@article{gensler_hempstead_keelara_fedorka-cray_urie_wiedenheft_stuart_marshall_jacob_2024, title={Antimicrobial Resistance Characteristics of Fecal <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Enterococcus</i> Species in US Goats: 2019 National Animal Health Monitoring System Enteric Study}, ISSN={["1556-7125"]}, DOI={10.1089/fpd.2023.0089}, abstractNote={Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species are normal bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract and serve as indicator organisms for the epidemiology and emergence of antimicrobial resistance in their hosts and the environment. Some E. coli serovars, including E. coli O157:H7, are important human pathogens, although reservoir species such as goats remain asymptomatic. We describe the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of generic E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, and Enterococcus species collected from a national surveillance study of goat feces as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Goat 2019 study. Fecal samples were collected from 4918 goats on 332 operations across the United States. Expectedly, a high prevalence of E. coli (98.7%, 4850/4915) and Enterococcus species (94.8%, 4662/4918) was found. E. coli O157:H7 prevalence was low (0.2%; 10/4918). E. coli isolates, up to three per operation, were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility and 84.7% (571/674) were pansusceptible. Multidrug resistance (MDR; ≥3 classes) was uncommon among E. coli, occurring in 8.2% of isolates (55/674). Resistance toward seven antimicrobial classes was observed in a single isolate. Resistance to tetracycline alone (13.6%, 92/674) or to tetracycline, streptomycin, and sulfisoxazole (7.0% 47/674) was the most common pattern. All E. coli O157:H7 isolates were pansusceptible. Enterococcus isolates, up to four per operation, were prioritized by public health importance, including Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis and evaluated. Resistance to lincomycin (93.8%, 1232/1313) was most common, with MDR detected in 29.5% (388/1313) of isolates. The combination of ciprofloxacin, lincomycin, and quinupristin resistance (27.1%, 105/388) was the most common pattern detected. Distribution and characteristics of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli and Enterococcus in the U.S. goat population from this study can inform stewardship considerations and public health efforts surrounding goats and their products.}, journal={FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND DISEASE}, author={Gensler, Catherine A. and Hempstead, Stephanie C. and Keelara, Shivaramu and Fedorka-Cray, Paula J. and Urie, Natalie J. and Wiedenheft, Alyson M. and Stuart, Keira and Marshall, Katherine L. and Jacob, Megan E.}, year={2024}, month={Mar} }
 @article{aworh_thakur_gensler_harrell_harden_fedorka-cray_jacob_2024, title={Characteristics of antimicrobial resistance in <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolated from retail meat products in North Carolina}, volume={19}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0294099}, abstractNote={
Background
Escherichia coli is commonly used as an indicator for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food, animal, environment, and human surveillance systems. Our study aimed to characterize AMR in E. coli isolated from retail meat purchased from grocery stores in North Carolina, USA as part of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS).
}, number={1}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Aworh, Mabel Kamweli and Thakur, Siddhartha and Gensler, Catherine and Harrell, Erin and Harden, Lyndy and Fedorka-Cray, Paula J. and Jacob, Megan}, year={2024}, month={Jan} }
 @article{wallace_love_gensler_jacob_robertson_messenger_2023, title={Comparative growth dynamics of bacterial and fungal contaminants in bupivacaine liposomal injectable suspension, bupivacaine 0.5%, and propofol}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281768}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0281768}, abstractNote={
Objective
To determine whether bupivacaine liposomal injectable suspension (BLIS) supports microbial growth when artificially inoculated and to evaluate liposomal stability in the face of this extrinsic contamination as evidenced by changes in free bupivacaine concentrations.
}, number={2}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Wallace, Amber and Love, Lydia and Gensler, Catherine and Jacob, Megan and Robertson, James and Messenger, Kristen}, editor={Nevárez-Moorillón, Guadalupe VirginiaEditor}, year={2023}, month={Feb} }
 @article{gensler_harper_stoufer_moore_kinchla_mclandsborough_2023, title={Exploring Washing Procedures for Produce Brush Washer}, volume={86}, ISSN={["1944-9097"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100126}, abstractNote={Previous environmental monitoring projects in food production facilities have revealed inconsistencies in how produce brush washer machines are cleaned after use; thus, study of effective sanitation procedures for these machines is needed. Four chlorine solution treatments (ranging from 25-200ppm), as well as a water-only treatment, were tested for efficacy in reducing bacterial loads for a selected small brush washer machine. Results indicate that rinsing with the machine’s power and water alone, a frequent practice among some produce processors, yielded a reduction of 0.91-1.96 log CFU per brush roller in bacterial counts, which was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, the chlorine treatments were found to be effective in reducing bacterial loads significantly, with higher concentrations being the most effective. The 200ppm and 100ppm chlorine treatments yielded bacterial reductions of 4.08 and 3.95 log CFU per brush roller respectively, leaving bacterial levels statistically similar to the levels at post-process decontamination, meaning these are the most effective at killing bacteria of all the chlorine concentrations tested. These data suggest the use of at least 100ppm chlorine sanitizer solution is a good method to sanitize hard-to-clean produce washing machines, yielding an approximate 4 log CFU reduction of the inoculated bacteria.}, number={9}, journal={JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION}, author={Gensler, Catherine and Harper, Kelsi and Stoufer, Sloane and Moore, Matthew D. and Kinchla, Amanda J. and McLandsborough, Lynne}, year={2023}, month={Sep} }
 @article{rhea_gensler_atlaw_pairis-garcia_lewbart_valentine_cruz_castillo_velez_trueba_et al._2023, title={Presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> in Food-Producing and Companion Animals and Wildlife on Small-Holder Farms of Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1557-7759"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2023.0044}, DOI={10.1089/vbz.2023.0044}, abstractNote={Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AR) has led to increasing human and animal morbidity and mortality and negative consequences for the environment. AR among Escherichia coli (EC) is on the rise, with serious concerns about extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC). In the Galápagos Islands, where antimicrobials are available without a prescription, growing demands for food production can drive antimicrobial use. Food producing animals are at the interface of wildlife and environmental health on the smallest human-inhabited Galápagos Island, Floreana. We sought to determine if ESBL-EC were present in Floreana Island farm animal species and nearby wildlife and the relatedness of ESBL-EC isolates identified. Materials and Methods: During July 4-5, 2022, we visited 8 multispecies farms, representing 75% of food-producing animal production on Floreana, and collected 227 fecal samples from farm animals and wildlife. Each sample was plated on MacConkey agar supplemented with cefotaxime (4 μg/mL). Results: ESBL-EC was isolated from 20 (9%) fecal samples collected from pigs (N = 10), chickens (N = 6), wildlife (N = 3), and dog (N = 1). All ESBL-EC isolates were from samples taken at three (38%) of the eight farms. Fifteen (75%) of the ESBL-EC isolates were from a single farm. All ESBL-EC isolates were multidrug resistant. The most prevalent ESBL genes belonged to the blaCTX-M group. Among the typeable isolates from the farm with the largest proportion of ESBL-EC isolates (N = 14), we observed nine unique pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns, with identical patterns present across pig and chicken isolates. PFGE patterns in the three farms with ESBL-EC isolates were different. Conclusions: These results lend support for future routine AR monitoring activities at the livestock-wildlife interface in Galápagos to characterize potential interspecies transmission of AR bacteria and AR genes in this unique protected ecosystem, and the related human, animal, and environmental health impacts, and to formulate interventions to reduce AR spread in this setting.}, journal={VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES}, author={Rhea, Sarah and Gensler, Catherine and Atlaw, Nigatu and Pairis-Garcia, Monique and Lewbart, Gregory A. and Valentine, Alyssa and Cruz, Marilyn and Castillo, Paulina and Velez, Alberto and Trueba, Gabriel and et al.}, year={2023}, month={Nov} }
 @article{hempstead_gensler_keelara_brennan_urie_wiedenheft_marshall_morningstar-shaw_lantz_fedorka-cray_et al._2022, title={Detection and molecular characterization of Salmonella species on US goat operations}, volume={208}, ISSN={["1873-1716"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105766}, abstractNote={Salmonella species are an important cause of gastrointestinal disease in animals, including goats. Additionally, Salmonella species are among the top five U.S. foodborne pathogens causing illness to humans. The goat industry is rapidly expanding in the U.S. yet estimates of Salmonella prevalence within these populations is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the fecal prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biofilm potential, and virulence profile of Salmonella species isolated from goat feces as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Goat 2019 study, enteric microbe component. A total of 4917 fecal samples were collected from 332 operations, from September 2019-March 2020. Salmonella were isolated using standard enrichment and culture methods; antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution. Biofilm production was assessed using a crystal violet assay and normalized to a positive control strain, and PCR was used to detect virulence genes. Overall, we detected a low prevalence (0.7%, n = 35/4917) of Salmonella in goat feces and identified a broad range of serotypes including S. Bareilly (35%) and a single rare S. Sharon. All isolates were pansusceptible to 14 antimicrobials except one, which was resistant to only tetracycline (MIC ≥ 32 µg/mL). All strains were found to possess the majority of virulence determinants screened, and 40% (14 of 35) formed weak, moderate, or strong biofilm. We found a low prevalence of Salmonella, and characteristics of Salmonella in the U.S. goat population informs ongoing public health efforts to manage risk of animal food products and animal interactions.}, journal={PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE}, author={Hempstead, Stephanie C. and Gensler, Catherine A. and Keelara, Shivaramu and Brennan, Matthew and Urie, Natalie J. and Wiedenheft, Alyson M. and Marshall, Katherine L. and Morningstar-Shaw, Brenda and Lantz, Kristina and Fedorka-Cray, Paula J. and et al.}, year={2022}, month={Nov} }
 @article{gensler_brown_aljasir_dennis j. d'amico_2020, title={Compatibility of Commercially Produced Protective Cultures with Common Cheesemaking Cultures and Their Antagonistic Effect on Foodborne Pathogens}, volume={83}, ISSN={["1944-9097"]}, DOI={10.4315/JFP-19-614}, abstractNote={The documented survival of pathogenic bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes (LM), shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and Salmonella during the manufacture and aging of some cheeses highlights the need for additional interventions to enhance food safety. Unfortunately, few interventions are compliant with the Standards of Identity for cheese. Protective bacterial cultures (PC) represent actionable, natural interventions. However, supportive data for commercially produced PCs regarding their efficacy against pathogens and potential antagonism with each other and cheesemaking cultures are scant, thereby impeding their potential use by the cheese industry. The overall objective of this study was to identify commercially produced PCs that exert antimicrobial activity towards pathogens with minimal impact on beneficial cheese microbes. Direct antagonism and agar well diffusion assays were used to determine the impact of 10 commercially produced PCs on the growth of starter cultures and cultures of ripening bacteria and fungi. Deferred antagonism was used to evaluate the potential for antimicrobial effects against LM, STEC, and Salmonella. PCs and starter cultures were co-cultured in UHT milk to determine the effects of co-culture on starter acidification profiles when incubated according to a simulated cheese-making temperature profile (4 h at 35°C followed by 20 h at 20°C). Compatibility assays suggest that PC antagonism is microbe and strain specific. Only one PC negatively impacted the acidification of the starters tested. PC antagonism of ripening bacteria and fungi growth varied but was consistent within species. All PCs displayed deferred inhibition of LM, STEC, and Salmonella growth but to varying degrees. These data identify commercial PCs with potential for the control of pathogens and characterize their compatibility with cheesemaking cultures for future use by cheesemakers and investigations of their efficacy in the production of cheese.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION}, author={Gensler, Catherine A. and Brown, Stephanie R. B. and Aljasir, Sulaiman F. and Dennis J. D'Amico}, year={2020}, month={Jun}, pages={1010–1019} }