ScienceDaily: Foodborne Illness News

Electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce viral food poisoning

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:16:16 EDT

Researchers have studied how electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce the possibility of food poisoning through virus.

Contact killing of Salmonella by human fecal bacteria

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:08:08 EDT

Researchers have recently found a novel mode of interaction between Salmonella, a foodborne pathogen, and the bacteria that live in our guts. Fecal bacteria collected from healthy donors effectively inactivated Salmonella, when they were allowed close contact. Mathematical modelling of this interaction is now being used to find new ways of controlling Salmonella.

Biofilm helps Salmonella survive hostile conditions

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:49:49 EDT

Scientists have provided new evidence that biofilms — bacteria that adhere to surfaces and build protective coatings — are at work in the survival of the human pathogen Salmonella.

New guideline recommends treatments for tapeworm infection that is on rise in U.S.

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:20:20 EDT

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has released an evidence-based guideline on treating neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm infection causing seizures that is common in developing countries and is now on the rise in developed countries, including the United States.

Plant proteins control chronic disease in Toxoplasma infections

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:29:29 EDT

A new discovery about the malaria-related parasite Toxoplasma gondii -- which can threaten babies, AIDS patients, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems -- may help solve the mystery of how this single-celled parasite establishes life-long infections in people. The study places the blame squarely on a family of plant proteins, known as AP2 factors.

Pathogen's scissor-like enzyme provides new clues to treatment of infectious disease

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:28:28 EDT

Researchers report that a pathogen annually blamed for an estimated 90 million cases of food-borne illness defeats a host's immune response by using a fat-snipping enzyme to cut off cellular communication.

Fighting listeria and other food-borne illnesses with nanobiotechnology

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:43:43 EDT

Engineering researchers have developed a new method to kill deadly pathogenic bacteria, including listeria, in food handling and packaging. This innovation represents an alternative to the use of antibiotics or chemical decontamination in food supply systems.

Antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli increasing among older adults and residents of nursing homes

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:47:47 EDT

Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) continues to proliferate, driven largely by expansion of a strain of E. coli know as sequence type ST131. A new study points to hospitals and long-term care facilities as settings in which this antibiotic-resistant strain is increasingly found.

Pesticide application as potential source of noroviruses in fresh food supply chains

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:29:29 EDT

Contaminated water used to dilute pesticides could be responsible for viruses entering the food chain, warn scientists.

Eating well could help spread disease, water flea study suggests

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:05:05 EST

Plentiful food can accelerate the spread of infections, scientists have shown in a study of water fleas. Scientists studying bacterial infections in tiny water fleas have discovered that increasing their supply of food can speed up the spread of infection.

Mechanisms involved in resistance to bacteria Salmonella

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:39:39 EST

Researchers have studied a specific protein type that activates the formation of biofilm in Salmonella and regulates bacterial motility.

Which foods make Americans ill? Whether chicken or salad, food safety at home is key to avoiding illness

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:43:43 EST

A new study analyzing outbreaks of foodborne illness has found contaminated salad greens make the most people sick, but contaminated poultry have resulted in the most deaths. In light of this study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Home Food Safety program -- a collaboration between the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and ConAgra Foods -- encourages Americans, rather than avoid certain foods, to practice safe food handling at home instead.

The need to feed programs Campylobacter's 'Sat Nav'

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:02:02 EST

Researchers have uncovered how the food-borne bacterial pathogen Campylobacter jejuni can change its swimming behavior to find a location with more food.

Emerging antibiotic resistance in Listeria discovered in frozen burger patties

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:16:16 EST

Researchers have revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen burger patties taken from supermarkets and other retail shops in Malaysia.

Inadequate food facilities in NC migrant camps could cause illness

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:28:28 EST

Farmworkers are at potential risk from food and waterborne illnesses because of the condition of cooking and eating facilities available to them, according to a new study.

Poultry vaccination responsible for dramatic fall in Salmonella infections

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:36:36 EST

Mass poultry vaccination programs introduced to combat Salmonella infections have led to a dramatic fall in the number of cases since the late 1990s, according to a researcher.

Structural studies of a toxin from Bacillus cereus that causes diarrhea

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:31:31 EST

Food poisoning caused by Bacillus cereus can lead to diarrhea which is probably caused by a 3-component toxin which is produced by this bacteria strain and which perforates and kills cells. New research has revealed one of the protein structures of this toxin and has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind multi-component, pore-forming toxins. These findings can enhance food safety.

Study turns parasite invasion theory on its head

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 15:26:26 EST

Current thinking on how the Toxoplasma gondii parasite invades its host is incorrect, according to a new study describing a new technique to knock out genes. The findings could have implications for other parasites from the same family, including malaria, and suggest that drugs that are currently being developed to block this invasion pathway may be unsuccessful.

Using novel genetic labs for faster detection of E. coli

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:04:04 EST

Pina Fratamico is on the quest to find the easiest and fastest way to test for harmful Escherichia coli in ground beef. In a new article, she explores using a next-generation real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system to discover specific gene targets that indicate the presence of dangerous foodborne pathogens. The results show that assays performed using this PCR system are rapid, sensitive, and reliable.

New study brings long-sought vaccines for deadly parasite closer to reality

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:17:17 EST

One major cause of illness from food-borne diseases is the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). New insights into how the immune system combats T. gondii are provided in a new study. The findings could lead to the development of long-sought vaccines to protect against T. gondii and related parasites.

Salmonella spreads by targeting cells in our gut, study shows

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:29:29 EST

Scientists have gained fresh insights into how the salmonella bug makes us ill. Researchers have found that the bacteria are able to change key cells that line the intestine, enabling the bugs to thrive.

Don’t cut corners when it comes to clean knives

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:19:19 EST

Poor hand hygiene is often thought to be the main cause of outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Although it is well recognized that utensils used for food preparation can harbor bacteria, a new study is the first to find that viruses can just as easily be spread by cross-contamination from utensils such as knives and graters.

'Sticky' stomach flu virus stands up to typical restaurant dishwashing measures

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:58:58 EST

Restaurant dishes and silverware may be an overlooked place where people can catch stomach viruses. While the current industry guidelines for cleaning dishware used in public settings are effective at neutralizing bacteria, researchers found that they appear to fall short of eliminating norovirus - the leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis and the major cause of foodborne illness worldwide, responsible for at least 50% of all gastroenteritis outbreaks in the United States.

Remote sensing, microbiology used to trace foodborne pathogens

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:06:06 EST

In 2011, an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in cantaloupe led to almost 150 illnesses and 30 deaths. With a spate of recent outbreaks of such foodborne pathogens as Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and L. monocytogenes, the ability to predict where and how these deadly microbes enter the food supply chain could save lives and prevent disease.

How bacteria inactivate immune defenses

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:15:15 EST

Scientists have identified a way in which Salmonella bacteria, which cause gastroenteritis and typhoid fever, counteract the defense mechanisms of human cells.

Tracing the source of salmonella infection: Biochemists analyze channel that makes pathogen resistant to cytotoxins

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:19:19 EST

The bacterial pathogen Salmonella typhimurium, which causes salmonella infection, is resistant to many cytotoxins the human immune system produces in order to defend itself against invaders. Scientists have now succeeded in studying the channel that makes the pathogen resistant.

How bacteria attack their host cells with sticky lollipops

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:05:05 EST

Yersinia enterocolitica, a pathogenic bacterium, causes fever and diarrhea. With the help of a protein anchored in its membrane, Yersinia attaches to its host cells and infects them. Scientists have determined the structure of an important component of the membrane protein and have gained insight into its biogenesis. The membrane proteins provide an interesting starting point for the development of new antibiotics against pathogens.

Grape seed extract bollixes norovirus

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:57:57 EST

Norovirus causes more than half of all food-born illnesses in the United States, and is the second greatest source of reported food borne illness outbreaks in the European Union. A recent study found that grape seed extract could reduce the infectivity of Norovirus surrogates (Norovirus surrogates are viruses that share pathological and/or biological features with human norovirus). Now, researchers have shown that grape seed extract does so by denaturing the capsid protein, which is the coat of the virus, thereby disabling the virus.

Norovirus disinfection: How much is enough?

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:51:51 EST

A variety of institutions and governments have developed "commonsense-based" disinfection guidelines to control norovirus contamination, but now, for the first time, a Dutch team has come up with science-based guidelines.

New DNA vaccine technology poised to deliver safe and cost-effective disease protection

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:13:13 EST

Scientists have taken a dramatic step forward in vaccine research, revealing the design of a universal platform for delivering highly potent DNA vaccines, by employing a cleverly re-engineered bacterium to speed delivery to host cells in the vaccine recipient.

Scientists create first mouse model of typhoid fever

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:18:18 EDT

Researchers have created the first true mouse model of typhoid infection. The development promises to advance the study of typhoid and the creation of new vaccines against the infection, which remains a major health threat in developing countries.

American Academy of Pediatrics weighs in for first time on organic foods for children

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:53:53 EDT

To offer guidance to parents -- and the pediatricians caring for their children's health -- the American Academy of Pediatrics has conducted an extensive analysis of scientific evidence surrounding organic produce, dairy products and meat.

Beneficial mold packaged in bioplastic

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:06:06 EDT

Aflatoxins are highly toxic carcinogens produced by several species of Aspergillus fungi. But not all Aspergillus produce aflatoxin. Some, in fact, are considered beneficial. One such strain, dubbed K49, is now being recruited to battle these harmful Aspergillus relatives, preventing them from contaminating host crops like corn with the carcinogen. Scientists have now devised a new method of applying K49 as a frontline defense against aflatoxin contamination in corn.

Leaves of carob tree, source of chocolate substitute, fight food-poisoning bacteria

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:18:18 EDT

Leaves of the plant that yields carob -- the substitute for chocolate that some consider healthier than chocolate -- are a rich source of antibacterial substances ideal for fighting the microbe responsible for listeriosis, a serious form of food poisoning, according to a new report.

Novel pathogen epidemic identified in sub-Saharan Africa: Spread of human invasive non-Typhoidal Salmonella tracked

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:15:15 EDT

Researchers have found that the spread of a dangerous bacteria that can be fatal in up to 45% of people infected in sub-Sahara Africa may have been instigated by the emergence and spread of HIV in Africa. The study also found that one of the major contributing factors for the successful spread of the disease – non-Typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) – was the acquisition of genes that afford resistance to several front line drugs used to treat blood-borne infection such as iNTS.

Detection and characterization of norovirus in outbreaks of gastroenteritis

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:30:30 EDT

Researchers conducted a study on norovirus (NoV) in lettuces. The virus causes outbreaks of Gastroenteritis among children below age 5 in Malaysia.

Older adults not prepared to ensure food safety during power outages

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:34:34 EDT

In the wake of Hurricane Isaac, which left millions without power, a new study highlights that many older adults are not equipped to keep food safe during an extended power outage.

Antibiotic residues in sausage meat may promote pathogen survival

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:32:32 EDT

Antibiotic residues in uncured pepperoni or salami meat are potent enough to weaken helpful bacteria that processors add to acidify the sausage to make it safe for consumption, according to a new study.

Research shows children at risk from rural water supplies

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:57:57 EDT

Children drinking from around half the UK’s private water supplies are almost five times more likely to pick up stomach infections – according to new research.

Common parasite may trigger suicide attempts: Inflammation from T. gondii produces brain-damaging metabolites

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:04:04 EDT

A parasite thought to be harmless and found in many people may actually be causing subtle changes in the brain, leading to suicide attempts. New research adds to the growing work linking an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite to suicide attempts.

Deadly E. coli strain decoded

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:11:11 EDT

The secret to the deadly 2011 E. coli outbreak in Germany has now been decoded. The deadliest E. coli outbreak ever was traced to a particularly virulent strain that researchers had never seen in an outbreak before.

Beneficial bacteria may help ward off infection

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:22:22 EDT

Scientists have explored the role of Lactobaccilus reuteri -- a natural resident of the human gut -- to protect against food-borne infection.

New agents join the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:35:35 EDT

The World Health Organization (WHO) has named antimicrobial resistance one of the most important threats to human health. Scientists have now demonstrated that a new class of chemically produced antimicrobial agents could become a future infection treatment alternative. These findings are another advance for researchers in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

TLR1 protein drives immune response to certain food-borne illness in mice

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:39:39 EDT

A naturally occurring protein called TLR1 plays a critical role in protecting the body from illnesses caused by eating undercooked pork or drinking contaminated water, according to new research.

Reward sensitivity increases food 'wanting' following television 'junk food' commercials

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:38:38 EDT

New research sought to investigate personality traits that make some people more vulnerable to over-eating and weight gain.

Genetic discovery will help fight diarrhea outbreaks

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:27:27 EDT

Researchers have discovered unexpectedly large genetic differences between two similar species of the pathogenic Cryptosporidium parasite.

Rapidly cooling eggs ups shelf life, cuts risk of illness

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:28:28 EDT

Taking just a few seconds to cool freshly laid eggs would add weeks to their shelf life, according to a new study. The rapid-cooling process uses liquid carbon dioxide to stabilize the proteins in egg whites so much that they could be rated AA -- the highest grade for eggs -- for 12 weeks. Earlier research showed that the same cooling technology could significantly reduce occurrences of salmonella illnesses.

Food-trade network vulnerable to fast spread of contaminants

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:02:02 EDT

Physicists and food science experts have recently published a rigorous analysis of the international food-trade network that shows the network's vulnerability to the fast spread of contaminants as well as the correlation between known food poisoning outbreaks and the centrality of countries on the network.

Why is it so difficult to trace the origins of food poisoning outbreaks?

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:38:38 EDT

As illustrated by the 2011 E. coli outbreak in Germany, any delay in identifying the source of food poisoning outbreaks can cost lives and cause considerable political and economical damage. Scientists have now shown that difficulties in finding the sources of contamination behind food poisoning cases are inevitable due to the increasing complexity of a global food traffic network where food products are constantly crossing country borders, generating a worldwide network.

Arthritis drug effective against global parasite, study suggests

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:35:35 EDT

Medical researchers have identified an approved arthritis drug that is effective against amoebas in lab and animal studies, suggesting it could offer a low-dose, low cost treatment for the amoebic infections that cause human dysentery throughout the world.

Gut-throat competition: Native bacteria fend off invaders, suggesting new way to stop dangerous forms of E. coli

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:19:19 EDT

From tiny villages in developing nations to suburban kitchens in the U.S., dangerous strains of E. coli bacteria sicken millions of people each year – and kill untold numbers of children. Now, new research gives scientists a better understanding of what is going on in the diarrhea-wracked guts of its victims, and what might be done to prevent or treat it.

Reusable grocery bags kept in bathroom implicated in norovirus outbreak

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:25:25 EDT

Investigators recently mapped the trail of an outbreak of a nasty stomach bug among participants in a girls’ soccer tournament to a reusable open top grocery bag stored in a hotel bathroom. Their findings illustrate the role that inanimate objects can play in spreading norovirus infection.

Clean animals result in fewer E. coli

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:00 EDT

Following the E. coli case in Norway in 2006, when 17 people fell ill and one child died after eating mutton sausages, the meat industry introduced a number of measures in order to reduce the risk of food poisoning from meat. Clean animals and good hygiene during slaughtering are essential preconditions for food safety.

Garlic compound fights source of food-borne illness better than antibiotics

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:42:42 EDT

A compound in garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting the Campylobacter bacterium, one of the most common causes of intestinal illness. The discovery opens the door to new treatments for raw and processed meats and food preparation surfaces.

Bacteria subverts immune response to aid infection

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:52 EDT

Listeria, one of the most deadly causes of bacterial food poisoning, subverts a normally protective immune response to spread its infection more effectively, according to new research.

Discovery of missing links for Salmonella's weapon system

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:31:31 EDT

Scientists have discovered multiple gene switches in Salmonella that offer new ways to curb human infection. The discovery of the mechanisms of gene regulation could lead to the development of antibiotics to reduce the levels of disease caused by Salmonella.

Particularly dangerous Salmonella discovered

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:51:51 EDT

Researchers have discovered Salmonella bacteria that are up to 100 times more capable of causing disease. Their findings may help prevent food poisoning outbreaks that continue to plague public health and the food industry.

Method developed to detect stealthy, 'hypervirulent' Salmonella strains

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:23:23 EDT

A recent discovery of "hypervirulent" Salmonella bacteria has given researchers a means to potentially prevent food poisoning outbreaks from these particularly powerful strains.

Strain of common toxoplasma gondii parasite linked to severe illness in US newborns

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:23:23 EDT

Scientists have identified which strains of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, the cause of toxoplasmosis, are most strongly associated with premature births and severe birth defects in the United States. The researchers used a new blood test to pinpoint T. gondii strains that children acquire from their acutely infected mothers while in the womb.

Less than 1 in 6 Americans frequently washes grocery totes increasing risk for food poisoning

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:59:59 EDT

Reusable grocery totes are a popular, eco-friendly choice to transport groceries, but only 15 percent of Americans regularly wash their bags. Most users are inadvertently creating a breeding zone for harmful bacteria, according to a new survey.