Prevalence and virulence genes of Staphylococcus aureus from food contact surfaces in Thai restaurants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens responsible for food poisoning due to its ability to produce staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE). S. aureus can form biofilms on the surfaces of food processing devices, enabling the distribution of SE on foods through cross-contamination events. Thailand is known for its exotic cuisine, but there is no data on the prevalence of SE-harboring S. aureus in restaurants in Thailand.

Methods

In this study, we conducted surface swabs on surfaces of kitchen utensil that come into contact with food and on the hands of food handlers working in restaurants in the north part of Thailand. Isolated S. aureus was investigated for biofilm formation, virulence, and SE genes.

Results

Two hundr

SUBMITTER: Tasanapak K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10434075 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature