ARS | Publication request: Antilisterial activity and lack of genotoxic potential of L. monocytogenes specific bacteriophages

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2009
Publication Date: July 13, 2009
Citation: Sommers, C., Rajkowski, K.,Mackay, W. 2009. Antilisterial activity and lack of genotoxic potential of L. monocytogenes specific baceteriophages. [abstract] International Association of Food Protection. Grapevine, TX. p.1.

Technical Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes, a psychrotrophic foodborne pathogen, is an occasional post-process contaminant on foods. In this study, the use of a commercial bacteriophage product was evaluated for the ability to inactivate a cocktail of L. monocytogenes inoculated (4-5 log) onto raw catfish. Spray application of bacteriophage (7 log PFU) resulted in a 2 log reduction of L. monocytogenes on raw catfish stored for 6 days at 10C. Published studies on the safety of bacteriophage products using in vitro genotoxicity assays are extremely limited. The bacteriophage preparation did not induce mutations in bacterial mutagenicity tests or 6-thioguanine resistant mutants in human TK6 lymphoblasts, either with or without exogenous metabolic activation. No induction of micronuclei (chromosome fragmentation) was observed in human TK6 lymphoblasts following exposure to bacteriophage, either with or without exogenous metabolic activation.