Food safety concerns of biofilm-forming zoonotic bacterial pathogens

Transmission of zoonotic pathogens from livestock to humans through contaminated meat, dairy, and egg products presents significant food safety and public health concerns. Bacterial pathogens form biofilms as an integral part of their life cycle. Biofilms also aid in microbial persistence and disease progression in livestock and become a major source for zoonotic infection. Zoonotic pathogens of food safety concern include but are not limited to Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter spp., and Escherichia coli. Several bacterial virulence factors are recognized to have dual functions in biofilm formation and pathogenicity. Implementing strategies to prevent and control biofilms through inactivation of signaling molecules, cyclicdi-GMP (guanosine monophosphate) and quorum sensing would be an effective robust approach for reducing zoonotic diseases, food safety and public health concerns.