Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli: survival and growth in plant tissue

Abstract

This review presents information on disease outbreaks in human populations linked to Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 associated with the consumption of fresh produce. It focuses on the processes of bacterial internalization and survival in non-host plant tissues and the role of biofilms in bacterial persistence. Research to identify the microbial sources contaminating fruits and vegetables and their persistence is urgently required. Internalization of human pathogenic bacteria in plant tissues is reported for various fruits. Under certain circumstances these can enter the plant via roots or seeds, with subsequent survival and translocation within the plant. Research should continue on the relationships between human pathogens and plants, and treatments should be developed to minimize pathogen presence on the surface of raw produce and to prevent their internalization.

Keywords:

• internal plant tissues
• bacterial internalization
• food safety
• outbreaks