143
© Springer Nature B.V. 2020
G. Sindona et al. (eds.), Toxic Chemical and Biological Agents, NATO Science
for Peace and Security Series A: Chemistry and Biology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-2041-8_9
Chapter 9
Bacterial Threats to Human Health
and Food Supply
Vanessa Sperandio
Abstract Human health is constantly being threatened by bacterial pathogens.
Foodborne pathogens are responsible for many health crisis and economic losses
worldwide. Diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of childhood mortality
worldwide, and also constitute a severe health threat to adults. Most of the foodborne diseases can be prevented through sanitation. However, rapid pathogen evolution, antibiotic resistance and globalization, lead to the quick emergence or
reemergence of enteric pathogens both in the developing and the developed world.
Moreover, political and economic instability enhances the chances of a bioterrorism
attack. Bacterial, virus, or toxins are all considered biological threat agents, and
have been previously employed in attacks. Bacterial pathogens share several virulence strategies amongst themselves. They encode toxins that either kill or change
signal transduction in mammalian cells. They also employ specialized secretion
systems, “molecular syringes”, which inject bacterial proteins called “effectors”
that hijack host cell function. These virulence traits tend to be carried in mobile elements that can be quickly transferred between bacteria, leading to the rapid evolution of novel pathovars. Understanding bacterial pathogenic strategies is crucial to
prevent or develop new treatments to infectious diseases.
9.1 Introduction
Bacterial pathogens have a huge impact in human health and the global economy.
Food borne pathogens mainly cause diarrheal disease and impact food security.
According to the WHO, diarrheal diseases are within the top 10 causes of mortality
world wide [1]. The economic impact of these diseases is also significant, with
decreased productivity due to sick workers, and recall of contaminated food items.
It is also noteworthy the threat posed by bioterrorism involving bacterial agents and
toxins. Political unrest and economic issues can drive the weaponization of
V. Sperandio (*)
Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
e-mail: vanessa.sperandio@UTsouthwestern.edu
© Springer Nature B.V. 2020
G. Sindona et al. (eds.), Toxic Chemical and Biological Agents, NATO Science
for Peace and Security Series A: Chemistry and Biology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-2041-8_9
Chapter 9
Bacterial Threats to Human Health
and Food Supply
Vanessa Sperandio
Abstract Human health is constantly being threatened by bacterial pathogens.
Foodborne pathogens are responsible for many health crisis and economic losses
worldwide. Diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of childhood mortality
worldwide, and also constitute a severe health threat to adults. Most of the foodborne diseases can be prevented through sanitation. However, rapid pathogen evolution, antibiotic resistance and globalization, lead to the quick emergence or
reemergence of enteric pathogens both in the developing and the developed world.
Moreover, political and economic instability enhances the chances of a bioterrorism
attack. Bacterial, virus, or toxins are all considered biological threat agents, and
have been previously employed in attacks. Bacterial pathogens share several virulence strategies amongst themselves. They encode toxins that either kill or change
signal transduction in mammalian cells. They also employ specialized secretion
systems, “molecular syringes”, which inject bacterial proteins called “effectors”
that hijack host cell function. These virulence traits tend to be carried in mobile elements that can be quickly transferred between bacteria, leading to the rapid evolution of novel pathovars. Understanding bacterial pathogenic strategies is crucial to
prevent or develop new treatments to infectious diseases.
9.1 Introduction
Bacterial pathogens have a huge impact in human health and the global economy.
Food borne pathogens mainly cause diarrheal disease and impact food security.
According to the WHO, diarrheal diseases are within the top 10 causes of mortality
world wide [1]. The economic impact of these diseases is also significant, with
decreased productivity due to sick workers, and recall of contaminated food items.
It is also noteworthy the threat posed by bioterrorism involving bacterial agents and
toxins. Political unrest and economic issues can drive the weaponization of
V. Sperandio (*)
Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
e-mail: vanessa.sperandio@UTsouthwestern.edu