Efficacy of a Sonicating Swab for Removal and Capture of Listeria monocytogenes in Biofilms on Stainless Steel

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.00109-17
• Publication Date: 2017-03-18T03:01:17Z
• Authors: Tobyn A. Branck; Matthew J. Hurley; Gianna N. Prata; Christina A. Criv...; Patrick J. Marek
• Keywords: Microbiological Techniques; 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Biofilms; Food Microbiology; Stainless Steel; Listeria monocytogenes; Bacterial Adhesion

ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes is of great concern in food processing facilities because it persists biofilms, facilitating biotransfer. Stainless steel commonly used for contact surfaces and transport containers. L. biofilms on stainless served as a model system surface sampling, to test the performance sonicating swab comparison with standard cotton swab. Swab consistency were determined using total viable counts. coupons sampled both types swabs examined scanning electron microscopy, visualize structures (i.e., polishing grooves scratches). Laser confocal microscopy was image quantitate remaining after sampling each type. The counts significantly higher ( P ≤ 0.05) than trial. more consistent cell recovery swab, coefficients variation ranging from 8.9% 12.3% 7.1% 37.6%, respectively. Scanning microscopic imaging showed that remained polished but noticeably absent Percent area measurements less biofilm when (median, 1.1%), compared 70.4%). provided greater cells, consistency, did employs sonication, suction, scrubbing. IMPORTANCE Inadequate can result foodborne illness outbreaks biotransfer, since verification sanitization protocols relies microorganisms detection enumeration. Swabbing method microbiological surfaces. Although swabbing offers portability ease use, there are limitations, such high user variability low rates, which be attributed many different causes. This study demonstrates some benefits has over removal collection samples surface, provide better cleanliness help decrease potential biotransfer pathogens into foods.