Clostridium Botulinum Research Articles

Botulinum Toxin Accessory Proteins: Are They Just an Accessory?

Botulinum neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum consist of a complex of a core neurotoxin protein and one or more nontoxin accessory proteins. The accessory proteins are generally thought to protect the neurotoxin from the gastric environment in botulism poisoning, dissociating away upon absorption. Other than their questionable immunogenicity, they are rarely mentioned in botulinum toxin therapy. To review evidence that accessory proteins potentially play a role in neurotoxin activity. Evidence suggests that the accessory proteins do not dissociate from the neurotoxin complex and enhance neurotoxin activity. Complexed type A botulinum toxin has dramatically higher endopeptidase activity than noncomplexed neurotoxin. A primary accessory protein, hemagglutinin-33, exhibits this same effect on both type A and type E core neurotoxin proteins, the latter not natively having this accessory protein. A clinical study using an objective computer assessment assay has shown a correlation between type A complex size and glabellar strain reduction, which reflects increasing clinical efficacy. Finally, a systematic review found no correlation between type A complex size and neutralizing antibody formation. Accessory proteins may play a role in the efficacy of botulinum toxin and could remain complexed to the neurotoxin for longer than previously reported.

Survey among women using Botox, Filler, and plasma injections in Basrah

Objective. Cosmetic procedures are popular in the world and practiced by both male and female. The origin of Botox is botulinum toxin of Clostridium botulinum, two main commercial types of botulinum (A and B) have been used in cosmetic clinics. The present study studied the distribution of the women according to types of cosmetic procedures, age groups, marital status, job status, and their knowledge about these procedures and its side effects. Methods. A total of 100 women were included with age group between (≤30 - >30) years. 54 (54%) have obtained cosmetic procedures (Botox, Filler, and plasma injections) while 46 (46%) have not obtained any cosmetic procedure. Platelets rich plasma was done by cosmetic specialized physician in private cosmetic clinic by using (Regen Kit BCT A-PRP). Platelets count was done in private Hematology laboratory by specialized Hematology physician. The device used for platelet count was (System XS 500). Collected data was subjected to statistical analysis by using SPSS version 20. Results. 51.85% women obtained their cosmetic procedures at a doctor clinic, (37.04%) at a Beauty Salon, and (11.11%) at both doctor clinic and Beauty Salon. Women within age group (≤30), (12%) have Botox only, (20%) have Filler only, (20%) have plasma injections only, (32%) Botox and Filler, (16%) have Botox, Filler, and plasma injections. 24.14% of women within age group (> 30), have Botox only, (6.90%) have Filler only, (13.79%) have plasma injections only, (31.03%) Botox and Filler, (6.90%) have Botox and plasma in­jections, (17.24%) have Botox, Filler, and plasma injections. Platelets count in PRP samples in stage 1 sample from woman no.1 was 373 × 109/L, while in (stage 2) sample was 724 × 109/L. Platelets count in whole blood of woman no.1 was (202 × 109/L). Platelets count in stage 1 sample from woman no.2 was 413x 109/L, while in (stage 2) sample was 808 × 109/L, Platelets count in whole blood of woman no.1 was 320 × 109/L. There was statistically significant increase in platelets count in stage 1 and stage 2 in both samples (P-value=0.05). Conclusions. Women within age group (≤30) prefer to do cosmetic treatment even if they do not need that. Many women have awareness and confidence in doing these cosmetic treatments in doctor clinic rather than beauty salon. PRP platelets count indicated that using (Regen Kit BCT A-PRP) was successful in obtaining concentrated PRP from woman’s blood sample, comparing with the normal platelets count in whole blood. Results also explained that increasing the speed and period of centrifugation in the method of (Regen Kit BCT A-PRP) might give high concentrate of PRP.

Dilution of botulinum toxin type A in local anesthetics: a therapeutic opportunity in migraine treatment

Botulinum Toxin (BoNT) type A, derived from Clostridium botulinum, is widely employed in neurology for its muscle-paralyzing effects. Concurrently, local anesthetics like lidocaine offer regional pain relief. Combining BoNT-A with local anesthetics could enhance therapeutic efficacy, particularly in headache disorders. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching various databases for relevant studies. Among the 1,623 articles initially identified, 13 met inclusion criteria. Notably, no trials specifically addressed BoNT-A dilution in local anesthetics for headaches. However, studies in other contexts revealed promising findings. For instance, blending BoNT-A with Lidocaine and epinephrine demonstrated superior pharmacological properties compared to saline reconstitution. Nonetheless, caution is warranted, as fatal outcomes have been reported with BoNT-A and lidocaine administration. While the literature on BoNT-A diluted in local anesthetics for migraines is scarce, existing evidence suggests potential benefits akin to other disorders. Reconstituting BoNT-A in lidocaine offers a promising avenue for optimizing headache treatment, warranting further investigation in future research endeavors.

Analysis of the Effects of Microwave Combined Induction Heating on Steamed Pork with Rice Powder.

This study investigates the application of microwave combined induction heating (MCIH) to steam ready-to-eat pork with rice powder, emphasizing the advantages of rapid and uniform heating. The experimental setup included a mixture of 180 g pork strips, 30 g rice powder, and 10 g water in a CPET tray using MCIH with 1080 W microwave (MW) and 130 °C induction heating (IH) for 150 s. The results showed a quick temperature increase rate of 0.56 °C/s that achieved pasteurization against a variety of pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, but not Clostridium botulinum, by lethality calculation. Compared to typical electric cooker steaming, MCIH significantly shortened cooking time (8.6 times faster). To address rice starch gelatinization, two-stage heating techniques to steam pork with rice powder were MCIH: 150 s, and then IH: 60 s (MW1), and MCIH: 180 s, and then IH: 30 s (MW2), with no significant differences seen in color or the nine-point taste scale between treatment groups. MCIH groups had smaller shear forces than control. After MCIH cooking, no microbial counts were detected in the MW1 and MW2 groups initially, and the pork with rice powder had a shelf life of 14 days at 4 °C based on aerobic plate count assay.

The use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic procedures

Introduction: Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When administered orally in large quantities, it blocks nerve signals from the brain to the muscle, causing generalized paralysis, called botulism. However, by injecting very small amounts into a specific facial muscle, only the impulse that guides this muscle will be blocked, causing local relaxation. In this way, botulinum toxin acts as a blockade of the underlying muscles of the unwanted lines. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic procedures and knowledge about it is of great importance. Aim: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic procedures. Methodology: This is a literature review study. Results: Botulinum toxin has been widely used in aesthetic procedures to temporarily reduce painful wrinkles, such as expression lines on the forehead, around the eyes (crow's feet) and between the eyebrows (glabella). Botulinum toxin is also used to treat gummy smiles, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and facial asymmetry. Its aesthetic use provides a rejuvenated appearance and softens the marks of facial ageing. Clinical studies have shown positive results in terms of improved facial appearance and increased patient satisfaction with botulinum toxin procedures (CARRUTHERS, A., & CARRUTHER, J 2009). Conclusion: Botulinum toxin is extremely important in aesthetic procedures and requires a great deal of attention from professionals, as it brings great benefits if used correctly and in the correct dose.

Design and evaluation of mRNA encoding recombinant neutralizing antibodies for botulinum neurotoxin type B intoxication prophylaxis

ABSTRACT Among all natural and synthetic toxins, botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridium botulinum in an anaerobic environment, are the most toxic polymer proteins. Currently, the most effective modalities for botulism prevention and treatment are vaccination and antitoxin use, respectively. However, these modalities are associated with long response time for active immunization, side effects, and donor limitations. As such, the development of more promising botulism prevention and treatment modalities is warranted. Here, we designed an mRNA encoding B9-hFc – a heavy-chain antibody fused to VHH and human Fc that can neutralize BoNT serotype B (BoNT/B) effectively – and assessed its expression in vitro and in vivo. The results confirmed that our mRNA demonstrates good expression in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, a single mRNA lipid nanoparticle injection effectively prevents BoNT/B intoxication in vivo, with effects comparable to those of protein antibodies. In conclusion, we explored and clarified whether mRNA drugs encoding neutralizing antibodies prevent BoNT/B intoxication. Our results provide an efficient strategy for further research on the prevention and treatment of intoxication by botulinum toxin.

ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL PUBLIC HEALTH RISK OF Clostridium botulinum TOXIN GENES IN CANNED FOOD : A LABORATORY EXPERIENCE IN TÜRKİYE

Due to the ability to synthesize a highly potent neurotoxin, Clostridium botulinum poses an important risk to food safety. Foodborne botulism is a neuroparalytic disease caused by the ingestion of neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Botulism commonly occurs as a result of consuming canned foods. In this study, the aim was to investigate the presence of C. botulinum and detect the genes producing A, B, E, and F toxins in C. botulinum isolates in homemade and commercial canned foods using the rapid, sensitive, and reliable Real-Time PCR technique. A total of 81 canned samples were collected, including 51 commercial and 30 homemade cans. The canned samples were initially enriched in tryptone peptone glucose yeast (TPGY) medium. Subsequently, DNA isolation was performed using the foodproof® StarPrep Two Kit. After the isolation process, Real-Time PCR was conducted using the foodproof® Clostridium botulinum Detection LyoKit and 5’ Nuclease (Biotecon, R60240) kit. Only 2 samples tested positive among all the samples. Both positive samples were identified to contain neurotoxin type A. They were both commercial canned foods—one was a mixed vegetable garnish, and the other was roasted red pepper. Both positive samples were packaged in glass containers. Consequently, it was concluded that commercially available canned foods in Turkey could still pose a potential risk to public health due to the presence of C. botulinum. Therefore, it was recommended to perform quality control analyses through food inspections in companies involved in canned food production and sales.

Evaluation of the Effect of Botulinum Toxin A on the Lymphatic Endothelial Cells

IntroductionBotulinum toxin A (BoTA) is a neurotoxin formed by Clostridium botulinum, with a broad medical application spectrum. While the primary effect of BoTA is on the muscles, the effects of BoTA in other systems including the blood vasculature have already been examined, revealing unexpected actions. However, no studies exist to the best of our knowledge regarding the potential effects of BoTA on the lymphatic vascular system, possessing a critical role in health and disease. Isolated human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were cultured in dedicated in vitro culture systems. The analysis including imaging and cell culture approaches as well as molecular biology techniques is performed to examine the LEC alterations occurring upon exposure to different concentrations of BoTA.Materials and MethodsHuman LECs were cultured and expanded on collagen-coated petri dishes using endothelial basal medium and the commercial product Botox from Allergan as used for all our experiments. Harvested cells were used in various in vitro functional tests to assess the morphologic and functional properties of the BoTA-treated LECs. Gene expression analysis was performed to assess the most important lymphatic system-related genes and pathways.ResultsConcentrations of 1, 5 or 10 U of BoTA did not demonstrate a significant effect regarding the proliferation and migration capacity of the LECs versus untreated controls. Interestingly, even the smallest BoTA dose was found to significantly decrease the cord-like-structure formation capacity of the seeded LECs. Gene expression analysis was used to underpin possible molecular alterations, suggesting no significant effect of BoTA in the modification of gene expression versus the starvation medium control.ConclusionLECs appear largely unaffected to BoTA treatment, with an isolated effect on the cord-like-structure formation capacity. Further work needs to assess the effect of BoTA on the smooth-muscle-cell-covered collecting lymphatic vessels and the possible aesthetic implications of such an effect, due to edema formation.Level of Evidence VThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

The First Reported Foodborne Botulism Outbreak in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Lessons Learned

BackgroundBotulism has not been previously reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This rare and sometimes fatal foodborne illness is caused by neurotoxins and primarily results from consuming home-canned fruits, vegetables, dairy, and seafood products & it can lead to paralysis.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of patients who developed botulism in Riyadh in 2024 after consuming mayonnaise from a well-known local chain of restaurants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records and interviewed patients or their attendants for all hospitalized cases of foodborne botulism at Riyadh First Health Cluster. For each patient, a standard case report form was completed, containing information on demographics, clinical aspects, botulinum test results, and type of exposure. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess the data. During the outbreak, nineteen patients with foodborne diseases were admitted to Riyadh First Health Cluster Hospitals. Following thorough physical examinations, botulism was suspected in each case.ResultsEight of the 19 suspected foodborne illness patients fully satisfied the botulism case definition requirements set forth by the Saudi Arabian Public Health Authority (Weqaya). Among these eight patients, 2 (25%) were male and 6 (75%) were female, with a mean age of 23.25 ± 9.29 years (range: 12–38 years). The incubation period for our patients was 36.25 ± 26.26 h. Notable symptoms included dysphagia in all eight patients (100%), dysarthria, generalized weakness, nausea and vomiting in seven patients (88%), diplopia in four patients (50%), and stomach discomfort in three patients (38%). Of the eight cases, six required intubation, one mimicked brain death, and two were stable. The presence of Clostridium botulinum spores as the cause of the outbreak was confirmed by detecting botulinum spores in contaminated food.ConclusionDiplopia and dysarthria were the most common early sign of botulism. Early manifestations may include respiratory symptoms without any musculoskeletal symptoms. or nausea, vomiting and disorientation.

Botulinum Toxin-A Infiltration to Control Post-Operative Pain after Mastectomy and Expander Reconstruction as Potentially Useful Tool: A Narrative Review.

Botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A), a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, was assessed for relieving implant-related pectoralis major muscle's painful spasms. In detail, 100 units of BTX-A can reduce muscle activity and, as a consequence, muscle spasms. The latter is considered the leading cause of post-operative pain after the sub-pectoral tissue expansion, sometimes leading to early expanders' removal. In addition, women choosing post-mastectomy reconstruction surgery seem to suffer worse post-operative pain than those who stop at the mastectomy stage. However, there is no unanimous consensus concerning the potential benefits of BTX-A in reducing pain related to the sub-pectoral placement of tissue expanders in breast reconstruction due to the exiguity of evidence. Therefore, this review aims to describe BTX-A-related evidence in this reconstruction setting. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Botulinum toxin A attenuates osteoarthritis development via inhibiting chondrocyte ferroptosis through SLC7Al1/GPX4 axis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint degenerative disease, resulting in a significant societal burden. However, there is currently a lack of effective treatment option available. Previous studies have suggested that Botulinum toxin A (BONT/A), a macromolecular protein extracted from Clostridium Botulinum, may improve the pain and joint function in OA patients, but the mechanism remains elusive. This study was to investigate the impact and potential mechanism of BONT/A on OA in vivo and in vitro experiment. LPS increased the levels of ROS, Fe2+and Fe3+, as well as decreased GSH levels, the ratio of GSH / GSSH and mitochondrial membrane potential. It also enhanced the degeneration of extracellular matrix (ECM) and altered the ferroptosis-related protein expression in chondrocytes. BONT/A rescued LPS-induced decrease in collagen type II (Collagen II) expression and increase in matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), mitigated LPS-induced cytotoxicity in chondrocytes, abolished the accumulation of ROS and iron, upregulated GSH and the ratio of GSH/ GSSH, improved mitochondrial function, and promoted SLC7A11/GPX4 anti-ferroptosis system activation. Additionally, intra-articular injection of BONT/A inhibited the degradation of cartilage in OA model rats. This chondroprotective effect of BONT/A was reversed by erastin (a classical ferroptosis agonist) and enhanced by liproxstatin-1 (a classic ferroptosis inhibitor). Our research confirms that BONT/A alleviates the OA development by inhibiting the ferroptosis of chondrocytes, which revealed to be a potential therapeutic mechanism for BONT/A treating the OA.

A versatile immunoassay based on functionalized nanoparticles for botulinum neurotoxin detection and sensor development

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) serotypes A and B are the two most common of the four BoNTs that cause the high mortality botulism disease in individuals consuming contaminated foods. The gold standard assay for BoNT detection is the live mouse bioassay, which has several major disadvantages, including tedious procedures and animal sacrifice requirements. In this study, we developed an immuno-based assay using magnetic streptavidin nanoparticles (mSNP) functionalized with specific synthetic biotinylated, 6xHis-tagged peptide substrates (Peptides A, PA and B, PB) designed for BoNT/A and BoNT/B proteolytic reactions, respectively. In the presence of active toxins that possess endopeptidase activity, upon cleavage, the released fragments with His-tag were dotted on a blotting membrane, ultimately producing color signals after incubation with anti-His antibody, alkaline phosphatase (AP)-conjugated antibody, and then AP substrates. The results showed that the efficiency of peptide-mSNP complex formation reached up to 81%, and the dot blot immunoassay allowed peptide detection from 10 ng of His-tagged peptides. Preliminary testing with the extracellular extracts from the isolated Clostridium botulinum strains indicated that the botulinum toxin in the 2020 botulism outbreak in Vietnam belonged to serotype A, the most potent BoNT. The established assay could be applied to construct a portable biosensor for BoNT detection and a high throughput device to screen potential BoNT inhibitors for drug development.

Isolation and characterization of Hc-targeting chimeric heavy chain antibodies neutralizing botulinum neurotoxin type B.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) produced by Clostridium botulinum is one of the most potent known toxins. Moreover, BoNT is classified as one of the most important biological warfare agents that threatens the biosafety of the world. Currently, the approved treatment for botulism in humans is the use of polyvalent horse serum antitoxins. However, they are greatly limited because of insufficient supply and adverse reactions. Thus, treatment of human botulism requires the development of effective toxin-neutralizing antibodies. Considering their advantages, neutralizing nanobodies will play an increasing role as BoNTs therapeutics. Herein, neutralizing nanobodies binding to the heavy chain (Hc) domain of BoNT/B (BHc) were screened from a phage display library. Then, BoNT/B-specific clones were identified and fused with the human Fc fragment (hFc) to form chimeric heavy chain antibodies. Finally, the affinity, specificity, and neutralizing activity of antibodies against BoNT/B in vivo were evaluated. The B5-hFc, B9-hFc and B12-hFc antibodies demonstrated high affinity for BHc in the nanomolar range. The three antibodies were proven to have potent neutralizing activity against BoNT/B in vivo. The results demonstrate that inhibiting toxin binding to the host receptor is an efficient strategy and the three antibodies could be used as candidates for the further development of drugs to prevent and treat botulism.

A Case of Infant Botulism Treated with Human-Derived Antitoxin

Background: Infant botulism is a severe and rare illness due to the ingestion of the neurotoxin secreted by Clostridium botulinum and is a neuroparalytic descendant acute disease which is reversible, treatable and preventable. Symptoms vary from mild hypotonia to respiratory failure and sudden death. Clinical Observation: A four-months-old female baby taken to the Emergency Room because of hypoactivity and failure to eat. Parents reported constipation for the last 5 days. The physical examination showed a hypoactive baby with sleep tendency and mild axial hypotonia. During the next 48 hours there is a progressive worsening of the clinical condition with severe axial hypotonia, generalized weakness, weak cry, increasing difficulty in sucking and swallowing and increase of respiratory secretions together with weak cough reflex. An electromyogram was performed with normal results. Parents denied giving the baby honey, infusions or any other food other than milk or cereals. Although there was no clear epidemiological history, infant botulism was suspected, and contact was made with the local Health Department and a direct toxin analysis was requested from blood and fecal samples. She received treatment with human derived botulism antitoxin (BabyBIG®) with a favorable outcome. The diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of the botulism toxin B in the patient's stools. Comments: Infant botulism, although it is a rare disease in our environment, requires a high level of suspicion to make an early diagnosis and initiate a timely and specific treatment and thus reduce complications and the course of the disease.

SpoIVA is an essential morphogenetic protein for the formation of heat- and lysozyme-resistant spores in Clostridium sporogenes NBRC 14293.

Clostridium sporogenes is an anaerobic spore-forming bacterium genetically related to Clostridium botulinum but lacks toxin genes. The sporulation mechanism and spore structures of anaerobic bacteria, including C. sporogenes, have not been comprehensively analyzed. Based on 16S rRNA gene analysis, it has been determined that C. sporogenes NBRC 14293 belongs to C. botulinum Group I. Moreover, SpoIVA is highly conserved in Bacillus and Clostridium species. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the mechanism of spore formation in C. sporogenes by performing a functional analysis of spoIVA encoding SpoIVA, a protein involved in the early development of the spore coat and cortex in Bacillus subtilis. Inactivation of spoIVA in C. sporogenes resulted in the loss of resistance of sporulating cells to lysozyme and heat treatments. Phase-contrast microscopy indicated that the inactivation of spoIVA caused the development of abnormal forespores and production of only a few immature spores. In the spoIVA mutant, abnormal swirl structures were detected in the mother cell using both phase-contrast and transmission electron microscopy. These swirls were stained with auramine O, pararosaniline hydrochloride, and 2-(4-aminophenyl)benzothiazole to examine the surface of mature spores of the wild-type strain. We found that the spore coat and exosporium proteins were misassembled and that they accumulated in the mother cells of the mutant. The results of this study indicate that SpoIVA is a spore morphogenetic protein, providing novel insights into spore morphogenesis in C. sporogenes.

A rare symptom of foodborne botulism: dysgeusia. Case report and clinical review

Clostridium botulinum has become one of the most well-known microorganisms in medical history, thanks to both fatal botulism epidemics and the recent medical use of botulinum neurotoxin. It is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium that causes classic foodborne botulism, infant botulism, wound botulism, and intestinal colonization botulism, a serious neuroparalytic disease. The most common type of botulism is foodborne botulism, which is caused by eating botulinum toxin-contaminated foods. Just a few micrograms of toxin are enough to cause symptoms and, if untreated, death. Rapid diagnosis of the condition is critical to avoiding fatal outcomes. This article describes a clinical case of a patient who presented to us in June with typical symptoms of botulism. Early clinical diagnosis is based on a thorough medical history, including a meticulous reconstruction of the patient's food history in the days preceding symptom onset, as well as a careful physical examination, which can be highly suggestive of botulinum intoxication. Botulism treatment consists of symptom control, mechanical respiratory support, and Botulinum Antitoxin (BAT) administered intravenously. Epidemiological investigation is critical for quickly identifying the food vehicle causing the intoxication.

Case report: Aberrant fecal microbiota composition of an infant diagnosed with prolonged intestinal botulism

BackgroundIntestinal botulism is primarily reported in small babies as a condition known as infant botulism. The condition results from the ingestion of environmental or foodborne spores of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) producing Clostridia, usually Clostridium botulinum, and subsequent spore germination into active botulinum neurotoxinogenic cultures in the gut. It is generally considered that small babies are susceptible to C. botulinum colonization because of their immature gut microbiota. Yet, it is poorly understood which host factors contribute to the clinical outcome of intestinal botulism. We previously reported a case of infant botulism where the infant recovered clinically in six weeks but continued to secrete C. botulinum cells and/or BoNT in the feces for seven months.Case presentationTo further understand the microbial ecology behind this exceptionally long-lasting botulinum neurotoxinogenic colonization, we characterized the infant fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing over the course of disease and recovery. C. botulinum could be detected in the infant fecal samples at low levels through the acute phase of the disease and three months after recovery. Overall, we observed a temporal delay in the maturation of the infant fecal microbiota associated with a persistently high-level bifidobacterial population and a low level of Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroidaceae and Ruminococcaceae compared to healthy infants over time.ConclusionThis study brings novel insights into the infant fecal composition associated with intestinal botulism and provides a basis for a more systematic analysis of the gut microbiota of infants diagnosed with botulism. A better understanding of the gut microbial ecology associated with infant botulism may support the development of prophylactic strategies against this life-threatening disease in small babies.

Antibacterial Potency of Sea Star Linckia laevigata Extract Against Selected Pathogenic Bacteria

The sea star (Asteroidea) is reported to have the potency to be a source of antimicrobial agent. An exploration study was conducted to reveal the potency of antibacterial bioactive of sea star from Maluku waters. This study aimed to determine the bioactive compounds of the Linckia laevigata extract and their antimicrobial activity. The results of qualitative phytochemical test showed that the L. laevigata extract contains flavonoid and saponin. The antimicrobial activity of the L. laevigata extract was demonstrated by an inhibition zone diameter of 29.5 mm against Enterobacter aeuregens and 22.1 mm against Clostridium botulinum. The L. laevigata extract has been proven to have antibacterial activityagainst food pathogenic bacteria.

Effects of field strength and frequency on inactivation of Clostridium sporogenes PA3679 spores during ohmic heating

The study explored the effects of electric field strength, temperature, and frequency on the inactivation of Clostridium sporogenes PA3679 spores (a surrogate of Clostridium botulinum) within buffer. The experiments were conducted at three different field strengths (30, 40, and 50 V/cm), temperatures (110, 120, and 130 °C), and frequencies (60, 1000, and 5000 Hz). Ohmic heating resulted in significantly greater reduction of C. sporogenes compared to conventional heating. Electric field strength significantly influenced spore inactivation. It was found that lower frequencies led to quicker rates of inactivation. Given that high field strengths have dual benefits of increasing both heating and spore kill rate, the possibility exists to process foods to sterility without a hold. This is expected to result in improved product quality, reduced process times and increased efficiency.

Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum in Uncured Shredded Pork and Turkey Packaged Under Reduced Oxygen Conditions

Cooked, uncured meat products packaged under reduced oxygen packaging conditions require the control of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic pathogens if they are held at temperatures greater than 3°C at retail or consumer level. The objective of this study was to determine the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum in cooked, uncured shredded turkey and pork formulated with synthetic or clean-label antimicrobials. Treatments of shredded meat products were prepared with or without antimicrobials using turkey thigh or breast that were cooked to 85°C, shredded, and chilled before inoculation with the target pathogen. L. monocytogenes inoculated samples were stored at 7.2°C, whereas C. botulinum samples were stored at 12.8°C; triplicate samples were assayed every 2 weeks. In the first set of experiments, L. monocytogenes populations increased 2 to 3 logs within 2 weeks of storage at 7.2°C in both meat control treatments without antimicrobials and in pork with 4% lactate-diacetate blend (LD). A 1-log increase was observed in turkey with 4% LD and Pork with 2% cultured dextrose-vinegar-rosemary (CDVR) under the same storage conditions; a 1-log increase was observed in turkey with CDVR at 4 weeks. The second set of experiments tested the effect of pH reduction (to less than 5.5 by the addition of 0.5% citric acid) in combination with 2% CDVR when added to the brine precook or postcook during shredding. Populations of L. monocytogenes increased 4-log within 2 and 4 weeks at 7.2°C for the control turkey and pork formulations, respectively. No growth was observed in 12 weeks for any antimicrobial CDVR-CA treatments regardless of how antimicrobial was added. Similarly, botulinum toxin was detected in both control treatments at week 2 at 12.8°C, but no toxicity was observed in either antimicrobial treatment through 12 weeks. These data suggest that a combination of 2% cultured dextrose-vinegar-rosemary extract plus 0.5% citric acid to reduce pH inhibits the growth of L. monocytogenes and toxin production of C. botulinum in uncured shredded turkey and pork products stored under mild temperature abuse conditions for up to 12 weeks in reduced oxygen packaging.