Development of Effective Strategies for the Reduction of Shigatoxigenic E. coli and their Biofilms in the Food Industry
Divya Jaroni's research focuses on Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), which have been collectively responsible for severe and deadly illnesses in humans. These pathogens are prevalent in the food production environment, including food animals. Various approaches against STEC are used to control its prevalence in food animals and to mitigate contamination risk at the processing level. However, recalls and outbreaks have continued. This could be indicative of the bacterial “adaptation loopholes” that might result in the resistance of STEC to antimicrobial challenges.
Environmental stressors trigger adaptation in STEC such as formation of biofilms, serving as their repository during unfavorable conditions. Bacteria hiding in biofilms are also generally more tolerant to environmental stressors, sanitizing agents and antimicrobials applied in the food industry. Studies have investigated the tolerance of STEC in biofilms to sanitizing agents, and the formation of filamentous cells in response to environmental stressors. Results from the studies suggest that bacteriophages, enzymes and natural antimicrobials could prove to be effective alternatives to control the formation of bacterial biofilms and the bacteria hiding in those biofilms.
