Phenotypic properties and genotyping analysis of Bacillus cereus group isolates from dairy and potato products

Abstract

Bacillus cereus group (B. cereus sensu lato) are ubiquitously distributed in diverse environments. In this study, eight isolates including B. cereus, B. paranthracis and B. toyonensis species, from dairy and potato products, were assessed for biofilm formation, sporulation and genetic information including biofilm-related genes and toxin genes. The isolates varied in their ability to form biofilm (either at the stainless steel-liquid-air interface or floating pellicles). The amounts of biofilms of B. cereus s.l., were increased when incubated in agitation condition varied between isolates. Sporulation within the planktonic and biofilm modes of growth was compared, suggesting that biofilm is a favourable environment for B. cereus s.l. to form spores. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to compare these B. cereus s.l. isolates. New sequence types (STs) of B. cereus were found in this study. Isolates that shared similar genomes had different biofilm-forming and sporulation abilities. Most of isolates tested, possessed biofilm-related genes. Different combinations of toxin-producing genes were identified in different isolates, with all isolates containing nhe while only some contained hbl and cytK. None of the food isolates contained the emetic ces gene. This study highlights the diversity of B. cereus s.l. in biofilm formation, sporulation and their genetic variables.