387
Chapter 28
opportunistic Bacterial
Pathogens, Molds and
Mycotoxins, Viruses, Parasites,
and Fish and Shellfish toxins
introduction
Besides the foodborne bacterial pathogens discussed in Chapters 25–27, several other bacterial
species are suspected of having the potential to cause foodborne illnesses. Normally, they are not
pathogenic to humans, but strains in these species have been known to produce toxins. Thus,
consumption of foods contaminated with these bacterial species and strains may cause illness,
especially under certain circumstances, such as if they are consumed in extremely high numbers
or the individuals are either very young or not in normal physical condition or immunologically
challenged. These bacterial species and strains are considered opportunistic pathogens. A brief
discussion on the characteristics of some of these species, their association with foods, and their
disease-producing potential are discussed in this chapter. In addition, diseases caused by molds
and mycotoxins, enteroviruses, prion proteins (causes bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE),
parasites, and fish and shellfish toxins are discussed.
opportunistic Bacterial Pathogens
Aeromonas hydrophila 1
Characteristics
This genus includes 24 species, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Aer. caviae, Aer. veronii biovar
sobria, Aer. popoffii, etc. They are Gram-negative motile rods. The strains are found in both saltwater
Chapter 28
opportunistic Bacterial
Pathogens, Molds and
Mycotoxins, Viruses, Parasites,
and Fish and Shellfish toxins
introduction
Besides the foodborne bacterial pathogens discussed in Chapters 25–27, several other bacterial
species are suspected of having the potential to cause foodborne illnesses. Normally, they are not
pathogenic to humans, but strains in these species have been known to produce toxins. Thus,
consumption of foods contaminated with these bacterial species and strains may cause illness,
especially under certain circumstances, such as if they are consumed in extremely high numbers
or the individuals are either very young or not in normal physical condition or immunologically
challenged. These bacterial species and strains are considered opportunistic pathogens. A brief
discussion on the characteristics of some of these species, their association with foods, and their
disease-producing potential are discussed in this chapter. In addition, diseases caused by molds
and mycotoxins, enteroviruses, prion proteins (causes bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE),
parasites, and fish and shellfish toxins are discussed.
opportunistic Bacterial Pathogens
Aeromonas hydrophila 1
Characteristics
This genus includes 24 species, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Aer. caviae, Aer. veronii biovar
sobria, Aer. popoffii, etc. They are Gram-negative motile rods. The strains are found in both saltwater