Safety and potential risks of enterococci isolated from traditional fermented capers
R. Perez-Pulido, H. Abriouel, N. Ben Omar, R. Lucas, M. Martınez-Canamero, A. Galvez *
Area de Microbiologıa, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain
Received 1 March 2005; accepted 10 July 2006

Abstract
A collection of 17 enterococci isolates obtained from fermentations of capers (the fruits of Capparis sp.) were investigated for
incidence of known virulence determinants, antibiotic resistance and production of biogenic amines. Molecular identification revealed
the presence of Enterococcus faecium (nine isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (4), E. avium (3) and Enterococcus casseliflavus/flavescens
(1). Alpha-haemolytic activity was detected in two E. avium and one E. faecalis isolates, and beta-haemolytic activity was detected in
E. casseliflavus/flavescens. The haemolytic component cylB was detected by PCR amplification in three non-haemolytic isolates and
in E. casseliflavus/flavescens. The collagen adhesin ace gene and the endocarditis associated antigen gene efaAfm were detected in two
isolates each. Genes encoding sex pheromone precursors (cpd, cob, ccf) were detected in E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus/flavescens. Other
presumed virulence genes (agg, gelE, cylM, cylA and efaAfs) were not detected. All isolates were resistant to rifampicin, erythromycin and
ciprofloxacin, and some were also resistant to quinupristin/dalfopristin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, gentamicin and streptomycin. Vancomycin
resistance was not detected. Tyrosine decarboxylation was detected in all E. faecium isolates. Given the high resistance of enterococci
to environmental conditions, and their implication in opportunistic infections, the incidence of potential virulent enterococci in
foods (especially those of a higher risk-like home-made foods) should be carefully studied.
2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Enterococci; Virulence factors; Antibiotic resistance; Fermented capers


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