« Previous AbstractRovS and its associated signaling peptide form a cell-to-cell communication system required for Streptococcus agalactiae pathogenesis    Next AbstractPeppermint Essential Oil and Its Major Volatiles as Protective Agents against Soft Rot Caused by Fusarium sambucinum in Cera Pepper (Capsicum pubescens) »

Food Chem Toxicol

Title:		Safety and potential risks of enterococci isolated from traditional fermented capers
Author(s):		Perez-Pulido R; Abriouel H; Ben Omar N; Lucas R; Martinez-Canamero M; Galvez A;
Address:		"Area de Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain"
Journal Title:		Food Chem Toxicol
Year:		2006
Volume:		20060807
Issue:		12
Page Number:		2070 - 2077
DOI:		10.1016/j.fct.2006.07.008
ISSN/ISBN:		0278-6915 (Print) 0278-6915 (Linking)
Abstract:		"A collection of 17 enterococci isolates obtained from fermentations of capers (the fruits of Capparis sp.) were investigated for incidence of known virulence determinants, antibiotic resistance and production of biogenic amines. Molecular identification revealed the presence of Enterococcus faecium (nine isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (4), E. avium (3) and Enterococcus casseliflavus/flavescens (1). Alpha-haemolytic activity was detected in two E. avium and one E. faecalis isolates, and beta-haemolytic activity was detected in E. casseliflavus/flavescens. The haemolytic component cylB was detected by PCR amplification in three non-haemolytic isolates and in E. casseliflavus/flavescens. The collagen adhesin ace gene and the endocarditis associated antigen gene efaA(fm) were detected in two isolates each. Genes encoding sex pheromone precursors (cpd, cob, ccf) were detected in E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus/flavescens. Other presumed virulence genes (agg, gelE, cylM, cylA and efaA(fs)) were not detected. All isolates were resistant to rifampicin, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin, and some were also resistant to quinupristin/dalfopristin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, gentamicin and streptomycin. Vancomycin resistance was not detected. Tyrosine decarboxylation was detected in all E. faecium isolates. Given the high resistance of enterococci to environmental conditions, and their implication in opportunistic infections, the incidence of potential virulent enterococci in foods (especially those of a higher risk-like home-made foods) should be carefully studied"
Keywords:		"Antigens, Bacterial/genetics/metabolism Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism Capparis/*microbiology Carrier Proteins/genetics/metabolism DNA, Bacterial/analysis Enterococcus/genetics/isolation & purification/*pathogenicity *Fermentation *Food Microbiolo;"
Notes:		"MedlinePerez-Pulido, R Abriouel, H Ben Omar, N Lucas, R Martinez-Canamero, M Galvez, A eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2006/09/15 Food Chem Toxicol. 2006 Dec; 44(12):2070-7. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2006.07.008. Epub 2006 Aug 7"