Antimicrobial activity of enterocin obtained from Enterococcus durans on Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli

Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important source of food contamination that presents risks to human health. Several industrial food processes eliminate this microorganism; however; these processes can alter the characteristics of the product. Alternative methods of preservation have been identified as an option to control these foodborne pathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the action of bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus durans MF5 in STEC cells. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) containing enterocins from the MF5 isolate was tested over different time points (6, 18, and 24 h). Enterocins present in the crude CFS showed inhibition against STEC at all time points. In the investigation of cell integrity, using propidium iodide and fluorescence microscopy considerable cell death was observed within 6 h of the cells being in contact with the enterocins, which was also observed at the 18 and 24 h time points. These results showed that the enterocins produced by the MF5 isolate have potential use in the control of STEC.