June 2011 - OurFood-news

23.06.2011: Reduced success of the Trans-Fat-Free Americas Initiative [1]
The pan-America Trans-Fat-Free initiative asked 12 representatives from food industries in Latin America and the Caribbean to voluntarily eliminate industrially produced trans-fatty acids of their products. A year later only few data on reformulations of the product were made available to the initiative. Reported difficulties to phase out trans-fatty were availability of oil substitutes, cost, and consumers' sensory acceptance. Because of reduced success of voluntary initiative the authors suggest that the trans-fatty acids and saturated fat in food should be regulated and strictly monitored in the Americas.

[1] Monge-Rojas R, Colón-Ramos U, Jacoby E, Mozaffarian D: Voluntary reduction of trans-fatty acids in Latin America and the Caribbean: current situation. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2011 Feb;29(2):126-9.

http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1020-49892011000200008&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en

23.06.2011: Specific dietary and other lifestyle behaviours may influence weight gain [1]
Mozaffarian et al. 2011 report a weight gain of 3.35 lb during a four-year period of participants of the study. Weight change was most directly associated with the intake of potato chips, potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages, unprocessed red meats, and processed meats, and inversely associated with the intake of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and yoghurt.

Lifestyle factors, such as physical activity; alcohol use, smoking; former smokers, sleep (more weight gain with <6 or >8 hours of sleep), and television watching were independently associated with weight gain. These factors may influence the “eat less and exercise more” strategy.

[1] Mozaffarian.D, Hao T, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Hu FB: Changes in Diet and Lifestyle and Long-Term Weight Gain in Women and Men. N Engl J Med 2011; 364:2392-2404 June 23, 2011.

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1014296

23.06.2011: The IPSO report on declines in Ocean health [1]
The International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) considered the cumulative impact of multiple stressors on the ocean, including warming, acidification, and overfishing. The report concluded that the world's ocean is at high risk of entering a phase of extinction of marine species if the current trajectory of damage continues. It calls for urgent and unequivocal action to halt further declines in ocean health. [2]

Main threats to the ocean

According to the Report, climate change results in two main threats to the ocean: Rising temperatures and acidification.

It is imperious to reduce emission of carbon dioxide as proposed in the 4th Report of the IPCC. This must be flanked by developing carbon sinks to reduce current CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The target of 450ppm CO2 in the atmosphere and/or 2 degrees temperature will not guarantee the viability of some marine ecosystems. If both cannot be addressed on, the IPSO report suggests to concentrate efforts on other stressors.

Lack of oxygen

Jelle Bijma, of the Alfred Wegener Institute reports a "deadly trio" of threats of higher temperatures, acidification and lack of oxygen, known as anoxia, causes mass extinctions of marine species. Carbon dioxide of fossil fuels heats the planet and acidifies the ocean. Run-off of fertilizers and pollution creates anoxia.

Improve management of fisheries

The management of fisheries must be improved to support global food security in the future, reduce the impact on the Ocean and avoid overfishing. Applying precautionary management practices, fisheries can be sustainable and provide food for future generations in a way that is profitable.

Marine reserve

Seabed communities such as coral reefs are destroyed through the practice of bottom trawling, and by change water quality, making it unsuitable for many marine animals. Such habitat destruction can be reduced introducing marine reserves. Marine reserves, similar to national parks, are non-take areas to protect them from overexploitation and allow them to recover from stressors. Extraction of oil and minerals are activities which produce harmful pollution, such as toxic drilling mud. Acoustic methods to explore the seabed produce a sound impact on mammals and fish. Pollution by industry, agriculture and sewage develop dead zones resulting from algal bloom. Heavy metals, POPs, plastics, petroleum and pesticides threaten health of marine food. Dumping ballast water of freighters alien species are introduced in sensible ecosystems.

The report stresses that fish are the main source of protein for a fifth of the world's population and the seas cycle oxygen and help absorb carbon dioxide. Marine species and entire ecosystems, such as coral reefs, are lost in one generation unless action is taken now to reduce the combined effects of climate change, over-exploitation, pollution and habitat loss.

[1] Implementing the Global State of the Ocean Report

http://www.stateoftheocean.org/pdfs/ipso_report_051208web.pdf

[2] The main factors destroying ocean health. International Programme on the State of the Ocean.org.

http://www.stateoftheocean.org/threats.cfm

23.06.2011: Graphene, a tough carbon nanomaterial [1]
Chakrabarti et al 2011 report that burning magnesium metal in dry ice resulted in few-layer nanosheets of graphene in high yields. Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. The graphene is a two-dimensional material, composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is the strongest material ever measured and has other remarkable qualities, including high electron mobility.

[1] Chakrabarti A, Lu J, Skrabutenas JC, Xu T, Xiao Z, Maguire JA, Hosmane NS: Conversion of carbon dioxide to few-layer graphene. J. Mater. Chem., 2011, 21, 9491-9493. Doi: 10.1039/C1JM11227A

http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2011/JM/c1jm11227a

21.06.2011: Baltic Sea ecosystem threatened by eutrophication [1]
Local emissions of nitrogen and phosphorus related to rainbow trout aquaculture in Finland is growing and contribute to local eutrophication. Asmala and Saikku 2010 write that during 2004-2007, the input of nutrients to the system in the form of fish feed was 829 t Nitrogen/year(-1) and 115 t phosphorous/year(-1). Around 20% of these nutrients ended up as food for human consumption, and 70% ended up in the Baltic Sea, directly from aquaculture and indirectly through waste management.

Trout feeds contain herring and anchovy meal of Atlantic origin. The authors suggest that local reductions in eutrophication could be achieved by replacing externally-sourced fishmeal used in diets by fishmeal produced by harvesting fish (non commercial catch species) locally around the aquaculture discharge. This would contribute to close the nutrient cycle.

The change to local caught fish could increase fish meal prices by 15%. Fish meal processes exist which reduce the higher levels of PCB and dioxin compounds of Baltic local fish compared with Atlantic fish.

The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan [2]

Eutrophication of the central areas of the Sea being generally attributed to nitrogen and coastal areas to phosphorus. Approximately half of total nutrient loads to the Baltic come from agriculture, the remainder from wastewaters, atmospheric deposition and other sources. Nitrogen and phosphorus are among the main growth limiting nutrients and as such do not pose any direct hazards to marine organisms. Eutrophication, however, is a condition in an aquatic ecosystem where high nutrient concentrations stimulate growth of algae which leads to imbalanced functioning of the system.

The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan aims to restore the good ecological status of the Baltic marine environment by 2021. HELCOM combats the continuing deterioration of the marine environment resulting from human activities.

The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan is committed to reducing total nitrogen inputs by 8% and phosphorus inputs by 42% by 2016 (from 1997 – 2003 levels).

[1] Asmala E, Saikku L: Closing a loop: substance flow analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus in the rainbow trout production and domestic consumption system in Finland. Ambio. 2010 Mar;39(2):126-35

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20653275

[2] Nutrient pollution and Eutrophication. Helsinki Commission HELCOM. Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission.

http://www.helcom.fi/environment2/eutrophication/en_GB/front/

17.06.2011: Coral Watch:Diving groups monitor corals worldwide [1]

The Coral Watch is a non-profit organization that aims to collect information provided by volunteering divers from around the world, who documented observations and uploaded them online to be used in scientific research. Nearly 1,000 volunteers participated in the project and provided documentation for 590 coral sites around the world, with 38,045 corals surveyed. The Kuwait Diving Team(KDT) has conducted 400 observation missions to coral reefs in Kuwaiti waters since 2009. [2]





Coral Health Chart [3]

Coral Watch developed the Coral Health Chart to monitor coral bleaching, and assessment of coral health. It is a colour chart representing different stages of bleaching/recovery.  The Coral Health Chart is based on a project of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. This tool can increase awareness about global warming by demonstrating one of its devastating effects on coral reefs and consequently on marine environment.

New research indicates that more than half of the world’s coral reefs could die in less than 25 years. Human activities and climate change have contributed to the loss of 30 percent of the worlds reefs to date; another 30 percent are severely damaged. Scientists at Coral Watch will use the data collected to help answer questions about coral bleaching, recovery patterns and how long bleaching events last.





[1] Coral Watch


http://www.coralwatch.org/web/guest/home1





[2] Diving team provides documentary evidence to Coral Watch. Kuwait Times. 09.06.2011.


http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=Mjg2OTIwMzkw





[3] Coral Health Chart


http://www.coralwatch.org/web/guest/coral-health-chart

16.06.2011: Rice production in Asia will be affected by rising temperatures [1]

Welch et al. 2010 assessed the impact of temperature increases on yield of rice plantations. The authors found that rising temperatures during the past 25 years have already cut the yield by 10-20 percent in several locations and the projected future temperature rise will reduce the rice production even more....





Increasing of minimum temperature during day and higher temperatures during night reduces yield of irrigated farmer-managed rice fields in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Increase of temperature during the day may improve growth, but this effect is negatively compensated by increase of minimum temperature and temperatures during the night. A further decline in rice production will mean more people will slip into poverty and hunger, the researchers said. The authors stress that if rice production methods will remain unchanged or new rice strains will not be developed a significant reduction of rice production will be unavoidable during the next few decades.

[1] Welch JR, Vincent JR, Auffhammer M, Moya PF, Dobermann A, Dawe D: Rice yields in tropical/subtropical Asia exhibit large but opposing sensitivities to minimum and maximum temperatures. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Aug 17;107(33):14562-7


http://www.pnas.org/content/107/33/14562.long

16.06.2011: Photosynthetic production of Hydrogen by certain cyanobacteria [1]

Bandyopadhyay and colleagues 2010 describe the potential of photobiological hydrogen production by oxygenic photosynthetic microbes which express nitrogenase and/or bidirectional hydrogenases. These enzimatic pathways are oxygen sensitive, and depend on protective mechanisms presented by the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142, which generates high levels of hydrogen under aerobic conditions. The wild-type Cyanothece 51142 may even produce up to 465 μmol of hydrogen per mg of chlorophyll per hour in the presence of glycerol.





The Cyanothece 51142 strain was isolated in 1993 from samples of water of the Gulf of Mexico by the authors. As a cyanobacteria it can perform phoptosythesis producing carbohydrates from the CO2 of the atmosphere during daytime. During the night it uses the stored energy to transform nitrogen from atmosphere into ammonia and hydrogen. This rhythm is not altered under continued illumination, whereas the hydrogen yield even increased under such conditions.





Welsch et al. 2008 sequenced the genome of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 which performs oxygenic photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation within the cell Its genome has one large circular chromosome, four small plasmids, and one linear chromosome which contains a cluster of genes for enzymes involved in pyruvate metabolism, important for fermentative processes. [2]





[1] Anindita Bandyopadhyay, Jana Stöckel, Hongtao Min, Louis A. Sherman and Himadri B. Pakrasi: High rates of photobiological H2 production by a cyanobacterium under aerobic conditions: Nature Communications Volume: 1, Article number: 139 Doi:10.1038/ncomms1139


http://www.nature.com/ncomms/journal/v1/n9/full/ncomms1139.html





[2] Welsh EA, Liberton M, Stöckel J, Loh T, Elvitigala T, Wang C, Wollam A, Fulton RS, Clifton SW, Jacobs JM, Aurora R, Ghosh BK, Sherman LA, Smith RD, Wilson RK, Pakrasi HB: The genome of Cyanothece 51142, a unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacterium important in the marine nitrogen cycle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Sep 30;105(39):15094-9. Epub 2008 Sep 23.


http://www.pnas.org/content/105/39/15094.long

15.06.2011: German EHEC epidemic: a two-year-old boy died [1]

A two-year-old boy became the first child to fall victim to the deadly bacteria. The boy's father and 10-year-old brother are also suffering from the infection but are recovering. The source of the infection remains unknown, and no one can explain how EHEC bacteria got into the organic farm that supplied contaminated beansprouts to restaurants and cafeterias in Germany.

Officials assumes that the seeds for the beansprouts may have been contaminated. Raw beansprouts may be a source of Salmonella and Escherichia coli because the warm, moist conditions in which they grow. However, it is also possible that workers brought the bacterium into the farm.

On Monday the Bavarian health and food safety office said it had discovered EHEC bacterium on lettuce of the Lollo Rosso variety grownin Bavaria. However, it was not the deadly EHEC bacteria which causes HUC.





[1] Death Toll Reaches 37. Two-Year-Old Boy Dies in German E. Coli Outbreak. Spiegel Online. 15.06.2011.


http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,768278,00.html








15.06.2011: Radioactive caesium in tea and minke whales harpooned 650 km from Fukushima [1]


A Japanese fishery agency reported that in two minke whales culled at 650 km from Fukushim readings of 31 becquerels and 24.3 becquerels of caesium per kilogram were measured. These readings are below the country's recently-set maximum safe limit for seafood of 500 becquerels per kilogram. There are no data of such testing before the nuclear accident at Fukushima took place, the experts could therefore not say if this is higher than normal. It is feared that the radioactive material in the sea can concentrate at the top of the food chain. Fishing in areas near Fukushima is banned. Increased radiation screenings of seafood along the Pacific coast are being undertaken.





Meanwhile Japanese producer of tea from the Shizuoka province are asked to stop selling tea leaves and recall already delivered material. The tea leaves presented a radioactivity of 679 bequerel/Kg, beyond the upper limit value of 500 bequerel/Kg. The dried tea leaves of Warashina of Shizuoka province, 370 kilometres away from Fukushima, contained radioactive caesium.

15.06.2011: German EHEC epidemic: a two-year-old boy died %5B1%5D A two-year-old boy became the first child to fall victim to the deadly bacteria. The boy%27s father and 10-year-old brother are also suffering from the infection but are recovering. The source of the infection remains unknown, and no one can explain how EHEC bacteria got into the organic farm that supplied contaminated beansprouts to restaurants and cafeterias in Germany. Officials assumes that the seeds for the beansprouts may have been contaminated. Raw beansprouts may be a source of Salmonella and Escherichia coli because the warm, moist conditions in which they grow. However, it is also possible that workers brought the bacterium into the farm. On Monday the Bavarian health and food safety office said it had discovered EHEC bacterium on lettuce of the Lollo Rosso variety grownin Bavaria. However, it was not the deadly EHEC bacteria which causes HUC. %5B1%5D Death Toll Reaches 37. Two-Year-Old Boy Dies in German E. Coli Outbreak. Spiegel Online. 15.06.2011. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,768278,00.html 15.06.2011: Radioactive caesium in tea and minke whales harpooned 650 km from Fukushima %5B1%5D A Japanese fishery agency reported that in two minke whales culled at 650 km from Fukushim readings of 31 becquerels and 24.3 becquerels of caesium per kilogram were measured. These readings are below the country%27s recently-set maximum safe limit for seafood of 500 becquerels per kilogram. There are no data of such testing before the nuclear accident at Fukushima took place, the experts could therefore not say if this is higher than normal. It is feared that the radioactive material in the sea can concentrate at the top of the food chain. Fishing in areas near Fukushima is banned. Increased radiation screenings of seafood along the Pacific coast are being undertaken. Meanwhile Japanese producer of tea from the Shizuoka province are asked to stop selling tea leaves and recall already delivered material. The tea leaves presented a radioactivity of 679 bequerel/Kg, beyond the upper limit value of 500 bequerel/Kg. The dried tea leaves of Warashina of Shizuoka province, 370 kilometres away from Fukushima, contained radioactive caesium. %5B2%5D %5B1%5D Japan finds radiation traces in whales. News.com.au. 15.06.2011 http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/japan-finds-radiation-traces-... %5B2%5D Japan recalls Shizuoka tea over radiation fears. The Straits Times. 10.06.2011. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_678349.html

[2]





[1] Japan finds radiation traces in whales. News.com.au. 15.06.2011


http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/japan-finds-radiation-traces-in-whales/story-e6frfkui-1226075791693





[2] Japan recalls Shizuoka tea over radiation fears. The Straits Times. 10.06.2011.


15.06.2011: German EHEC epidemic: a two-year-old boy died %5B1%5D A two-year-old boy became the first child to fall victim to the deadly bacteria. The boy%27s father and 10-year-old brother are also suffering from the infection but are recovering. The source of the infection remains unknown, and no one can explain how EHEC bacteria got into the organic farm that supplied contaminated beansprouts to restaurants and cafeterias in Germany. Officials assumes that the seeds for the beansprouts may have been contaminated. Raw beansprouts may be a source of Salmonella and Escherichia coli because the warm, moist conditions in which they grow. However, it is also possible that workers brought the bacterium into the farm. On Monday the Bavarian health and food safety office said it had discovered EHEC bacterium on lettuce of the Lollo Rosso variety grownin Bavaria. However, it was not the deadly EHEC bacteria which causes HUC. %5B1%5D Death Toll Reaches 37. Two-Year-Old Boy Dies in German E. Coli Outbreak. Spiegel Online. 15.06.2011. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,768278,00.html 15.06.2011: Radioactive caesium in tea and minke whales harpooned 650 km from Fukushima %5B1%5D A Japanese fishery agency reported that in two minke whales culled at 650 km from Fukushim readings of 31 becquerels and 24.3 becquerels of caesium per kilogram were measured. These readings are below the country%27s recently-set maximum safe limit for seafood of 500 becquerels per kilogram. There are no data of such testing before the nuclear accident at Fukushima took place, the experts could therefore not say if this is higher than normal. It is feared that the radioactive material in the sea can concentrate at the top of the food chain. Fishing in areas near Fukushima is banned. Increased radiation screenings of seafood along the Pacific coast are being undertaken. Meanwhile Japanese producer of tea from the Shizuoka province are asked to stop selling tea leaves and recall already delivered material. The tea leaves presented a radioactivity of 679 bequerel/Kg, beyond the upper limit value of 500 bequerel/Kg. The dried tea leaves of Warashina of Shizuoka province, 370 kilometres away from Fukushima, contained radioactive caesium. %5B2%5D %5B1%5D Japan finds radiation traces in whales. News.com.au. 15.06.2011 http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/japan-finds-radiation-traces-in-whales/story-e6frfkui-1226075791693 %5B2%5D Japan recalls Shizuoka tea over radiation fears. The Straits Times. 10.06.2011. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_678349.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_678349.html

13.06.2011: Food safety system fails to protect consumers but no one is to be blamed for [1]

The organic farm which produced sprouts allegedly contaminated with EHEC had done nothing wrong, with Lower Saxony Agriculture Minister Gert Lindemann even lauding its "high hygiene standards", Sprouts are to blame - not necessarily the producer, reports Deutsche Welle.





At least 36 people have died from the Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) outbreak 2011 in Germany and more than 100 patients will need kidney transplantations or remain lifelong dialyse cases. The source has been identified following epidemiologic researche as sprouts grown at an organic farm in the north of the country. However, no clear laboratory proof was found. Health Minister Daniel Bahr warned that more fatalities and additional cases cannot be ruled out.





Good Manufacturing Practice, HACCP Certification Seals and Quality Seals are worthless


Food safety systems were conceived to block hazards before the food gets to the consumer. These systems put the responsibility in the hands of the manufacturer, in the hands of the food retailers and the final vendor. The call for the state to do the controlling of food is not the philosophy of these systems. Thinking that the state has failed in the actual EHEC epidemic is a perversion of facts. The food industry, the hospitality industry and food retailers are to be blamed for more than 20 fatalities. The installed control points are not being followed with sufficient rigour, or the whole global food safety and certification system is inefficient in its basic structure.


An easy test for coliform bacteria should have indicated a contamination of faecal origin, including the STEC O104:H4 strain. Eliminating coliform bacteria also eliminates a series of other pathogenic bacteria. It is not incompetence of the food industry, it is criminal carelessness of all actors of the food chain.





Salad tested positive for EHEC bacteria in Bavaria


Salad from Bavaria was tested positive for EHEC bacteria on 13 june 2011. This strain produces serious dysenteric but not the deadly Husec 041, Serotyp O104:H4 strain which leads to kidney failure. [2]





Epidemiology


All but one of the 36 deaths from the EHEC (enterohaemorrhagic E. coli) strain have been in Germany, with the other being a woman in Sweden who had recently travelled to Germany. Over 3,200 people have come down with the bacterial illness, with it now having spread to 14 countries in Europe as well as the United States and Canada, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). All but five cases were found in people who lived or had recently visited Germany.





Laboratory tests


Only one sample of sprouts was found bearing the deadly bacteria discarded in the dustbin of a diseased family. A cucumber found in another dustbin was also found positive for EHEC this result is discarded because sprouts fit better in the epidemiology of this case..





Organ transplants for EHEC sufferers


In some cases in Germany the bacteria has led to the serious kidney ailment haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which the WHO has been confirmed in 812 patients.In Germany, around 100 patients with HUS have suffered such significant kidney damage that they will need organ transplants or will require dialysis treatment for the rest of their lives,





Massive losses incurred by European farmers


The RKI has yet to rescind its warning against bean sprouts, though it has said cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes - produce earlier suspected of carrying the mystery pathogen - can once again be eaten without harm.





In response to the massive losses incurred by European farmers due to the false alarms, the European Commission has offered a compensation package of 210 million euros. Unions in Germany are calling to rise compensation up to 600 million euros.





EHEC Freeloaders in politics and research


SPD: According Karl Lauterbach, a health expert for Germany's Social Democrats communication between hospitals and the Robert Koch Institute based on sending post letters instead of Emailing is too slow and was responsible for delayed reaction to the epidemic. He warns, anyhow, that EHEC epidemic may start again, anywhere and at any time, because the bacteria is everywhere.





Green Party:The leading politicians of the German Green Party Renate Künast and Jürgen Trittin were Eager to declare that the government failed, but did not elaborate further.





USA Research: Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota calls “incompetence” the way the source of the epidemic is being investigated. However, the problem may be worse than just “incompetence”. [3]





The functioning of epidemiology and global public health system is being questioned


Dr. Osterholm is wrong. He diverts the attention from the real culprit to It seems that the food safety systems based on HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice, ISO 9000 Certification failed to protect the consumer, resulting in over 36 fatalities up to present. The whole series of global food safety systems and quality seals must be revised to avoid pathogens to enter the food chain without being detected by routine tests at farm, during processing, and at grocery stores.





[1] Death toll from E. coli outbreak rises amid fresh warnings. DW-World.de, 12.06.2011


http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15149629,00.html





[2] Gefährliche Darminfektion: Ehec-Epidemie fordert schon 36 Todesopfer. Spiegel Online 13.06.2011.


http://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/medizin/0,1518,768216,00.html





[3] Germany: No proof sprouts caused E. coli outbreak 23 of 40 samples from suspected farm tested negative for toxic bacteria


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43285439/ns/health-food_safety/t/germany-no-proof-sprouts-caused-e-coli-outbreak/

12.06.2011: Rising costs and impact on varieties of different species, IPCC report calls for action to stop climate change [1]

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released the Summary for Policy Makers 2011 report that outlines options for addressing global warming. The report says that the global warming can be stopped for 0.1 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product per year. Emissions would have to begin to decline before 2015 and 50 to 85 percent of CO2 emissions would have to be cut by the middle of this century. If no action will be taken costs will increase up to 20 times more.





Further increase of temperature endangers marine species [2]


Kelly et al 2011 assessed the effect of change of temperature on the tide pool copepod Tigriopus californicus. These tiny shrimplike animals are found from Alaska to Baja California, but have little ability to evolve heat tolerance. The authors subjected the animals for heat stress and monitored them for 10 generations. Copepods from different locations presented different heat tolerance, but within these populations only about a half-degree Celsius of increased heat could be tolerated.


The authors stress that populations of these copepodes are very isolated, due to their tide pool habitat. giving little place for the flow of new genes across the local population. Animals and plants with such a fragmented habitat may be endangered by changing temperatures because natural genetic selection cannot take place. This includes even birds an plants which were separated by human activities. The authors conclude that results of models climatic change may greatly underestimate extinction risk in species with strong local adaptation.





Somero 2010 suggests that studies at the molecular level may predict effects of climate change. He stresses to determine how much change in sequence is needed to adapt proteins to warmer temperatures and determining how the contents of genomes, protein-coding genes and gene regulatory mechanisms, influence capacities for adapting to acute and long-term increases in temperature. The authors stresses that in-migration of “warm-adapted” genes of populations experiencing selection under high temperatures at low tide and high insolation, may improve heat tolerance of species, like Antarctic marine ectotherms, which have lost protein-coding genes and gene regulatory mechanisms needed for coping with rising temperature. [3]





Interaction of rising temperature with animal population are documented in the mid- to high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere because warming is fastest in these regions. Dillon 2010 suggests that tropical ectotherms may be particularly vulnerable to climate warming and are experiencing large increases in metabolic rate changes far greater than those in the Arctic, even though tropical temperature change has been relatively small. The author stresses that the effect of temperature on metabolism is non-linear, therefore, even a slow rise of climate warming will have a greater impact on tropical organisms as thought. [4]





[1] Special Report Renewable Energy Sources (SRREN) IPCC 09.05.2011


http://srren.ipcc-wg3.de/report/srren-spm-fd4





[2] Kelly MW, Sanford E, Grosberg RK: Limited potential for adaptation to climate change in a broadly distributed marine crustacean. Proc Biol Sci. 2011 Jun 8.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21653591





[3] Somero GN: The physiology of climate change: how potentials for acclimatization and genetic adaptation will determine 'winners' and 'losers'. J Exp Biol. 2010 Mar 15;213(6):912-20.


http://jeb.biologists.org/content/213/6/912.long





[4] Dillon ME, Wang G, Huey RB: Global metabolic impacts of recent climate warming. Nature. 2010 Oct 7;467(7316):704-6.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20930843

10.06.2011: Neurocysticercosis caused by tapeworm Taenia solium [1]

Cysticercosis, a human infestation by Taenia solium is endemic in many resource-limited countries. In developed countries it is mostly encountered among immigrant populations. Leshem et al 2011 diagnosed between 1994 and 2009 nine cases of neurocysticercosis in Israeli travellers to South and/or Southeast Asia. Onset of symptoms, such as seizure, were reported to be 3.2 ± 1.8 years after infection. [2]





Cysticerci can develop in any voluntary muscle in humans. In most cases, it is asymptomatic since the cysticerci die and become calcified. The cysticerci may also be found in the eye, causing visual difficulties or a visual loss. Subcutaneous cysts are nodules occurring mainly on the trunk and extremities. Neurocysticercosis generally refers to cysts in the brain. It presents seizures and, less commonly, headaches.





Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by Taenia solium larval cysts. It is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system and a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and central Africa. O'Neal et al 2011 determined the incidence of NCC and screened household contacts for tapeworms in Oregon during 2006 - 2009. They screened available data and collected faecal and blood samples from household contacts of recent case-patients.





The authors report an annual incidence of 0.5 cases per 100,000 general population and 5.8 cases per 100,000 Hispanics. In 22 households, 2 additional NCC case-patients but no current adult intestinal tapeworm infections were identified. The authors concluded that neurocysticercosis is of clinical and public health concern in Oregon, particularly among Hispanics, and suggest that public health intervention should focus on family members to identify additional case-patients.





Cysticercosis is acquired through faecal-oral transmission of tapeworm eggs shed in the faeces of a human carrying intestinal tapeworms. Ingested eggs release oncospheres, which invade the intestinal mucosa and disseminate throughout the body to form larval cysts. NCC occurs when cysts develop in the central nervous system and is the primary source of illness and death. The tapeworm's complete life cycle occurs in regions with poor sanitary infrastructure, where foraging pigs have access to human faeces.





Improved screening methods have been developed in the interim, including an ELISA for Taenia sp. coproantigens in faeces and an enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for serum antibodies against T. solium tapeworm. Serologic methods are desirable because they are specific to T. solium intestinal infection and highly sensitive (99%) and avoid the collection and processing of potentially infectious faeces.





Laboratory Methods used for this study


Fecal samples can be examined by light microscopy for Taenia spp. eggs or proglottids and by ELISA for Taenia spp. coproantigens. Serum samples were analyzed by EITB for antibodies against T. solium cysts (EITB lentil lection–bound glycoprotein) and against T. solium adult tapeworms (recombinant EITB [rEITB]). The rEITB for taeniasis is based on baculovirus expression-purified recombinant antigen rES33.





Detection assays using recombinant and synthetic antigens originating from the lentil lectin-purified glycoproteins (LLGPs) of T. solium cysticerci were developed by Lee and colleagues 2011 in a QuickELISA™ format. for detecting cases with multiple, viable cysts. T24H QuickELISA™ presented sensitivity and specificity values comparable to those of the LLGP enzyme-linked immunosorbent blot to detect cases of viable cysts. [3]





The recombinant EITB method for diagnosis of Taenia solium taeniasis [4]


Levine et al 2007 describe two serological taeniasis diagnostic tests using recombinant antigens rES33 and rES38 expressed by baculovirus in insect cells in an EITB format. Independent field testing in Peru showed 97% of the taeniasis sera were positive with rES33, and 98% of taeniasis sera were positive with rES38. rES33 and rES38 tests offer sensitive and specific diagnosis of taeniasis and simple to perform.





PCR test to detect Taenia solium muscle infection [5]


Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was employed to detect Taenia solium DNA in muscle lesions by Sreedevi et al 2011. TBR primers was targeted against the large subunit rRNA gene. Cox1 primers was targeted against cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene of T. solium. The authors concluded that both PCR tests are efficient tools for validation of meat inspection results and rule out doubts in porcine cysticercosis.





[1] O'Neal S, Noh J, Wilkins P, Keene W, Lambert W, Anderson J, Luman JC, Towne J: Taenia solium Tapeworm Infection, Oregon, 2006–2009. EID. Volume 17, Number 6–June 2011.


http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/17/6/1030.htm





[2] Leshem E, Kliers I, Bakon M, Gomori M, Karplus R, Schwartz E: Neurocysticercosis in travelers: a nation-wide study in Israel. J Travel Med. 2011 May;18(3):191-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2011.00516.x.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21539659





[3] Lee YM, Handali S, Hancock K, Pattabhi S, Kovalenko VA, Levin A, Rodriguez S, Lin S, Scheel CM, Gonzalez AE, Gilman RH, Garcia HH, Tsang VC: Serologic diagnosis of human Taenia solium cysticercosis by using recombinant and synthetic antigens in QuickELISA™. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011 Apr;84(4):587-93


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21460015





[4] Levine MZ, Lewis MM, Rodriquez S, Jimenez JA, Khan A, Lin S, et al. Development of an enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay using two baculovirus expressed recombinant antigens for diagnosis of Taenia solium taeniasis. J Parasitol. 2007;93:409–17. doi: 10.1645/GE-938R.1


http://www.journalofparasitology.org/doi/abs/10.1645/GE-938R.1?journalCode=para





[5] Sreedevi C, Hafeez M, Kumar PA, Rayulu VC, Subramanyam KV, Sudhakar K: PCR test for detecting Taenia solium cysticercosis in pig carcasses. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2011 Jun 3.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21633923

07.06.2011: EHEC epidemic - Global food safety systems fail to protect the consumer  [1]

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is a group of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains capable of producing Shiga toxins, with the potential to cause severe enteric and systemic disease in humans. The full serotype is usually defined by determining both O and H antigens. There are around 200 different E. coli O serotypes producing Shiga toxin, of which over 100 have been associated with human disease. Two major Shiga toxin types (Stx1 and Stx2) have been associated with strains causing human disease. While the serotype O157:H7 is considered as clinically the most important, it is estimated that up to 50% of STEC infections are caused by non-O157 serotypes. STEC is of public health concern because of the potential for outbreaks and the risk of serious complications. Haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is considered as the most common cause of acute renal failure in European children.





Transmission of STEC infection mainly occurs through contaminated food or water and contact with animals. Person-to-person transmission is also possible among close contacts (families, childcare centres, nursing homes, etc). A wide variety of food has previously been implicated in outbreaks as suspected sources, including raw (unpasteurised) raw milk and cheese, undercooked beef, a variety of fresh produce (e.g. sprouts, spinach, lettuce), unpasteurised apple cider, etc. Recently an outbreak of STEC O157 infections in Canada and the USA was linked to walnuts, thus new sources continue to be identified. Various types of animals, in particular cattle and other ruminants, can be healthy carriers of human-pathogenic STEC that can be spread to humans through faecal contamination.





Secondary clusters of cases from person-to-person exposure may occur and thus personal hygiene messages are important.





First diarrhoea cases were reported in early May 2011. On 22 May Germany informed the European Commission's Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) of a significant increase in the number of patients with hemolytic uremic sysndrome (HUS) and bloody diarrhea caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)..





Four samples of cucumber tested positive for EHEC bacteria, but these germs were not the strain which causes the epidemic in Europe. Later on vegetable sprouts were thought to be implicated in the outbreak, but tests on batches from the Gaertnerhof organic sprouts farm in the northern German village of Bienenbuettel were negative. Leftover sprouts found in the refrigerator of an EHEC patient also tested negative, rebuting the epidemiologic strategy which pointed to the Gaertnerhof production site.





Chinese/German cooperation [2]


The strain of STEC causing these illnesses, STEC O104:H4 is very rare. Beijing Genomic Institute (BGI) in cooperation with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf researchers, unveiled the genome of the EHEC strain. They report that the genome size is about 5.2 Mb. It is a new serotype of the 0104 Escherichia coli strain with 93 % sequence similarity with the EAEC 55989 E.coli strain from Central African Republic. Through horizontal gene transfer it acquired additional specific sequences of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Several antibiotic resistance genes, including resistance to aminoglycoside, macrolides and Beta-lactam antibiotics increase to deadly potential of this strain. The Chinese BGI sequenced the genome within three days using their technology. The BGI is now developing diagnostic kits to aid to control the European outbreak.





WHO, Global Alert and Response (GAR) [3]


The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that a total of 1823 cases of STEC O104:H4 have been reported, including 520 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening complication of the infection that can cause kidney failure. Twelve HUS cases were fatal, and 6 deaths were reported among non-HUS cases.





Most infections have been reported in people in northern Germany (mainly Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein) or in people who have recently travelled to these areas. Cases in travellers to northern Germany have been reported in Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.


German health authorities are investigating the outbreak but have not confirmed a source. They suspect that the source is contaminated food, possibly raw vegetables.





The functioning of epidemiology and global public health system is being questioned [4]


Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota calls “incompetence” the way the source of the epidemic is being investigated. However, the problem may be worse than just “incompetence”. It seems that the food safety systems based on HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice, ISO 9000 Certification failed to protect the consumer, resulting in over 20 fatalities up to present. The whole series of global food safety systems must be revised to avoid pathogens to enter the food chain without being detected by routine tests at farm, during processing, and at grocery stores.

What are food safety systems for?

Food safety systems were conceived to block hazards before the food gets to the consumer. These systems put the responsibility in the hands of the manufacturer, in the hands of the food retailers and the final vendor. The call for the state to do the controlling of food is not the philosophy of these systems. Thinking that the state has failed in the actual EHEC epidemic is a perversion of facts. The food industry, the hospitality industry and food retailers are to be blamed for more than 20 fatalities. The installed control points are not being followed with sufficient rigour, or the whole global food safety and certification system is inefficient in its basic structure.

An easy test for coliform bacteria should have indicated a contamination of faecal origin, including the STEC O104:H4 strain. Eliminating coliform bacteria also eliminates a series of other pathogenic bacteria. It is not incompetence of the food industry, it is criminal carelessness of all actors of the food chain.

[1] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Outbreak of STEC in Germany. 27.05.2011.


http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/1105_TER_Risk_assessment_EColi.pdf





[2] BGI Sequences Genome of the Deadly E. Coli in Germany and Reveals New Super-Toxic Strain. Beijing Genomic Institute (BGI). 02.06.2011.


http://www.genomics.cn/en/news_show.php?type=show&id=644





[3] WHO: Global Alert and Response (GAR). 02.06.2011.


http://www.who.int/csr/don/2011_06_02/en/index.html





[4] Germany: No proof sprouts caused E. coli outbreak


23 of 40 samples from suspected farm tested negative for toxic bacteria


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43285439/ns/health-food_safety/t/germany-no-proof-sprouts-caused-e-coli-outbreak/

05.06.2011: Campylobacter

Campylobacter infections decline in response to interventions aimed at poultry [1]

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of acute enteritis in humans, with symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps.





Beginning in the 1980s, New Zealand experienced rising annual rates of campylobacteriosis that peaked in 2006. Sears et al 2011 assessed the decline of campylobacteriosis incidence between 2007–2008, when voluntary and regulatory interventions to reduce Campylobacter spp. contamination of poultry were introduced. The authors report a reduction of 74% of cases attributed to poultry, compared with 2002-2006, a period before the introduction these interventions.





Several foodborne pathways of campylobacteriosis (other than poultry) have been identified, including red meat and raw milk consumption. The contribution of these pathways to sporadic campylobacteriosis in New Zealand has been estimated to be notably less than that of poultry.





The authors suggest that the data of their study may help other countries to control foodborne campylobacteriosis linked to specific food sources. The importance of collaboration between industry, food safety regulators, and public health researchers to control food borne diseases.





According to Shaughnessy et al 2011 more than 90% of commercial chickens caecum is colonised asymtomatically by Campylobacter jejuni. The authors used chicken-specific 20K oligonucleotide microarrays to examine global gene expression in Campylobacter jejuni-challenged birds. Increased gene expression of oxidative burst, endothelial cell activation and T cell mediated activity were found. The authors concluded that Campylobacter jejuni alters the global caecal gene expression and a protective intestinal T cell response takes place in the caecum of the chicken. [2]





Conlan et al. 2011 stress that in commercial flocks of chickens are typically found to be Campylobacter free for the first 14-21 days of life However, once detected Campylobacter jejuni spreads rapidly saturating the flock over the course of 2–3 days. Conlan and colleagues suggest that the mechanism of the so-called Campylobacter jejuni-free ‘lag-phase’ is based on the age-dependence of transmissibility between hosts, rather than their susceptibility to colonization. [3]





Identification and quantification of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni [4]


Livestock animals are source of foodborne human contamination of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, especially in developing countries. Pigs are often colonized with Campylobacter coli, and their faeces contain high number of the pathogen.





Leblanc-Maridor et al 2011 present a quantitative real-time PCR method for species-specific detection and quantification of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni directly in faecal, feed, and environmental samples. The assay can be used for epidemiological studies of Campylobacter coli and C. jejuni by pigs from conventional herds and others.





Campylobacter jejuni survival on packaged beef or pork [5]


According to Balamurugan et al. 2011 the number of Campylobacter jejuni decreased significantly during storage under chilled, vacuum packaged and retail display conditions when inoculated on sterile meat. However, survival of Campylobacter jejuni on commercial vacuum packaged beef and pork was significantly enhanced, decreasing only 1 log cfu cm(-2) reduction at the end of 6 weeks, and could still be detected after seven days of display in a retail case. The authors concluded that natural microflora on vacuum packaged meat foster the survival of Campylobacter jejuni on beef or pork under refrigeration. Strict hygienic practices or the implementation of decontamination technologies are therefore necessary to reduce the risk of campylobacteriosis.





In Denmark, the incidence of human campylobacteriosis cases, as well as the Campylobacter prevalence in broiler flocks, is highest during the summer months of July-August.


Boysen et al. 2011 found that the occurrence of Campylobacter in broiler meat at retail increased in domestic chilled mead during summer. The prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler flocks may therefore be used as a predictor of this pathogen in broiler meat at retail, suggest the authors. [6]





[1] Sears A, Baker MG, Wilson N, Marshall J, Muellner P, Campbell DM, Lake RJ, French NP: Marked Campylobacteriosis Decline after Interventions Aimed at Poultry, New Zealand. EID. Vol 17,Nr 6-June 2011.


http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/17/6/1007.htm?source=govdelivery





[2] Shaughnessy RG, Meade KG, McGivney BA, Allan B, O'Farrelly C: Global gene expression analysis of chicken caecal response to Campylobacter jejuni. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2011 Apr 20.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21605915





[3] Conlan AJ, Line JE, Hiett K, Coward C, Van Diemen PM, Stevens MP, Jones MA, Gog JR, Maskell DJ.Transmission and dose-response experiments for social animals: a reappraisal of the colonization biology of Campylobacter jejuni in chickens. J R Soc Interface. 2011 May 18.


http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/05/14/rsif.2011.0125.long





[4] Leblanc-Maridor M, Beaudeau F, Seegers H, Denis M, Belloc C: Rapid identification and quantification of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni by real-time PCR in pure cultures and in complex samples. BMC Microbiol. 2011 May 22;11(1):113.


http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2180/11/113





[5] Balamurugan S, Nattress FM, Baker LP, Dilts BD: Survival of Campylobacter jejuni on beef and pork under vacuum packaged and retail storage conditions: Examination of the role of natural meat microflora on C. jejuni survival. Food Microbiol. 2011 Aug;28(5):1003-10.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569945





[6] Boysen L, Vigre H, Rosenquist H: Seasonal influence on the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter in retail broiler meat in Denmark. Food Microbiol. 2011 Aug;28(5):1028-32. 05.06.2011: Campylobacter infections decline in response to interventions aimed at poultry %5B1%5D Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of acute enteritis in humans, with symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps. Beginning in the 1980s, New Zealand experienced rising annual rates of campylobacteriosis that peaked in 2006. Sears et al 2011 assessed the decline of campylobacteriosis incidence between 2007%E2%80%932008, when voluntary and regulatory interventions to reduce Campylobacter spp. contamination of poultry were introduced. The authors report a reduction of 74% of cases attributed to poultry, compared with 2002-2006, a period before the introduction these interventions. Several foodborne pathways of campylobacteriosis %28other than poultry%29 have been identified, including red meat and raw milk consumption %288,31%29. The contribution of these pathways to sporadic campylobacteriosis in New Zealand has been estimated to be notably less than that of poultry.The authors suggest that the data of their study may help other countries to control foodborne campylobacteriosis linked to specific food sources. The importance of collaboration between industry, food safety regulators, and public health researchers to control food borne diseases.According to Shaughnessy et al 2011 more than 90% of commercial chickens caecum is colonised asymtomatically by Campylobacter jejuni. The authors used chicken-specific 20K oligonucleotide microarrays to examine global gene expression in Campylobacter jejuni-challenged birds. Increased gene expression of oxidative burst, endothelial cell activation and T cell mediated activity were found. The authors concluded that Campylobacter jejuni alters the global caecal gene expression and a protective intestinal T cell response takes place in the caecum of the chicken. %5B2%5DConlan et al. 2011 stress that in commercial flocks of chickens are typically found to be Campylobacter free for the first 14-21 days of life However, once detected Campylobacter jejuni spreads rapidly saturating the flock over the course of 2%E2%80%933 days. Conlan and colleagues suggest that the mechanism of the so-called Campylobacter jejuni-free %E2%80%98lag-phase%E2%80%99 is based on the age-dependence of transmissibility between hosts, rather than their susceptibility to colonization. %5B3%5DIdentification and quantification of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni %5B4%5DLivestock animals are source of foodborne human contamination of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, especially in developing countries. Pigs are often colonized with Campylobacter coli, and their faeces contain high number of the pathogen.. Leblanc-Maridor et al 2011 present a quantitative real-time PCR method for species-specific detection and quantification of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni directly in faecal, feed, and environmental samples. The assay can be used for epidemiological studies of Campylobacter coli and C. jejuni by pigs from conventional herds and others.Campylobacter jejuni survival on packaged beef or pork %5B5%5D According to Balamurugan et al. 2011 the number of Campylobacter jejuni decreased significantly during storage under chilled, vacuum packaged and retail display conditions whe inoculated on sterile meat. However, survival of C. jejuni on commercial vacuum packaged beef and pork was significantly enhanced, decreasing only 1 log cfu cm%28-2%29 reduction at the end of 6 wks, and could still be detected after seven days of display in a retail case. The authors concluded that natural microflora on vacuum packaged meat foster the survival of Campylobacter jejuni on beef or pork under refrigeration. Strict hygienic practices or the implementation of decontamination technologies are therefore necessary to reduce the risk of campylobacteriosis.In Denmark, the incidence of human campylobacteriosis cases, as well as the Campylobacter prevalence in broiler flocks, is highest during the summer months of July-August. Boysen et al.2011 found that the occurrence of Campylobacter in broiler meat at retail increased in domestic chilled mead during summer. The prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler flocks may therefore be used as a predictor of this pathogen in broiler meat at retail, suggest the authors. %5B6%5D%5B1%5D Sears A, Baker MG, Wilson N, Marshall J, Muellner P, Campbell DM, Lake RJ, French NP: Marked Campylobacteriosis Decline after Interventions Aimed at Poultry, New Zealand. EID. Vol 17,Nr 6-June 2011.http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/17/6/1007.htm?source=govdelivery%5B2%5D Shaughnessy RG, Meade KG, McGivney BA, Allan B, O%27Farrelly C: Global gene expression analysis of chicken caecal response to Campylobacter jejuni. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2011 Apr 20.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21605915%5B3%5D Conlan AJ, Line JE, Hiett K, Coward C, Van Diemen PM, Stevens MP, Jones MA, Gog JR, Maskell DJ.Transmission and dose-response experiments for social animals: a reappraisal of the colonization biology of Campylobacter jejuni in chickens. J R Soc Interface. 2011 May 18.http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/05/14/rsif.2011.0125.long%5B4%5D Leblanc-Maridor M, Beaudeau F, Seegers H, Denis M, Belloc C: Rapid identification and quantification of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni by real-time PCR in pure cultures and in complex samples. BMC Microbiol. 2011 May 22;11%281%29:113.http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2180/11/113%5B5%5D Balamurugan S, Nattress FM, Baker LP, Dilts BD: Survival of Campylobacter jejuni on beef and pork under vacuum packaged and retail storage conditions: Examination of the role of natural meat microflora on C. jejuni survival. Food Microbiol. 2011 Aug;28%285%29:1003-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569945%5B6%5D Boysen L, Vigre H, Rosenquist H: Seasonal influence on the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter in retail broiler meat in Denmark. Food Microbiol. 2011 Aug;28%285%29:1028-32.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569948
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569948

02.06.2011: A cooperation between Chinese and German scientists unveiled the genetic code of the deadly German EHEC outbreak [1]

The death toll in Europe from the ongoing EHEC outbreak has risen to at least 17 and new infection are reported in European countries around Germany.

Chinese/German cooperation

Beijing Genomic Institute (BGI) in cooperation with the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf researchers, unveiled the genome of the EHEC strain. They report that the genome size is about 5.2 Mb. It is a new serotype of the 0104 Escherichia coli strain with 93 % sequence similarity with the EAEC 55989 E.coli strain from Central African Republic. Through horizontal gene transfer it acquired additional specific sequences of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Several antibiotic resistance genes, including resistance to aminoglycoside, macrolides and Beta-lactam antibiotics increase to deadly potential of this strain. The Chinese BGI sequenced the genome within three days using their technology. The BGI is now developing diagnostic kits to aid to control the European outbreak.

BGI and University of Lübeck cooperation [2]

German Chancellor Merkel and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao were present at the ceremony of the signing of the cooperation contract between Beijing Genomics Institute and University of Lübeck, strengthening the collaboration of the two institutions in the field of genomic and structural analysis of new viruses. Many of these, such as the bird flu virus H5N1 or the SARS coronavirus, have their origin in Southern China, from where they spread towards Europe (as presently is the case with H5N1) or Northern America (as with the SARS virus in 2003).

Within the collaboration, the Beijing researchers will analyse the genetic material of the new viruses, whereas the Luebeck group will determine the three-dimensional structures of key components of the pathogens and develop antiviral drugs on this basis. Using such an approach, Professor Hilgenfeld had succeeded in presenting an anti-SARS compound in May 2003, only a few weeks after the discovery of the new virus and during the ongoing global SARS outbreak.

[1] BGI Sequences Genome of the Deadly E. Coli in Germany and Reveals New Super-Toxic Strain. Beijing Genomic Institute (BGI). 02.06.2011.

http://www.genomics.cn/en/news_show.php?type=show&id=644

[2] German Chancellor Dr. Merkel and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao witness signing procedure. University of Lübeck. 23.05.2006.

http://www.uni-luebeck.de/index.php?id=1334&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=324&cHash=5f6ab77b876568d00cfbe28ac3e3e0b4.

01.06.2011: New Porcine Calicivirus in US Swine [1]
Wang and colleagues report that new St-Valerien-like porcine caliciviruses are prevalent in up to 80% in finisher pigs in North Carolina. One strain, NC-WGP93C, shares over 89 genomic nucleotide identity with Canadian strains. The authors could not say whether these strains are pathogenic for animals or humans or may affect food safety..

The caliciviruses have been found in humans, cattle, pigs, cats, chickens, reptiles, dolphins and amphibians.Viruses in the family Caliciviridae are nonenveloped, polyadenylated, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses with 5 genera (Norovirus, Sapovirus, Vesivirus, Lagovirus, and Nebovirus). The nonhuman primate Tulane virus and the porcine St-Valerien-like viruses, may become a new genera in the Caliciviridae family.

St-Valerien-like viruses have been detected in Canada, the United States, and Italy. In order to support the classification of St-Valerien-like viruses as a member of Casliciviridae it is important to demonstrate the presence of the virus in other regions and determine the genetic differences between strains. St-Valerien-like viruses are close to Tulane virus and human noroviruses, and more data may may help to clear if an interspecies transmission may take place, and find the bst way to control the spread of the new viruses.

[1] Wang Q, Scheuer K, Zhang Z, Gebreyes WA, Molla BZ, Hoet AE, Saif LJ: Characterization and Prevalence of a New Porcine Calicivirus in Swine, United States. EID Journal, Volume 17, Number 6-June 2011

http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/17/6/1103.htm?source=govdelivery

01.06.2011: The source of the Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany is still unkown 01.06.2011: New Porcine Calicivirus in US Swine %5B1%5D Wang and colleagues report that new St-Valerien-like porcine caliciviruses are prevalent in up to 80% in finisher pigs in North Carolina. One strain, NC-WGP93C, shares over 89 genomic nucleotide identity with Canadian strains. The authors could not say whether these strains are pathogenic for animals or humans or may affect food safety.. The caliciviruses have been found in humans, cattle, pigs, cats, chickens, reptiles, dolphins and amphibians.Viruses in the family Caliciviridae are nonenveloped, polyadenylated, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses with 5 genera %28Norovirus, Sapovirus, Vesivirus, Lagovirus, and Nebovirus%29. The nonhuman primate Tulane virus and the porcine St-Valerien-like viruses, may become a new genera in the Caliciviridae family. St-Valerien-like viruses have been detected in Canada, the United States, and Italy. In order to support the classification of St-Valerien-like viruses as a member of Casliciviridae it is important to demonstrate the presence of the virus in other regions and determine the genetic differences between strains. St-Valerien-like viruses are close to Tulane virus and human noroviruses, and more data may may help to clear if an interspecies transmission may take place, and find the bst way to control the spread of the new viruses. %5B1%5D Wang Q, Scheuer K, Zhang Z, Gebreyes WA, Molla BZ, Hoet AE, Saif LJ: Characterization and Prevalence of a New Porcine Calicivirus in Swine, United States. EID Journal, Volume 17, Number 6-June 2011 http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/17/6/1103.htm?source=govdelivery
[1]
The Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany has spread to Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. All patients reported outside Germany had visited the country and were probably infected there. German officials initially pointed to contaminated cucumbers originating in Spain as the source of the outbreak, but later recognised that Spanish cucumbers were not the source of the pathogenic strain which causes the epidemic.

Meanwhile a great number of patients are hospitalised with Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) which requires urgent treatment. In Germany, 15 people have died and around 500 have been hospitalised with HUS. Presenting hemolytic anemia, acute renal failure (uremia) and a low platelet count. It predominantly but not exclusively affects children. Most cases are preceded by an episode of diarrhoea caused by an EHEC strain. The disease is acquired as a foodborne illness with a mortality of 5-10%. Health officials recommend not to eat cucumber salad and fresh tomatoes.

[1] Germany now say Spanish cucumbers not source of E.coli. Eitb.com. 31.05.2011.

01.06.2011: New Porcine Calicivirus in US Swine %5B1%5D Wang and colleagues report that new St-Valerien-like porcine caliciviruses are prevalent in up to 80% in finisher pigs in North Carolina. One strain, NC-WGP93C, shares over 89 genomic nucleotide identity with Canadian strains. The authors could not say whether these strains are pathogenic for animals or humans or may affect food safety.. The caliciviruses have been found in humans, cattle, pigs, cats, chickens, reptiles, dolphins and amphibians.Viruses in the family Caliciviridae are nonenveloped, polyadenylated, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses with 5 genera %28Norovirus, Sapovirus, Vesivirus, Lagovirus, and Nebovirus%29. The nonhuman primate Tulane virus and the porcine St-Valerien-like viruses, may become a new genera in the Caliciviridae family. St-Valerien-like viruses have been detected in Canada, the United States, and Italy. In order to support the classification of St-Valerien-like viruses as a member of Casliciviridae it is important to demonstrate the presence of the virus in other regions and determine the genetic differences between strains. St-Valerien-like viruses are close to Tulane virus and human noroviruses, and more data may may help to clear if an interspecies transmission may take place, and find the bst way to control the spread of the new viruses. %5B1%5D Wang Q, Scheuer K, Zhang Z, Gebreyes WA, Molla BZ, Hoet AE, Saif LJ: Characterization and Prevalence of a New Porcine Calicivirus in Swine, United States. EID Journal, Volume 17, Number 6-June 2011 http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/17/6/1103.htm?source=govdelivery
http://www.eitb.com/news/life/detail/671223/germany-now-say-spanish-cucumbers-not-source-ecoli/