First description of a cyanophage infecting the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)

International audienceCyanobacteria constitute a versatile group of photosynthetic bacteria of immense commercial and ecological importance. Some species of this group are cultivated and sold as food because of their high nutritional value. This is typically the case for Arthrospira platensis. We describe for the first time a virus infecting this economically important filamentous cyanobacterium isolated from culture pools located in the South of France. This virus could be observed and discriminated easily from other particles with flow cytometry. Based on morphology and molecular investigation, it was proposed that the virus belongs to the cyanopodovirus group with a capsid and short tail of about 120 and 20 nm, respectively. Finally, the virus appeared to be highly specific (very narrow host range) to A. platensis

Dynamics of various viral groups infecting autotrophic plankton in lake Geneva<strong></strong>

International audienc

The Food Production Environment and the Development of Antimicrobial Resistance in Human Pathogens of Animal Origin

Food-borne pathogens are a serious human health concern worldwide, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant food pathogens has further confounded this problem. Once-highly-efficacious antibiotics are gradually becoming ineffective against many important pathogens, resulting in severe treatment crises. Among several reasons for the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, their overuse in animal food production systems for purposes other than treatment of infections is prominent. Many pathogens of animals are zoonotic, and therefore any development of resistance in pathogens associated with food animals can spread to humans through the food chain. Human infections by antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are increasing. Considering the human health risk due to emerging antibiotic resistance in food animal–associated bacteria, many countries have banned the use of antibiotic growth promoters and the application in animals of antibiotics critically important in human medicine. Concerted global efforts are necessary to minimize the use of antimicrobials in food animals in order to control the development of antibiotic resistance in these systems and their spread to humans via food and water

First description of a cyanophage infecting the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)

International audienceCyanobacteria constitute a versatile group of photosynthetic bacteria of immense commercial and ecological importance. Some species of this group are cultivated and sold as food because of their high nutritional value. This is typically the case for Arthrospira platensis. We describe, for the first time, a virus infecting this economically important filamentous cyanobacterium isolated from culture pools located in the South of France. This virus could be observed and discriminated easily from other particles with flow cytometry. Based on morphology and molecular investigation, it was proposed that the virus belongs to the cyanopodovirus group with a capsid and short tail of about 120 and 20 nm, respectively. Finally, the virus appeared to be highly specific (very narrow host range) to A. platensis

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Not AvailableBackground: Seafood contamination with Salmonella enterica is not only a public health concern, but can also lead to economic losses due to import rejections. Continuous monitoring of seafood for Salmonella is necessary for risk assessment and to establish suitable control measures. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the extent of Salmonella contamination of seafood in fish landing centers and retails markets. Methods: In this study, we analyzed seafood samples from three fish landing centers and seven retail markets of Mumbai, India for S. enterica contamination. Salmonella was isolated using multiple selective enrichment broths and selective agars, and identified by conventional biochemical tests followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of 82 samples of seafood, comprising both finfish and shellfish, Salmonella was detected in 17 (20.7%) finfish samples. None of the shellfish samples (shrimps, clams, and cephalopods) were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Samples from both landing centers and fish markets, as well as from pelagic and demersal sources, harbored Salmonella. Source-wise analysis showed that 11 of 57 (19.3%) samples from retail fish markets and 6 of 25 (24%) samples from fish landing centers were contaminated with Salmonella. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to implement measures to prevent anthropogenic contamination of coastal waters and improve the hygiene of retail fish markets in Mumbai. Highlights: Seafood from landing centers and retail markets, as well as from pelagic and demersalhabitats were similarly contaminated with Salmonella. Fish species widely consumed in the region of this study were found highly contaminated with Salmonella.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableBackground: Seafood contamination with Salmonella enterica is not only a public health concern, but can also lead to economic losses due to import rejections. Continuous monitoring of seafood for Salmonella is necessary for risk assessment and to establish suitable control measures. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the extent of Salmonella contamination of seafood in fish landing centers and retails markets. Methods: In this study, we analyzed seafood samples from three fish landing centers and seven retail markets of Mumbai, India for S. enterica contamination. Salmonella was isolated using multiple selective enrichment broths and selective agars, and identified by conventional biochemical tests followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of 82 samples of seafood, comprising both finfish and shellfish, Salmonella was detected in 17 (20.7%) finfish samples. None of the shellfish samples (shrimps, clams, and cephalopods) were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Samples from both landing centers and fish markets, as well as from pelagic and demersal sources, harbored Salmonella. Source-wise analysis showed that 11 of 57 (19.3%) samples from retail fish markets and 6 of 25 (24%) samples from fish landing centers were contaminated with Salmonella. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to implement measures to prevent anthropogenic contamination of coastal waters and improve the hygiene of retail fish markets in Mumbai. Highlights: Seafood from landing centers and retail markets, as well as from pelagic and demersalhabitats were similarly contaminated with Salmonella. Fish species widely consumed in the region of this study were found highly contaminated with SalmonellaNot Availabl