), S. Typhimurium (n = 6 – 3.7 %), S. Infantis (n = 1 – 0.6 %), S. Agona (n = 1 – 0.6 %), S. Derby (n = 1 – 0.6%), S. London (n = 1 – 0.6 %), S. Give (n = 1 – 0.6 %), S. Panama (n = 1 – 0.6 %) and S. enterica (n = 4 – 2.5 %). The main food vehicles identified were homemade mayonnaise (17.39 %), followed by pastry products (15.94 %) and beef (12.32 %). The S. Enteritidis resistance to 12 antimicrobial agents was investigated. The highest percentages of resistance were found to nitrofurantoin (94.2 %) and nalidixic acid (89.1 %). The resistance to two different drugs was observed in 80.43 % of the isolates. Multidrug-resistance for three to five antimicrobials was observed in four and two isolates, respectively. When the isolates were analysed by PCR-Ribotyping, only one banding profile was identified. The results of PCR-Ribotyping suggest that the same strain of S. Enteritidis was isolated from foods involved in salmonelloses occurred in different municipalities of the State of RS in the period 2007-2013. Since the same banding pattern was found in strains involved in salmonellosis outbreaks of 1999 to 2006, results indicated that the same strain of S. Enteritidis has caused salmonellosis outbreaks in RS, during the period of 1999 to 2013.

Infecções por bactérias do gênero Salmonella podem causar doenças em aves levando a perdas produtivas, como, queda de postura, diminuição do ganho de peso e mortalidade. Além disso, os produtos avícolas estão entre as principais causas de toxi-infecções alimentares em humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro dos óleos essenciais de Canela da China, Orégano, Pimenta Negra e Tomilho Branco frente a amostras de Salmonella enterica isoladas de aves, bem como comparar as técnicas de disco difusão e microdiluição em caldo. Para avaliar o efeito inibitório dos óleos essenciais no crescimento dos micro-organismos usou-se uma técnica de microdiluição em caldo empregando-se resazurina como indicador de viabilidade celular. Dos quatro óleos testados, apenas a pimenta negra não exibiu efeito inibitório sobre o crescimento das bactérias testadas e o óleo de orégano foi o único que apresentou atividade frente a todas as amostras com valores de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) variando de 8-1% (v/v). Enquanto que, os óleos de tomilho e canela foram efetivos para 91,3% (42/46) e 80,43% (37/46) das amostras, respectivamente. Os valores de CIM para o tomilho variaram de 8-4% (v/v) e para a canela foram de 8-2% (v/v). Em relação às técnicas, pode-se observar que a técnica de microdiluição em caldo apresentou melhores resultados que a disco difusão, embora seja difícil comparar os resultados devido às características peculiares dos óleos, como a viscosidade, volatilidade e diferente afinidade com a água. Além disso, a microdiluição em caldo nos fornece valores semi-quantitativos, enquanto que o método de disco difusão os resultados são descritos qualitativamente. Embora não se tenha ainda hoje padronizações para avaliar o efeito inibitório dos óleos no crescimento dos micro-organismos, com este estudo podemos observar que os óleos, principalmente orégano, são uma alternativa natural para aplicações na indústria visando a redução de Salmonella nos produtos. / Infections with bacteria of the genus Salmonella can cause disease in poultry leading to production losses, as falling posture, decreased weight gain and mortality. Furthermore, poultry products are among the major causes of human alimentary toxinfections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oils of cinnamon from China, Oregano, Thyme and Black Pepper White against strains of Salmonella enterica isolated from poultry and compare the techniques disk diffusion and microdilution. To assess the inhibitory effect of essential oils on the growth of micro-organisms used was a broth microdilution technique employing resazurin as an indicator of cell viability. Of the four oils tested, only black pepper showed no inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria and tested oregano oil was the only one that showed activity against all samples with values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 8-1% ( v / v). While the oils of thyme and cinnamon were effective in 91.3% (42/46) and 80.43% (37/46) of samples, respectively. MIC values for the peas ranged from 8-4% (v / v) and cinnamon were 8-2% (v / v). Regarding the techniques, one can observe that the microdilution broth showed better results than disk diffusion, although it is difficult to compare the results due to the peculiar characteristics of oils, as viscosity, volatility, and different affinity for water. Furthermore, the broth microdilution provides semi-quantitative values, while the disk diffusion method results are described qualitatively. Although no standardizations today to evaluate the inhibitory effect of oils on the growth of micro-organisms, with this study we can see that the oils, especially oregano, are a natural alternative for applications in industry for the reduction of Salmonella in products.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences and Industry / J. Ernest Minton / The three experiments described below offer support of immune function by the swine gastrointestinal epithelium. Experiment one evaluated mediators that regulate the movement of macrophages (macrophage migration inhibitory factor; MIF), neutrophils (interleukin 8; IL8), dendritic cells (CC chemokine ligand 20; CCL20) and epithelial remodeling (osteopontin; OPN) in pigs challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) or Choleraesuis (SC). The proximal ileum had greater IL8 expression than the distal ileum (P < 0.05), and ST increased CCL20 (P < 0.05). In vitro, MIF, IL8, CCL20 and OPN mRNA expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ST or SC using pig jejunal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) resulted in increased IL8 secretion, and increased IL8 and CCL20 mRNA by ST and SC (P < 0.05). Experiment two evaluated how Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) and Bacillus licheniformis (BL) differed from ST or SC in their ability to regulate, stimulate, or modify IL8, CCL20, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in IPEC-J2 cells. ST stimulated an increase in IL8 secretion, with increases in IL8 mRNA (P < 0.05). BL increased IL8 mRNA (P < 0.0001). CCL20 mRNA was upregulated by ST (P < 0.05) and BL (P < 0.05). Only ST increased TNFα mRNA (P < 0.05). Another objective evaluated whether pre-exposure of IPEC-J2 cells to LR or BL modified ST induced IL8 secretion. IL8 secretion was increased by ST (P < 0.0001), and reduced by LR (P < 0.05). Only the BL/ST co-treated wells blunted basolateral IL8 secretion (P < 0.0001). Experiment three characterized the swine CCL20 mRNA sequence and evaluated tissue expression. Cloning of CCL20 from the porcine jejunum predicted a 97 amino acid peptide. All healthy tissues expressed CCL20 mRNA. In animals challenged with Salmonella spp., SC increased spleen and liver CCL20 expression. The data demonstrate that invasive bacterial pathogens in the pig gastrointestinal tract trigger upregulation of selected proinflammatory mediators; Salmonella spp. elicited differing patterns of activation in vitro and in vivo; IPEC-J2 cells increased IL-8 secretion in response to ST and BL, but not LR, while ST stimulated secretion was inhibited basolaterally by BL pre-exposure; and numerous porcine tissues are prominent sources CCL20.

Soil amended with manure has been implicated as a source of produce contamination leading to foodborne gastrointestinal-disease outbreaks. While current composting guidelines require temperatures ≥ 55°C for 3 days to destroy bacterial pathogens, these requirements have not been evaluated for all pathogens. Investigation of parasite survival in manure required development of a flow cytometry method integrating the cell-impermeant viability dye SytoX for simultaneous quantification and viability assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts/cysts. Further studies will be required to apply this method to investigate thermal reduction in parasites. Studies conducted with bacterial pathogens indicated that E. coli O157:H7 survived longer than other pathogens at 50°C to 55°C. Listeria monocytogenes survived significantly better in chicken manure compared to cow manure at 50°C to 55°C. Results suggest composting guidelines are adequate for bacterial pathogen reduction; however, testing for E. coli O157 along with Salmonella may increase confidence in compost safety.

No description available.

Salmonella enterica serotypes have been linked to outbreaks associated with low water activity foods. The ability of biofilm forming pathogens, such as Salmonella, to survive thermal and chemical processes is improved; it is unclear if biofilms will also improve survival to desiccation and gastric stresses. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of physiological state (planktonic versus biofilm) and prior exposure to desiccation on Salmonella survival and gene expression after passage through an in-vitro digestion model. Cells of Salmonella enterica serotype Tennessee were deposited onto membranes for planktonic cells or on glass beads to create biofilms. The cells were subsequently dried at room temperature and stored in dried milk powder (aw = 0.3) for up to 30 days. Salmonella survival was quantified by serial dilution onto brilliant green agar before desiccation, after desiccation, after 1-day storage and after 30-day storage. At each sampling both physiological states were tested for survival through a simulated gastrointestinal system. RNA was extracted at the identical time points and relative gene expression determined for genes associated with stress response (rpoS, otsB), virulence (hilA, hilD, invA, sipC) and a housekeeping gene 16S rRNA using quantitative real-time PCR. The physiological state and length of storage effected the survival and gene expression of Salmonella within the desiccated milk powder environment and after passage through an in-vitro digestion system (p<0.05). Larger numbers of S. Tennessee were recovered by plate counts for biofilm cells, compared to planktonic cells. However, the numbers of 16S rRNA gene copies were not significantly different suggesting entry of S. Tennessee into a viable but non-culturable state. Prolonged storage in dry milk powder was not associated with increased cross-protection to gastric stress. Increased expression of stress response genes rpoS and otsB correlated with survival, indicating cross protection of low water activity and acid stress. Increased expression of virulence-associated genes was seen in cells exposed to short periods of dry storage, suggesting an increased virulence potential. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance and the lack of promising prospective antibiotics have forced us to search for new classes of antibiotics. Among the candidates to develop into future antibacterials are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These potent, broad spectrum compounds are important components of innate immunity of organism from all kingdoms of life. One such family of mini-proteins from plants is called cyclotides, whose members are defines by cyclic backbone and a cystine knot (CCK), which confers to them extreme stability in the face of biological, chemical and physical insults.     Some cyclotides possess Gram-negative specific antibacterial activity; the purpose of this thesis was to characterize how these molecules kill bacteria, and how bacteria would respond to treatment with cyclotides. For this purpose, Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli mutants resistant to the cyclotides cycloviolacin O2 and cycloviolacin O19, respectively, were selected. These mutants were characterized by whole genome sequencing, genetic reconstitution, fitness measurements, and cross-resistance studies. These studies identified a number of genetic pathways for resistance development to cyclotides. These mutants displayed variable fitness profiles in laboratory growth media and in mice competition experiments, with some mutants possessing a fitness advantage in mice. Cross-resistance studies resulted in the identification of several cases of cross-resistance and collateral sensitivity between cyclotides and other AMPs/antibiotics.      Antimicrobial effects of cyclotides were assayed in different conditions and in bacterial organisms with different surface characteristics. In addition, immunolocalization experiments were performed to explore the biological distribution of cyclotides in plants and to determine the mechanism of action of cyclotides in bacteria, respectively. Antibodies raised against cyO2 were used for this purpose. Immunohistochemical techniques applied to plant cells, tissues and organs provided the information that cyclotides were distributed in all plant organs, and were found in tissues vulnerable to pathogen attack, and that cyclotides were stored in the vacuoles of plant cells. Immunogold staining of cyclotide treated cells of S. typhimurium, showed effects of cyclotide treatment on the cell envelope components as well as cytoplasm. A higher number of cyclotide molecules was associated with the cell envelope, but a considerable fraction of them penetrated into the cytoplasm.

The endoplasmic reticulum stress response, also known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), has been implicated in the normal physiology of immune defense and in several disorders, including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. Here, we show that the apoptotic receptor CED-1 and a network of PQN/ABU proteins involved in a noncanonical UPR response are required for proper defense to pathogen infection in Caenorhabditis elegans. A full-genome microarray analysis indicates that CED-1 functions to activate the expression of pqn/abu genes. We also show that ced-1 and pqn/abu genes are required for the survival of C. elegans exposed to live Salmonella enterica, and that overexpression of pqn/abu genes confers protection against pathogen-mediated killing. The results indicate that unfolded protein response genes, regulated in a CED-1-dependent manner, are involved in the C. elegans immune response to live bacteria. / Dissertation

Salmonella enterica sérovar Typhi (S. Typhi) est l’agent responsable de la fièvre typhoïde et cause environ 200 000 morts et 27 millions de cas annuellement. C’est un pathogène entérique dont le réservoir est restreint à l’Homme. Les raisons de cette restriction d’hôte sont méconnues et pourraient dépendre de l’expression de facteurs d’adhésion à des étapes importantes au cours de la pathogenèse. L’annotation bioinformatique du génome de S. Typhi identifie 12 fimbriae de type chaperon-placier (FCP), un curli ainsi qu’un pilus de type IV. L’objectif de ce projet de recherche est d’étudier ces systèmes d’adhésion peu caractérisés. D’abord, le niveau d’expression de ces gènes a été évalué dans différentes conditions de culture in vitro en utilisant une approche de gènes rapporteurs. L’expression des 14 systèmes d’adhésion a été détectée. Nos résultats indiquent qu’une carence en fer favorise l’expression des opérons bcf et csg. Indépendamment du fer, l’expression de bcf, csg, pil, sef, sta, stc, stg et sth est influencée par la richesse nutritive du milieu. L’incubation en milieu LB liquide favorise l’expression de la plupart des systèmes d’adhésion par rapport à un milieu LB liquide sans agitation ou un milieu LB solide. En somme, l’expression des systèmes d’adhésion de S. Typhi a été observée et est influencée par des conditions environnementales. Dans un second volet, nous avons tent de surexprimer les différents systèmes d’adhésion chez une souche d’E. coli ou de S. Typhi afimbriaire. Avec cette approche, nous avons été en mesure de démontrer que l’opéron tcf encode pour un fimbria fonctionnel que l’on a pu observer en microscopie électronique. L’expression de tcf chez une souche afimbriaire d’E. coli et S. Typhi a également diminué leur capacité d’adhésion à des cellules épithéliales intestinales humaines lors d’essais in vitro. Nos observations démontrent que l’expression des systèmes d’adhésion retrouvés chez S. Typhi est influencée par les conditions enviroi9onnementales. Au moins un de ces systèmes est fonctionnel. Ceci suggère une contribution des systèmes d’adhésion retrouvés chez S. Typhi lors de l’interaction de ce pathogène avec l’humain. / Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is the etiological agent of typhoid fever which causes more than 200 000 deaths and 27 million cases worldwide, mostly in south Asia. This pathogen can only cause significant symptoms in humans, which are the only recognized animal reservoir. This host restriction is not clearly understood and could depend on the expression of adhesion systems during critical pathogenesis steps. Bioinformatic studies on S. Typhi predict 12 chaperone-usher fimbriae, one curli and one type IV secretion system. The aim of the project was to study those poorly described adhesion systems using two different methodologies. First, transcription levels were evaluated in different in vitro growth conditions using both gfp and β-galactosidase reporter genes. The expression of the 14 adhesion systems was detected, even if some of them were poorly expressed. The expression of bcf and csg was higher during iron-deficiency. Also, the availability of nutrients had an impact on bcf, csg, pil, sef, sta, stc, stg and sth expression, independently of the presence of iron. Most of the adhesion systems showed higher expression levels in liquid LB media with aeration compared to the same media without aeration or supplemented with agar. Secondly, several S. Typhi adhesion systems were cloned into an inducible expression plasmid introduced in both an afimbriated E. coli K-12 strain (ORN172) and an afimbriated S. Typhi strain (ISP1820). This approach enabled us to directly observe the presence of tcf by electron microscopy. Furthermore, the expression of tcf was correlated with a reduction of the capacity of bacteria to adhere to INT-407 human intestinal epithelial cells in an in vitro assay. In summary, this work demonstrates that the putative adhesion systems found in S. Typhi can indeed be expressed and this expression can be regulated by environmental signals. Furthermore, tcf encodes for a functional fimbria which has never before been observed. Taken together, our results suggest a significant contribution of the putative adhesion systems during normal pathogenesis.

Thèse numérisée par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.