Arcobacter spp., anteriormente conhecido como Campylobacter aerotolerante, é considerado um gênero bacteriano que inclui espécies consideradas patógenos emergentes que podem ser veiculados por alimentos. O gênero Arcobacter tem sido associado a gastroenterites, diarreia persistente e bacteremia em humanos. É uma bactéria Gram negativa, termosensível, embora possa sobreviver à 4°C. No Brasil, há poucos estudos de ocorrência de Arcobacter em alimentos, inclusive os de origem animal, especialmente os mais consumidos, como as carnes de frango e suína. Existem estudos pontuais de sua ocorrência em produtos resfriados, como cortes e em carcaças de frango resfriadas do varejo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de Arcobacter spp. em cortes e carcaças de frango refrigeradas e congeladas do varejo e em coxas de frango livres de antibiótico e orgânico refrigeradas provenientes de abatedouro, por técnica de isolamento convencional com posterior confirmação do gênero por reação de polimerase em cadeia (PCR). Foram analisadas 153 amostras de carne de frango, das quais 39,21% (59/153) resultaram positivas para o gênero Arcobacter. Foi obtido o total de sessenta e quatro isolados positivos para Arcobacter spp., que corresponderam a 89,06% (57/64) de A. lacus, 4,7% (3/64) de A. thereius, 3,12% (2/64) de A. butzleri, e 3,12% (2/64) de Arcobacter spp. espécie não identficada até o momento. Foram realizadas análises fenotípicas de resistência a 12 antibióticos com 34 isolados, previamente selecionados, de quatro diferentes fontes de carnes de frango obtidos nesse trabalho, e de três linhagens utilizadas como controle positivo de Arcobacter. A resistência fenotípica frente aos antimicrobianos foi de 100% para ácido nalidíxico e clindamicina, 29,73% para eritromicina, 24,32% para canamicina, 21,62% para tetraciclina, 18,42% para cloranfenicol, 13,51% para gentamicina, 8,11% para estreptomicina, 5,41% para azitromicina e ciprofloxacina, 2,10% para vancomicina e 0,00% para ampicilina. / Arcobacter spp., previously known as aerotolerant Campylobacter, is considered a bacterial genus that includes species considered emerging pathogens that can be transmitted by food. Arcobacter has been associated with gastroenteritis, persistent diarrhea and bacteremia in humans. It is a gram negative, thermosensitive bacterium, although it can survive at 4 ° C. In Brazil, there are few studies of the occurrence of Arcobacter in animal products including those of animal origin, especially those most consumed, such as poultry and pork. There are occasional studies of their occurrence in cooled products, such as cuts and in refrigerated chicken carcasses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Arcobacter spp. in refrigerated chicken cuts and carcasses of the retail and in chicken thighs free of antibiotic and organic refrigerated from slaughterhouse by conventional isolation and genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 153 chicken meat samples were analyzed, of which 39.21% (59/153) were positive for the Arcobacter genus. A total of sixty-four isolates positive for Arcobacter spp., corresponding 89.06% (57/64) of A. lacus, 4.7% (3/64) of A. thereius, 3.12% (2/64) of A. butzleri, and 3.12% (2/64) of Arcobacter spp. species not yet identified. Phenotypic resistance analyzes were performed on 12 antibiotics with 34 isolates, previously selected from four different sources of chicken meat obtained in this study, and three strains used as positive control of Arcobacter spp. Phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials were 100% for nalidixic acid and clindamycin , 29.73% for erythromycin, 24.32% for kanamycin, 21.62% for tetracycline, 18.42% for chloramphenicol, 13.51% for gentamycin, 8.11% for streptomycin, 5.41% for azithromycin and ciprofloxacin, 2.10% for vancomycin and 0.00% for ampicillin.

A emergência de fenótipos de resistências aos antimicrobianos, tanto na clínica humana e veterinária quanto na agropecuária, constitui uma urgência epidemiológica. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi monitorar os mecanismos de resistência em amostras de Salmonella spp. e E. coli isoladas (2005-2010) de animais de produção agropecuária (aves e suínos) e fontes relacionadas. Do total de 143 amostras de Salmonella spp., 9% (3 S. Thyphimurium, 7 S. Schwarzengrund e 2 S. Agona) eram resistentes a cefolosporinas de amplo espectro pela produção de ESBL do tipo CTX-M-2, prevalecendo dois clusters disseminados clonalmente no ciclo de produção avícola. Em E. coli, a resistência às cefalosporinas de amplo espectro foi associada com a presença do gene blaCTX-M-2 (n=24), blaCMY-2 (n=2) e blaCTX-M-15 (n=1, novo ST, complexo clonal 206), não existindo relação clonal no ciclo de produção suína. Em 5 amostras de E. coli (suínos) resistentes a fluoroquinolonas foi confirmada a presença de genes do tipo qnr. A aquisição e disseminação de genes conferindo resistências a cefaloporinas de amplo espectro e quinolonas, em isolados de origem animal, pode ter impacto em saúde pública. / Emergence of drug-resistant phenotypes in human and veterinary medicine, and in the animal husbandry has epidemiological significance. The aim of this study was to investigate the resistance mechanisms of Salmonella and E. coli strains isolated (2005-2010) from food-producing animals (poultry and swine) and related sources. Among 143 Salmonella spp., 9% strains (3 S. Thyphimurium, 7 S. Schwarzengrund and 2 S. Agona) exhibited resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, which was associated to the presence of the blaCTX-M-2 gene. These strains were clonally related (2 major clusters). Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins among clonally unrelated E. coli strains from swine was associated to the presence of blaCTX-M-2 (n=24), blaCMY-2 (n=2) and blaCTX-M-15 (n=1, new ST belonging to the clonal complex 206) genes. Five E. coli strains (from swine) resistant to fluoroquinolones carried qnr genes. Acquisition and spread of genes conferring resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones among Salmonella spp. and E. coli strains from food-producing animals is worrisome and it should be considered a public health issue.

O presente estudo foi dividido em duas fases; a primeira visou avaliar o desempenho de diversos meios de cultura, para fungos, no ar de ambientes de produção de alimentos, através da resposta de contagem e identificação dos gêneros que podem conter espécies indesejáveis; também foi avaliada a condição ambiental juntamente com a contagem total de bactérias. O ambiente de duas áreas foi utilizado para a pesquisa, uma indústria de doces, produção de doce de leite e doce de amendoim, na Cidade de Ribeirão Preto (SP) e, outra, uma indústria de embutidos, nos setores de empacotamento e produção, na Região de Piracicaba (SP). Os meios de cultura utilizados foram: "ichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Ágar" RBC), "Sabouraud Dextrose a 4% Ágar", "Malt Ágar" (MA), "Malt Extract Agar - Yeast and Molds" (MEAYM), "Plate Count Ágar-Cloranfenicol" (PCA-Cloranfenicol), "Dichloran 18% Glycerol Ágar" (DG 18), Batata Dextrose Ágar (BDA) e "Oxytetracycline Glucose YeastAgar" (OGY); para a contagem de bactérias foi utilizado o meio "Plate Count Agar" (PCA). Cada um dos pontos foi amostrado em triplicata utilizando um amostrador de impactação linear. A segunda fase do projeto avaliou os meios de cultura "Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Ágar" (DRBC), "Sabouraud Dextrose a 4% Ágar" selecionados da primeira fase. Novas coletas foram realizadas amostrando cinco repetições em cada um dos pontos, que permaneceram os mesmos da primeira fase. Em paralelo foram utilizadas culturas puras de Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium verticulloides, Histoplasma capsulatum e Stachybotrys chartarum, inoculando os dois meios selecionados e avaliando o desenvolvimento desses fungos ao longo do período de incubação de sete dias, a 28ºC, para servir de parâmetro de comparação com as coletas de ar realizadas no mesmo período, a fim de se verificar se algum desses fungos indesejáveis estaria presente nas amostras de ar. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os meios DRBC e Sabouraud Dextrose a 4% Ágar, foram, estatisticamente, melhores que os demais meios testados, apresentando um maior número de unidades formadoras de colônias/m3. O meio de Extrato de Malte diferenciou estatisticamente dos demais e teve o menor desempenho para a quantificação desses microrganismos no ar. A recomendação do melhor meio para identificação de fungos no ar de indústrias alimentícias não foi conclusiva, com exceção do PCA-Cloranfenicol que apresentou baixa diversidade de gêneros, sendo considerado reprovado. No geral foi observado um número elevado de unidades formadoras de colônias de fungos e bactérias/m 3 durante as amostragens. A avaliação quali-quantitativa dos ambientes estudados sugere que esses não se encontram em condições adequadas, sendo necessária a elaboração de um padrão referencial para o monitoramento da indústria alimentícia em nosso país. O amostrador utilizado nas coletas promoveu rapidez nas coletas e proporcionou a expressão dos resultados em medidas confiáveis, por ser um equipamento que permite calibração em seu sistema de aspiração de ar. / The present study consisted of two phases. The first one aimed at evaluating the performance of different culture media for fungi found in the air of food production environments, through the results of counting and identifying genders that may contain undesirable species. The environmental condition was also evaluated along with a total bacteria counting. The present work took place in two different places, an industry which produces sweets made from milk or peanuts, in Ribeirao Preto city (SP) and, in the packing and production sections of a meat encased products industry located in Piracicaba region (SP). The culture media used were: "Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC)", "Sabouraud Dextrose 4% Agar (MA)", "Malt Extract Agar - Yeast and Molds (MEAYM)", "Plate Count Agar - Chloramphenicol (PCA-Chloramphenicol)", "Dichloran 18% Glycerol Agar (DG 18)", "Potato Dextrose Agar (BDA)" and "Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Agar (OGY)". The medium used for the bacteria counting was "Plate Count Agar (PCA)". Three replicates of each sampled spot were obtained by using a linear impacting sampler. The second phase of this project evaluated the following culture media, selected during the first phase of this study: "Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC)" and "Sabouraud Dextrose 4% Agar". New sample collections (five replicates) were carried out for each of the spots selected. The sampled spots were the same for both phases. In a parallel manner, pure cultures of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium verticulloides, Histoplasma capsulatum and Stachybotrys chartarum were employed to inoculate the two selected media. The development of these fungi was evaluated throughout a 7-day-incubation period, at 28ºC, to function as a comparative reference for the air samples obtained in the same period in order to verify if any of these undesirable fungi was present in the air samples. According to the results obtained, DRBC and Sabouraud Dextrose 4% Agar media were statistically superior than the others, presenting a higher number of colony forming units/m3. The Malt Extract medium was statistically different from the others and showed the worse performance as to the quantification of microorganisms present in the air. There was no conclusive recommendation as to the best medium for the identification of fungi found in the air of food industries, except for PCA-Chloramphenicol, which showed low diversity of genders and was discarded. In general, a high number of fungi and bacteria colony forming units/m3 was observed during the sampling procedures. The qualitative-quantitative evaluation of the environments studied suggests that they do not present adequate conditions, evidencing the need for the establishment of a referential standard in order to monitor food industries in our country. The sampler used in this work allowed a quick sample collection and a reliable expression of results, as this equipment enables the calibration of its air intake system.

A presença de Salmonella em 200 amostras de alimentos crus de origem animal foi investigada empregando-se os dois ensaios imunoenzimáticos rápidos TECRA™ Salmonella VIA e TECRA™ Salmonella UNIQUE (TECRA Diagnostics, Rosewille, NSW, Australia) e o método de cultura convencional empregado rotineiramente no Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP. Quarenta e cinco amostras (22.5%) foram Salmonella positivas por pelo menos um dos três métodos. O número de amostras positivas de acordo com o método analítico foi 34 (75,6%) para o método de cultura convencional, 29 (64,4%) para TECRA™ Salmonella VIA e 27 (60.0%) para TECRA™ Salmonella UNIQUE. O método de cultura convencional detectou quatro amostras positivas não detectadas por nenhum dos outros dois métodos rápidos. TECRA™ Salmonella UNIQUE detectou sete amostras positivas não detectadas pelos demais métodos. Uma amostra foi positiva apenas pelo método TECRA™ Salmonella VIA. Considerando todos os resultados (positivos e negativos) o teste de qui quadrado de McNemar indicou que as diferenças entre os resultados obtidos pelos métodos rápidos, quando comparados aos obtidos pelo método convencional, não foram estatisticamente significativas (p>0.05). / The presence of Salmonella in 200 raw food samples of animal origin was investigated by means of rapid immunoassays TECRA™ Salmonella VIA and TECRA™ Salmonella UNIQUE (TECRA Diagnostics, Rosewille, NSW, Australia) and the cultural procedure used routinely in Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP. Forty-five samples (22.5%) were Salmonella positive by at least one of the three methods. The number of positive samples according to the analytical method was 34 (75.6%) for the cultural procedure, 29 (64.4%) for TECRA™ Salmonella VIA and 27 (60.0%) for TECRA™ Salmonella UNIQUE. The cultural method detected four positive samples that both rapid methods were unable to detect. TECRA™ Salmonella UNIQUE detected seven positive samples that were not detected by the two other methods. One sample was positive by the TECRA™ Salmonella VIA exclusively. Considering overall results (positive and negative) McNemar\'s chi square tests indicated that the differences between results given by the rapid immunoassays when compared to those of the cultural method were not significant (p>0.05).

Introdução: A dieta para neutropênicos foi desenvolvida para prevenir infecções por patógenos transmitidos por alimentos em pacientes com a imunidade comprometida pelo tratamento antineoplásico. Baseia-se no conceito hipotético que alguns alimentos possuem maior carga microbiana e seriam potencialmente danosos aos indivíduos neutropênicos. As restrições impostas pela dieta podem ocasionar deficiências de nutrientes. Objetivo: comparar a qualidade microbiológica e a composição nutricional de uma dieta padrão hospitalar com a dieta oferecida para pacientes pediátricos neutropênicos em um hospital de Porto Alegre, RS. Métodos: para a análise microbiológica, amostras de alimentos da dieta padrão (n=18) e da dieta para neutropênicos (n=18) foram coletadas no momento da entrega aos pacientes. Ambas as dietas foram produzidas sob cuidados de higiene e manipulação de alimentos preconizados pela legislação brasileira. As amostras foram testadas quanto à contaminação para E. coli, Salmonella sp., Bacillus cereus e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva. Para a análise da qualidade nutricional foi calculada a composição nutricional da alimentação oferecida ao longo de seis dias e a adequação das dietas de acordo com as recomendações estabelecidas. Foi calculada a composição nutricional da dieta padrão hospitalar e, para a dieta para neutropênicos foram consideradas duas versões: uma que permite frutas de casca grossa e outra estrita, sem nenhum alimento cru. Os resultados foram apresentados em média, desvio padrão e frequência. Para comparação entre variáveis categóricas dicotomizadas independentes foi aplicado o teste exato de Fisher. A comparação da composição nutricional das dietas foi realizada através da aplicação do teste t de Student para amostras independentes. Realizou-se o cálculo de razão de chances para contaminação microbiológica entre as dietas com intervalo de 95% de confiança. Resultados: das 36 amostras de alimentos analisadas quanto à contaminação por patógenos, 5 (13,89%) apresentaram contaminação microbiana acima do permitido, sendo 4 por Bacillus cereus e 1 por Staphylococcus coagulase positiva. Nenhuma amostra apresentou contaminação por Salmonella sp e E. Coli. Das contaminações microbiológicas, 3 foram provenientes da dieta para neutropênicos e 2 da dieta padrão livre, não havendo diferença entre as dietas analisadas (p=1.00). A razão de chances para contaminação microbiológica entre as dietas também não apresentou diferença (OR=0,62; IC95%= 0,05 – 6,35; p=0,63). A dieta para neutropênicos estrita apresentou menor quantidade de vitamina C (p=0,01) e fibras (p=0,05) quando comparada à dieta padrão. Conclusão: a dieta padrão hospitalar apresentou-se similar em relação à carga microbiana e com maior conteúdo nutricional comparativamente à dieta para neutropênicos no hospital em que foi realizado o estudo. / Introduction: The neutropenic diet was developed to prevent food-related infections in patients with impaired immunity caused by oncologic treatment. It is based on the hypothetical theory that some foods carry greater microbe content that would be potentially harmful for neutropenic subjects. The diet restrictions can lead to several nutrient deficiencies. Objective: the present study aimed to analyze and compare the microbiological profile and nutritional content of the regular and neutropenic diets offered to pediatric patients at a Hospital at Porto Alegre, RS. Methods: microbiological analyses of food samples from the general hospital diet (n=18) and neutropenic diet (n=18) served to pediatric patients were performed. It was investigated the contamination by E. coli, Salmonella sp., Bacillus cereus and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. Nutritional content of the diets offered to the patients during a 6 day period were calculated to assess nutritional quality. For the neutropenic diet it was considered 2 versions: one that allowed fruits that can be peeled and one strict, with no raw foods. Data was described as mean, standard deviation and frequency. Fisher's exact test was applied for comparison between independent dichotomized categorical variables. Nutritional content comparison between the diets was assessed applying Student’s t test for independent samples. The odds ratio was calculated for microbiological contamination between diets with 95% confidence interval. Results: for the microbiologic content 36 food samples were analyzed, 5 (13,89%) presented microbiologic contamination above recommended limits, 4 by Bacillus cereus and 1 by coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. Contamination by Salmonella sp e E. Coli were absent in all samples. Regarding the microbiologic contamination, 3 food samples were from the neutropenic diet and 2 from the general hospital diet, with no statistical differences between the diets (p=1.00). The odds ratio for microbiological contamination between the diets did not presented differences (OR=0,62; 95%CI=0,05 – 6,35; p=0,63). The strict neutropenic diet had lower content of vitamin C (p=0,01) and fiber (p=0,05) when compared to general hospital diet. Conclusion: the general hospital diet was similar in terms of microbiological content and with greater nutritional content when compared to the neutropenic diet produced in the hospital where the study was conducted.

Com a finalidade de se avaliar a correlação entre o sistema SimPlate e metodologias convencionais na análise microbiológica de alimentos, dezoito alimentos (nove de origem vegetal e nove de origem animal) foram analisados para contagem total de mesófilos aeróbios, bolores e leveduras e coliformes totais e fecais. Os resultados das análises microbiológicas foram comparados através do teste F, tendo havido diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os métodos. As médias foram submetidas ao teste t-Student (p<0,05); para a contagem total de mesófilos aeróbios apenas em dois dos quinze alimentos considerados, maçã e beterraba, as metodologias convencional e SimPlate não diferiram entre si; para bolores e leveduras as metodologias não diferiram em quatro dos treze alimentos considerados, lingüiça, peixe, cheiro-verde e beterraba, e para coliformes totais, em seis dos doze alimentos considerados, carne suína, frango, lingüiça, leite cru, pêra e tomate. Uma análise de regressão dos dados mostrou boa correlação entre os dados obtidos para coliformes totais, pela metodologia dos tubos múltiplos e o SimPlate (0,88) e os dados de mesófilos aeróbios, obtidos pelo PCA e o SimPlate (0,80) e baixa correlação entre os dados obtidos na determinação de bolores e leveduras pelo BDA e o SimPlate (0,69). / In order to evaluate correlation among SimPlate system and conventional methods for food microbiological analysis, eighteen foods (nine from vegetable origin and nine from animal origin) were analyzed for mesophilic aerobic, yeasts and molds, total coliforms and fecal coliforms. Results of the three analysis were compared and significant differences (p<0,05) occurred among the majority of foods. For mesophilic aerobic counts, between the methodologies, PCA and SimPlate, difference were not significant in two of fifteen considered foods, apple and beetroot; for yeasts and molds, using acidify PDA and SimPlate, difference were not significant in four of thirteen considered foods, mixed sausage, fish, parsley and Welsh onion and beetroot; for total coliforms, using three-tube method and SimPlate, difference were not significant in six of twelve considered foods, raw pork, chicken, mixed sausage, raw milk, pear and tomato. Regression analysis of data showed correlation coefficients like, 0,88 for three-tube method and SimPlate; 0,80 between PCA and SimPlate and 0,69, between acidify PDA and SimPlate.

Probiotics are viable nonpathogenic microbes that positively affect host health. Probiotics inhibit infection, activate immunity, and promote mucosal-barrier development. Many microbes have probiotic activity. Nonetheless, the selection of stable strains and their specific mechanism(s) of action are not fully elucidated. Bacteria from ‘Amabere amaruranu’ cultured milk from Kenya were isolated and identified by PCR sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. Isolates were examined for stability to acid and bile, antimicrobial activity, mucin production, and degradation and sensitivity to antibiotics, hence their potential for probiotics. Lactobacillus isolates were acid unstable, bile-stable, nonmucinolytic, and presented antibacterial activity. L. rhamnosus cell fractions increased MUC4 and MUC3 expression in colon cells. Bacillus isolates were acid and bile stable, nonmucinolytic and lacked antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, Lactobacillus isolates that were nonmucinolytic, stable in bile, demonstrated antibacterial activity, sensitive to antibiotics, and stimulated increase MUC4 and MUC3 levels in colon cells could be potential probiotics.

This study was performed to test the in vitro effects of a Lactobacillus rhamnosus isolate from “amabere amaruranu”, a traditional Kenyan cultured milk, on 3T3-L1 and Caco-2 cell lines. Cultures of fully mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with bacterial isolate cell extract (CE), filtered spent broth (FSB) from overnight bacterial culture, or with a PBS control. Expression levels of PPAR³1 and 2, C/EBP±, and ATGL proteins in 3T3-L1 cells were upregulated by FSB treatment. CE treatment did not affect protein expression levels. Expression of MTTP and SREBP-1c proteins in Caco-2 cells showed no change with either treatment. Optical density measurements from Oil-Red-O stained 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased from PBS control cells to 25μl/ml FSB treated cells; measurements were reduced by treatments above 25μl/ml FSB. In conclusion, filtered spent broth prepared from a culture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, isolated from “amabere amaruranu” cultured milk showed PPAR³1 and 2, C/EBP±, and ATGL agonistic properties.

The effect of proteolytic enzymes on the transformation and transfection of Streptococcus lactis LM2301 protoplasts was examined in an attempt to eliminate the variability observed. By using both chymotrypsin and mutanolysin to form protoplasts followed by spread plating, consistent frequencies of 104 to 105 transformants per μg of pGB301 DNA, and 105 transfectants per μg of c2 bacteriophage DNA where achieved. Optimum transformation and transfection frequencies were obtained when 16 h cultures were treated simultaneously with 25 U/ml mutanolysin and 1.25 U/ml chymotrypsin for 15 min. Trypsin and pronase in conjunction with mutanolysin also increased transformation frequencies higher than when mutanolysin was used alone, but pronase was not as effective as chymotrypsin or trypsin. These results may explain the variability in transformation of mutanolysin-treated cells of S. lactis since commercial sources of mutanolysin contain varying amounts of proteolytic enzyme activity. Transformation of Streptococcus cremoris CS224 at low frequency (5 transformants per μg of pGB301 DNA) was achieved. Plasmid pGB301 was able to replicate and express antibiotic resistance in the resultant transformant (designated S. cremoris SW301). The presence of pGB301 in S. cremoris SW301 was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

A challenge study to validate a 5 log10 CFU/g reduction of non-O157 Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in dry fermented sausage (DFS) was performed. A 4.49 ± 0.474 log10 CFU/g was achieved over two trials. The results indicated that the process was not effective in reducing the pathogen to the level required of most pathogens by the USDA. Lactobacillus salivarius L28 (L28) was screened in vitro for the ability to inhibit STEC utilizing the paper disk diffusion method. This strain is a known bacteriocin producer. The results revealed that L28 would be a good candidate for use as a protective culture as large zones of inhibition were noted against the STEC. No zones of inhibition were noted against the commercial starter culture; therefore, it would not adversely impact the quality of the DFS. The supplementary L28 strain was added to a commercial starter culture to provide an additional hurdle in the protection against STEC. The sausage trial showed the additional strain did not offer a significant difference in reduction of the pathogen (p > 0.05). Further study will be required before L28 could be considered for use as a bioprotective culture.