Personal Injury Law

Spinacia oleracea L. leaf stomata harboring Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts: A potential threat for food safety

American Society for Microbiology
Dumitru Macarisin, Gary Bauchan, and Ronald Fayer

Abstract

Cryptosporidium parvum is a cosmopolitan microscopic protozoan parasite that causes severe diarrheal disease (cryptosporidiosis) in mammals, including humans and livestock. There is growing evidence of Cryptosporidium persistence in fresh produce that may result in foodborne infection, including sporadic cases as well as outbreaks. However, drinking or recreational waters are still considered the major source of cryptosporidiosis infection in humans, thereby prioritizing studies of parasite etiology in aquatic environments, while the mechanisms of transmission and parasite persistence on edible plants remain poorly understood. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy together with fluorescein-labeled monoclonal antibodies Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were found to strongly adhere to spinach plants after contact with contaminated water, to infiltrate through the stomatal openings into spinach leaves, and to persist at the mesophyll level. These findings and the fact that this pathogenic parasite resists washing and disinfection raise concerns regarding food safety.

Full post as published by Cryptosporidium Blog on November 22, 2009 (boomark / email).