Listeria monocytogenes
In this article, we're going to look at what Listeria monocytogenes is – a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning. We'll also cover the symptoms of listeriosis, and why it's particularly important for older people and pregnant women to be cautious. But it's not just about cheese and cured meats like prosciutto; we also need to be careful with all kinds of ready-to-eat foods, including sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, and smoked seafood products. We'll explain why these foods require extra attention and the reasons behind it..
Staphylococcus aureus
Welcome to the intriguing world of microbiology, where even the smallest organisms can have a big impact on our lives! In this article, we're diving into Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that's as fascinating as it is important to understand. This blog post will shed light on the various aspects of this microbe, from its habitats to its role in skin infections and food poisoning. Get ready to explore the domino effects of Staphylococcus aureus in our everyday life.
Clostridium botulinum
Welcome to the intriguing and complex world of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria behind the potent botulinum toxin. Often highlighted in biology textbooks and science news, this microscopic organism holds secrets that both alarm and fascinate scientists and students alike. You might wonder why this bacteria is a topic of intense study and caution. Through this blog, we'll navigate its characteristics like a domino effect – starting from its natural habitat to its impact on our lives. We'll explore the properties of botulinum toxin, often dubbed the 'strongest biological substance', delve into the risks associated with certain foods, and understand the different types of botulinum toxins, particularly Type A and B. Moreover, we'll unravel the mystery of why this bacteria produces such a deadly toxin. So, buckle up for an educational journey into the world of botulinum – a topic as fascinating as it is vital to understand for your biology curriculum and beyond.
Bacillus cereus
Dive into the hidden world of Bacillus cereus, the unseen but ever-present bacteria lurking in our meals. Discover how it claims its territory, from the unsuspecting corners of your kitchen to the very plate you eat from. Grasp the distinct patterns of food poisoning it orchestrates — some leave you queasy with vomiting, others with relentless diarrhoea. And, uncover the crucial kitchen hack of quick cooling to stop this microscopic menace in its tracks. Are you ready to outsmart the bacteria that loves to spoil more than just your food
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Diving into the watery depths isn't just about exploring marine life; sometimes, it's about uncovering the mysteries of microorganisms that influence our health. Ever heard of Vibrio parahaemolyticus? It might sound like a mouthful, but understanding this marine bacterium is crucial. From the symptoms it causes to its unexpected terrestrial traits, this bacterium plays a fascinating role both in nature and our health. Join us as we unpack how this tiny marine entity impacts human lives, its peculiar behaviors, and the preventative measures taken by countries like Japan. With each article, you'll uncover another layer of this marine enigma. Dive in and let the exploration begin!
Campylobacter
Ever had a dodgy chicken sandwich that left your stomach in knots? Or heard of someone feeling numbness after a bout of food poisoning? It might have been down to a little mischief-maker called 'Campylobacter'. In this post, we'll dive into what this bacterium is all about, why it loves to hide in chicken, and some of its peculiar habits like thriving in warm environments and being a bit shy around oxygen. Plus, we'll discuss a mysterious condition called 'Guillain-Barré Syndrome' that might follow this food poisoning – a syndrome where your body's own defense system goes a bit rogue. And, of course, we'll give you some top tips to […]
Salmonella
In this article, we're going to unravel the mysteries of the Salmonella. We'll kick things off by understanding its characteristics starting from its habitats, flowing through in a domino-like cascade, rather than merely memorizing facts. This will set a solid foundation to then explore the two types of Salmonella - one causing food poisoning and the other transmitting from person to person. We'll also delve into the unique way Salmonella is denoted (serotype notation), typical food poisoning patterns, contamination in raw chicken, global regulatory scenarios, the relationship between eggs and Salmonella risks, and lastly, the bacteria's astonishing resilience to drying.
Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)
Hello Everyone! I hope you're all well and ready to explore the intriguing world of foodborne pathogens. Over the course of the next 10 lectures, we’ll be delving into individual, representative foodborne bacteria to understand them better. Kicking off our series, we will begin with the Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness. We'll be discussing its symptoms, incubation period, causes, and routes of transmission, aiming to present the information in a manner that’s easy to comprehend without the need to memorise every detail individually.
Lactic Acid Bacteria: More Than Just Beneficial Bugs in Foods
In the food industry, we all know and love the 'good bacteria' like the ones that make our yogurt and fermented foods. However, there's another side to the story. Some lactic acid bacteria can cause our food to spoil. Today, I'll be delving into these not-so-friendly lactic acid bacteria that pose problems in our food. What is Lactic Acid Bacteria? For those unfamiliar, I won't go into too much depth today, but there's another article that gives an easy-to-understand breakdown of what this bacteria is and its characteristics.How Do We Distinguish Lactic Acid Bacteria from Other Gram-Positive Bacteria Using the Catalase Test? Why focus on Lactic Acid Bacteria? As we've […]
Discovering E. coli and Coliform Bacteria: A Closer Look
In this article, we're going on an exploration to understand E. coli and the coliform bacteria family. What exactly are these tiny organisms? How are they different from each other? Where can we find them? And could they be responsible for food-related illnesses or tummy discomfort? We'll also learn how they manage to survive in various places, how scientists test them in our food, and why different countries have different rules about these microorganisms. Let's dive in and learn about these fascinating bacteria!