Food Protection Trends - September 2012 - (Page 537)

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FOOD SAFETY Deadly E. coli Strain Decoded he secret to the deadly 2011 E. coli outbreak in Germany has been decoded, thanks to research conducted at Michigan State University. The deadliest E. coli outbreak ever, which caused 54 deaths and sickened more than 3,800 people, was traced to a particularly virulent strain that researchers had never seen in an outbreak before. In the current issue of the academic journal PLoS ONE, a team of researchers led by Shannon Manning, MSU molecular biologist and epidemiologist, suggests a way to potentially tame the killer bacteria. The strain, E. coli O104:H4, shares some characteristics as other deadly E. coli bacteria, but its combination is novel. Researchers haven’t determined the mechanism it uses to cause disease, although Ms. Manning and her team were able to find the strain’s Achilles heel — its biofilm. By focusing on the bacteria’s biofilm, the grouping of many E. coli bacteria that stick to a cell’s surface and grow encased in a self-produced protective coat, Ms. Manning and colleagues were able to determine why it was so deadly. When the bacterium found in Germany forms a biofilm, it begins to make more toxic genes like the Shiga toxin. Increased production of the Shiga toxin is the probable culprit that contributed to so many incidents of kidney damage and death during the 2011 outbreak, Ms. Manning said. “What made the German outbreak so different is that many victims suffering from kidney failure were adults. Rather than attacking adults, other types of E. coli that T produce Shiga toxins typically damage kidneys of children under 10,” she said. In addition, the incubation period was considerably longer among individuals infected with the German outbreak strain compared to individuals infected with E. coli O157, a similar bacterium that can also cause illness and death. Ms. Manning believes this is because the German strain needs a longer period of time to form a biofilm, whereas biofilms are not important for O157 infections. “Our research demonstrates that biofilm formation is critical for toxin production and kidney damage. If we can block the bacteria from forming a stable biofilm, then it is likely that we can prevent future E. coli O104:H4 infections,” Ms. Manning said. The next phase of Ms. Manning’s research is already focusing on creating mutant strains in an effort to prevent the bacterium from forming a biofilm. This would prevent the disease completely since the conditions would not be favorable for bacterial growth. Chris Waters, MSU assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, and scientists from the University of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Community Health contributed to the research. Manning’s research was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (U19AI090872), the U.S. Department of Agriculture and MSU AgBioResearch. Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges. New Partnership to Promote Food Safety in South Korea SF International and the UK’s Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) have formed a partnership to deliver world class hygiene management standards to Samsung Everland, South Korea’s No.1 catering business. As South Korea’s largest contract caterer, Samsung Everland is leading the way in Asia with its strong commitment to promoting internationally recognized levels of food safety and hygiene. So far, NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, has trained 20 of the company’s senior management staff with the CIEH’s Level 3 qualification in ‘Supervising Food Safety in Catering’ (this is the first CIEH course ever run in South Korea). Working with the CIEH, NSF International will develop a comprehensive food safety training program offered throughout Asia, building on its already strong food safety presence in the region. The CIEH is the UK’s leading awarding body for vocational qualifications in accredited food safety, health and safety, and environmental protection qualifications. An ambitious organization, the CIEH plans to extend its public health message worldwide and has accredited courses and trainers operating in N SEPTEMBER 2012 | FOOD PROTECTION TRENDS 537

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Food Protection Trends - September 2012

Food Protection Trends - September 2012
Contents
Sustaining Members
From Your President
Commentary from the Executive Director
Investigating Contamination of Bulk Tank Milk with Listeria monocytogenes on a Dairy Farm
General Interest Paper: Environmental Monitoring and Decontamination of Food Processing Facilities
Call for Nominations – 2013 Secretary
New Members
What’s Happening in Food Safety
Industry Products
Coming Events
Advertising Index
Journal of Food Protection Table of Contents
Membership Application

Food Protection Trends - September 2012