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11:16
A Hydroponic Co-cultivation System for Simultaneous and Systematic Analysis of Plant/Microbe Molecular Interactions and Signaling
Published on: July 22, 2017
Salmonella interactions with plants and their associated microbiota
Maria T Brandl1, Clayton E Cox, Max Teplitski
1U.S Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA, USA.
Phytopathology
|March 20, 2013
Summary
Nontyphoidal Salmonella outbreaks from produce are rising. This pathogen colonizes plants, using similar strategies as in human hosts, highlighting plants as a significant secondary host.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Gastroenteritis outbreaks linked to plant-based foods are increasing, raising public health concerns.
- Nontyphoidal Salmonella infections from fresh produce, spices, and nuts now exceed those from animal products.
- Plants may serve as a crucial reservoir and part of the life cycle for human enteric pathogens like Salmonella.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex interactions between human enteric pathogens, specifically Salmonella, and plants.
- To understand the mechanisms by which Salmonella colonizes plant surfaces and tissues.
- To investigate Salmonella's adaptation strategies for survival and proliferation on plants.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on Salmonella-plant interactions.
- Analysis of genetic studies identifying Salmonella genes involved in plant colonization.
- Examination of plant immune responses to bacterial pathogens.
Main Results:
- Plants recognize Salmonella through conserved microbial patterns, activating basal defense mechanisms.
- Specific Salmonella genes are critical for colonization of plant surfaces and internal tissues.
- Salmonella employs diverse strategies to interact with plants and their associated microbes, mirroring host colonization tactics.
Conclusions:
- Plants represent a significant secondary host for Salmonella, facilitating its transmission and persistence.
- Understanding Salmonella's interaction with plants is crucial for mitigating foodborne illness outbreaks.
- Salmonella exhibits remarkable adaptability, utilizing overlapping strategies for both plant and vertebrate host colonization.
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