Abstract

Internalization of human pathogens in edible parts of vegetables eaten raw is a major concern, since once internalized they are protected from sanitizing treatments. In this study, we examined the invasion of gfp-labelled Escherichia coli O157:H7 into intact and biotically (infection with Xanthomonas campestris/Pseudomonas syringae) and abiotically (grating with silicon carbide) damaged leaves of wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Bacterial cells were found in internal locations of the tissue, irrespective of tissue health status. Contaminated leaf sections of biotically and abiotically damaged wild rocket leaves showed higher susceptibility to microbial invasion, while the pathogen was internalized in greater numbers into intact Swiss chard leaf sections when abiotically, but not biotically, damaged. The greatest differences were observed between the plant species; after surface sanitization, E.coli O157:H7 was still detected in wild rocket leaves, but not in Swiss chard leaves.Significance and Impact of the StudyContamination of leafy vegetables with Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a growing problem, as reported outbreaks are increasing. However, establishment of this human pathogen in the phyllosphere is not completely understood. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that E.coli O157:H7gfp+ can invade plant tissue of Swiss chard and wild rocket leaves and that the bacterium is more sensitive to surface sanitization of Swiss chard leaves. Damage to leaf tissue promoted leaf invasion, but the nature of the damage (abiotic or biotic) and plant species had an impact.

Keywords

agriculture; E; coli; EHEC; food safety; microbial contamination

Published in

Letters in Applied Microbiology
2017, Volume: 65, number: 1, pages: 35-41

SLU Authors

• Alsanius, Beatrix

  • Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Laval University

• Hartmann, Rahel

  • Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Leibniz University of Hannover

• Mansourian, Suzan

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Dekker, Teun

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


UKÄ Subject classification

Food Science
Horticulture
Pathobiology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.12742

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/86303