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Identification of Multiple Bacteriocins in Enterococcus spp. Using an Enterococcus-Specific Bacteriocin PCR Array
Chris Henning1, Dhiraj Gautam2, Peter Muriana3,4
1Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Monroe Street, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA. cdhenni@okstate.edu.
Microorganisms
|September 30, 2016
Summary
Bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus isolates from food and animals exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. These isolates commonly possess multiple bacteriocin genes, suggesting their potential for food preservation applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Enterococcus species are increasingly recognized for their potential as sources of antimicrobial compounds, particularly bacteriocins.
- Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen, necessitating effective control strategies.
- Bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus are a promising avenue for natural food preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus isolates for the presence of specific bacteriocin-related genes.
- To characterize the diversity and prevalence of bacteriocin genes in Enterococcus isolates with activity against Listeria monocytogenes.
- To investigate the potential of these bacteriocins in food preservation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a bacteriocin PCR array to screen 22 bacteriocin-positive (Bac+) Enterococcus isolates.
- Sequenced isolates were obtained from food and animal sources and demonstrated activity against Listeria monocytogenes.
- Identified and quantified bacteriocin structural genes within the Enterococcus isolates.
Main Results:
- Enterocin A (entA), enterocins mr10A and mr10B (mr10AB), and bacteriocin T8 (bacA) were the most prevalent structural genes identified.
- A total of 45 bacteriocin genes were found across the 22 Bac+ isolates, with many isolates containing multiple bacteriocin genes (up to four).
- Antimicrobial activity assays confirmed the efficacy against both wild-type and bacteriocin-resistant Listeria monocytogenes strains, indicating different modes of action.
Conclusions:
- The presence of multiple bacteriocin genes in Enterococcus isolates contributes to their potent bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes.
- Bacteriocin mixtures, particularly those with distinct modes of action, show significant promise for controlling foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes.
- These findings highlight the potential of Enterococcus-derived bacteriocins as natural food preservatives.
