
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: April 28, 2025
ABSTRACT Bacterial contamination of fresh produce is a growing concern for food safety, as apart from human pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) can persist on leafy produce. A prominent persistence trait in biofilm formation, it provides increased tolerance to stressful conditions. We screened comprehensive collection 174 antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant Escherichia coli originating its production environment. tested the ability these strains biofilms, ranging none or weak extreme biofilm-forming bacteria. Next, we selected isolates colonize gnotobiotic lamb’s lettuce ( Valerianella locusta ) plants. hypothesized that higher vitro formation capacity correlates with colonization plant leaves. Despite marked difference form biofilms number E. strains, was not associated survival V. leaf surfaces. However, all persisted at least 21 days, highlighting potential safety risks through unwanted ingestion resistant Population densities exhibited complex pattern, subpopulations more successful colonizing These findings emphasize behavior ARB surfaces their implications safety. IMPORTANCE Each raw contains microorganisms, including This special importance such salads herbs, foods are usually consumed after minimal processing, whereby loads living ingested than heated before consumption. common bacterial lifestyle involves large groups embedded secreted protective substances. Such assemblies, so-called confer high resistance external harsh In our research, investigated whether stronger by better Although no clear correlation observed between population density salad, could survive 3 weeks significant decline over time, risk independently formation.
Language: Английский