Poisonous mushroom poisoning is one of the important causes of foodborne disease outbreaks in China， serving as the leading cause of fatalities associated with foodborne diseases. In recent years， the incident ratio shows a rising tendency. Therefore， clarifying the epidemiological characteristics of poisonous mushroom poisoning is a necessary precondition for lowering the mortality ratio. This review retrieved and synthesized the research literature on mushroom poisoning epidemiology in China published over the past decade， with reported data as early as 2003. Comprehensive evidence were analyzed across four dimensions including temporal trends， geographic distribution， demographic patterns， and exposure settings. The limitations of existing research were also evaluated. Based on the findings， this review outlines prospects for future research and prevention strategies against poisonous mushroom poisoning.

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli （EAEC） is recognized as a significant enteric pathogen associated with both acute and persistent diarrhea in infants， travelers， and immunocompromised individuals， posing a substantial disease burden particularly in developing countries. Due to the genetic heterogeneity of EAEC， internationally standardized protocols for its detection have yet to be established. Various screening strategies employed across regions pose a critical challenge to both the accurate assessment of disease burden and molecular epidemiological research. This paper systematically reviews the pathogenic mechanisms and widely recognized molecular biomarkers associated with EAEC. Furthermore， it compares the technical protocols and target genes used for EAEC detection in food matrices and clinical fecal specimens. The status of surveillance was also summarized. This review aims to provide a scientific basis and practical insights for the establishment and optimization of standardized EAEC detection protocols.

Daptomycin is widely considered as a ‘last-resort’ antibiotic used for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Resistance to this antibiotic can lead to severe consequences, including inability to find a cure for Gram positive infections. Our previous investigations showed that a mutated cls1 gene mediated low-level daptomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium strain EF332, distinguishing it from previous reports that only linked cls2 mutations to daptomycin resistance. In this study, through additional genetic and microbiological assays, we confirmed that this effect is specifically attributed to the I269T mutation in cls1 gene, and further identified that this mutation endows E. faecium with a heteroresistant phenotype. The prevalence of cls1 I269T mutation was further investigated by downloading and investigating all 17,388 E. faecium genomes from Genbank. This heteroresistance-associated mutation was detected in 71.97% of all genomes carrying cls1, suggesting the wide presence of this mutation. Further sequence type (ST) analysis showed that the I269T mutation was selectively enriched in 12 STs that are part of the hospital-associated CC17 lineage, implicating that the heteroresistant phenotype mediated by this mutation may facilitate bacterial adaptation in clinical settings. Geographical location analysis suggested that the I269T mutation was found in 42 countries around the world. This study identifies a globally prevalent I269T mutation in cls1 that confers low-level daptomycin resistance via a heteroresistant phenotype, and suggests this mutation contributes to the global prevalence of daptomycin resistance in E. faecium.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibilities of clinical NTS isolates from Shandong, China, and to characterize the genomic determinants of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genotypes using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 125 NTS strains were isolated and identified from diarrhea patients in Shandong, China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed for all isolates. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factor genes (VFGs), and plasmid replicons, serotypes, sequence types (STs) were determined through WGS analysis. The NTS isolates in this study showed high resistance to ampicillin (AMP, 73.6

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1713237.].

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a leading zoonotic bacterial pathogen and a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Corvallis (S. Corvallis) has recently emerged in China as a serotype of concern, showing an elevated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile. We analyzed 260 S. Corvallis isolates collected through the China National Foodborne Disease Surveillance Program between 2014 and 2023, together with 598 publicly available genomes from global sources. Antimicrobial resistance determinants, pan-genome dynamics, phylogenetic structure, and patterns of global dissemination were characterized in an integrated framework. Isolates from the chicken production chain (chicken meat and slaughter-environment samples) harbored significantly more AMR genes (ARGs) than those of human origin. Correlation network analysis revealed consistent associations between specific plasmid replicons and ARGs: IncHI2 co-occurred with aadA16, dfrA27, and sul1; IncQ1 with floR; and IncA/C2 with dfrA12 and aadA2, with IS26 likely mediating their co-mobilization. SNP analysis demonstrated genetic distances ranging from 0 to 350 SNPs between isolates, with a substantial proportion showing ≤10 SNP differences, suggesting potential transmission events. Geographically, strains clustered predominantly around China, the United Kingdom, and countries in the Americas, with ST1541 as the dominant sequence type. Transmission inference further highlighted strong cross-regional links between UK and Chinese isolates. The co-occurrence of China-enriched ARGs with specific mobile genetic elements (MGEs) supports an evolutionary scenario in which a highly virulent, multidrug-resistant S. Corvallis clade has emerged through the combined effects of cross-regional dissemination and MGE-driven horizontal gene transfer, plausibly shaped by localized antimicrobial selection pressure. These findings underscore how regional antimicrobial use practices, particularly within the poultry production chain, can shape the evolution of resistant zoonotic pathogens with global transmission potential, and argue for coordinated One Health surveillance of emerging NTS serotypes.

Papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs) are pivotal in plant development and immunity, though their specific regulatory mechanisms in immune responses remain largely unexplored. In this study, we identify AtRD19C, a vacuole-localized PLCP, and demonstrate its role in negatively regulating plant immunity to Phytophthora parasitica. We show that AtRD19C suppresses the ethylene (ET) signaling pathway by destabilizing the copper chaperone AtATX1, which is essential for activating ET signaling through the ethylene receptor ETR1. Genetic and biochemical analyses reveal that AtATX1 and the ET signaling pathway positively regulate immunity against Phytophthora. Given the conserved roles of RD19C and ATX1 in Solanum tuberosum, our findings suggest a conserved mechanism by which RD19C and ATX1 regulate resistance to Phytophthora across plant species.

Shrimp was the leading food vehicle for Vibrio parahaemolyticus outbreaks in China, yet studies on V. parahaemolyticus in globally predominant farmed shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) - particularly in freshwater culture remain limited. This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the contamination of V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater-farmed marine shrimp (L. annamei) in China. The prevalence and bacterial load of V. parahaemolyticus in shrimps were assessed by China China National Standard GB 4789.7-2013 and isolates were obtained for genomic analysis. The prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus in shrimp samples was 39.1% and the bacteria load ranged from 3.6 MPN/g to 24,000 MPN/g. Analysis on isolates demonstrated that 75.8% (94/124) were assigned to 28 sequence types (STs), whereas 24.2% STs were unknown. All isolates harbored 24 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), of which tet(34), tet(35), and blaCARB were harbored in all isolates. There was a significant correlation between blaCARB types and STs, with isolates sharing identical STs carried the same blaCARB variant. The trh+ isolates (9.7%, 12/124) was simultaneously coexisted with hlyB and hlyC. All four ST79 strains harbored trh/hlyB/hlyC and blaCARB_46. Our findings elucidated the contamination of V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater-farmed L. vannamei, with heavy bacteria load in Fujian province. The emergence of specific ST co-harboring critical virulence genes and ARGs indicating the necessity for targeted surveillance and specified control in aquaculture systems.

Under the One Health framework, it is crucial to undertake a comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across various countries and regions. High-risk ARGs pose a severe threat to human health, yet systematic research on them is scarce. This study developed a high-risk ARGs database using the existing risk assessment system and explored a genome-based investigation workflow for high-risk ARGs. We investigated Enterococcus faecium, a common clinical pathogen, to understand the epidemiological characteristics of high-risk ARGs, including their primary sources and destinations. Results revealed that high-risk ARGs are widespread in E. faecium, with tet(M) being the most abundant and ermB the most widely distributed. The combination of vancomycin_ARGs (vanA, vanYA, vanYB, vanYM) -tet(M)-ermB is the most prevalent. ST1579 harbors the most high-risk ARGs, and the top five STs carrying high-risk ARGs are all from the hospital-specific CC17 clone lineage (cladeA1). Similarly, tet(M)-, ermB-, and vancomycin_ARGs-positive strains also belong to the nosocomial infection-related lineage cladeA1. Oxazolidinones_ARGs (optrA, cfr(D), cfrA)-positive strains are mainly from the cladeA2 lineage associated with animals. OptrA, a last-resort antibiotics ARG with potential outbreak risk, requires particular attention. Additionally, plasmids, transposons (Tn), Insertion sequence (IS), and integrative conjugative elements (ICE) show varying preferences for encoding high-risk ARGs, with tet(M), ermB, APH (3 ')-IIIa, vanA, vanYA, and vanYB being more readily carried by these MGEs. The USA, China, and Belgium are key origin regions for high-risk ARGs in E. faecium, while Australia, France and Netherlands are significant introduction regions. This study provides essential data for tackling the global AMR crisis.

Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive foodborne pathogen, can form biofilms on abiotic surfaces in food processing environments, thereby enhancing its persistence and contamination potential. In recent years, frequent outbreaks of L. monocytogenes contamination in ice cream have imposed significant burdens on public health and the economy. This study aimed to characterize biofilm formation by L. monocytogenes ST8 and ATCC 19112 on stainless steel (SS) surfaces at incubation temperatures of 5 °C, 15 °C, and 25 °C within an ice cream matrix, and to investigate the stress resistance of mature biofilms against thermal and chemical disinfectant treatments. Results showed that biofilm formation rates and viable cell counts in mature biofilms of L. monocytogenes at 5 °C were significantly lower than those at 15 °C and 25 °C. Bacterial motility increased with rising incubation temperature. Temperature and strain had no significant effect on extracellular DNA (eDNA) secretion, but induced differences in extracellular protein and exopolysaccharide production. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images revealed that mature biofilms formed at 5 °C exhibited more compact and uniform structures than those at 15 °C and 25 °C. Additionally, biofilm volume, roughness and porosity increased with increasing incubation temperature, while thickness decreased. In terms of stress resistance, low-temperature-formed mature biofilms showed enhanced tolerance to heat and chemical disinfectants. Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures can effectively eliminate the majority of viable cells in mature biofilms. Additionally, strain-specific variations influenced biofilm characteristics, with ST8 generally demonstrating higher biofilm-forming capacity, motility, and stress resistance than ATCC 19112. Collectively, temperature and strain are primary determinants of L. monocytogenes biofilm properties and stress resistance. This study provides insights into safety issues related to L. monocytogenes biofilms in ice cream processing environments, facilitating the development of targeted control strategies.

Listeriosis is a relatively rare but severe foodborne disease, which has significant public health concern of persons with underlying conditions and pregnant women. This study aimed to estimate the morbidity, mortality, and fatality rates of listeriosis over a 10-year period and clarify the epidemiological features of the pathogen in Beijing, China, based on voluntary reporting of sentinel surveillance. A total of 228 listeriosis cases were reported with annual morbidity rate of 1.054 per million inhabitants, including 113 maternal-neonatal cases with mean annual morbidity rate of 63.401 per million live births in Beijing from 2013 to 2022.The morbidity rate increased from 0.094 to 0.868 per million inhabitants from 2013 to 2019 (p for trend = 0.003). The overall and maternal-neonatal fatality rate were 31.82% and 42.86%, respectively. Four serogroups were identified in this study, and 1/2b predominated (89 strains). We observed the morbidity rate of listeriosis increased in Beijing over the past 10 years. Maternal-neonatal cases accounted for a higher proportion than that described in other countries, considering population base and fertility policy in China, official recommendations targeting pregnant women should be actively promoted.

What is already known about this topic?:Cholera, a severe diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, remains a major global public health concern. In 2023, the World Health Organization reported 535,321 cholera cases and 4,007 deaths in 45 countries. Sporadic cases and epidemic outbreaks of the cholera serogroup O139 have been documented in various Chinese provinces since 1993. What is added by this report?:This study analyzed the genomic features and antibiotic resistance patterns of 34 Vibrio cholerae O139 strains collected in Anhui Province between 2013 and 2024. The genetic sequences exhibited closer relationships to strains isolated from China than to those from India and Bangladesh, primarily forming two clusters. These strains contain multiple virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Notably, over 50% of the strains lacked the vgrG-2 gene in the type 6 secretion system (T6SS). Additionally, an increasing trend in azithromycin resistance was observed, whereas trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance showed a decreasing trend. What are the implications for public health practice?:Vibrio cholerae O139 in Anhui Province displayed genomic diversity indicative of domestic origin rather than cross-border transmission. While their pathogenicity is limited, these strains demonstrate robust colonization capabilities and the potential to disseminate AMR genes. The shift in AMR profiles driven by the clinical use of azithromycin poses an ongoing transmission risk for O139 strains and may foster the further emergence of AMR in the region.

Abstract Background Rheum pumilum, an endemic species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), serves as an ideal material for investigating the phylogeography of alpine plants. This study employs chloroplast DNA fragments (trnL-F, trnS-G, and matK) to delve into how Rh. pumilum adapted to the extreme environmental changes on the QTP, during its evolutionary process through phylogenetic geographical analysis, revealing its population differentiation and historical dynamics. Results The examination of 39 haplotypes across 26 populations of Rh. pumilum reveals distinct regional distribution, reflecting a phylogeographic pattern resembling “alpine-island”. The total genetic diversity of Rh. pumilum is remarkably high (Ht = 0.910), with the majority of genetic variation primarily occurred among populations (84.5%) with limited gene flow, indicating geographic isolation influenced by diverse habitats of plateau. The geographic isolation model is further supported by various analytical methods, including AMOVA analysis, UPGMA dendrogram, PCoA, Structure analysis, and Mantel test. Micro-refugia for Rh. pumilum during the Quaternary ice ages are supported by haplotype network and genetic diversity analysis. The absence of a typical “star-shape” pattern in the overall haplotype network suggests that Rh. pumilum likely maintains a stable state without experiencing rapid expansion, which has been supported by mismatch distribution analysis. Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) indicates sensitivity of Rh. pumilum to humidity, temperature and altitude, aligning with a historical distribution resembling a “displacement refugia” model during the Quaternary ice ages. The involvement of Rh. kialense and Rh. sublanceolatum in the origin and gene introgression of Rh. pumilum is suggested, possibly as maternal ancestors of closely related haplotypes. Haplotype divergence of Rh. pumilum approximately 11 million years ago, with notable divergence peaks observed during the late Miocene, as well as the Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene. Conclusion These findings suggest a correlation between genetic diversity, haplotype lineage divergence and key geological and climatic events, notably the uplift of the QTP, monsoon climate changes, and the climatic oscillations during the Quaternary ice ages. This study might provide valuable insights into the formation mechanisms of plant diversity on the QTP, crucial for biodiversity conservation and sustainable species development in extreme environments.

Ten SSR markers based on transcriptome sequencing were employed to genotype 231 samples of G. littoralis subsp. littoralis (Apiaceae) from nine cultivated populations and seven wild populations, aiming to assess the genetic diversity and genetic structure, and elucidate the origin of the cultivated populations. Cultivated populations exhibited relatively high genetic diversity (h = 0.441, I = 0.877), slightly lower than that of their wild counterparts (h = 0.491, I = 0.930), likely due to recent domestication and ongoing gene flow between wild and cultivated germplasm. The primary cultivated population in Shandong have the crucial genetic status. A single origin of domestication was inferred through multiple analysis, and wild populations from Liaoning and Shandong are inferred to be potentially the ancestor source for the present cultivated populations. Phenotypic analysis revealed a relatively high heritability of root length across three growth periods (0.683, 0.284, 0.402), with significant correlations observed between root length and petiole length (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.30, P<0.05), as well as between root diameter and leaf area (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.36, P<0.01). These parameters can serve as valuable indicators for monitoring the developmental progress of medicinal plants during field management. In summary, this study can shed light on the intricate genetic landscape of G. littoralis subsp. littoralis, providing foundational insights crucial for conservation strategies, targeted breeding initiatives, and sustainable management practices in both agricultural and natural habitats.

The prevalence of listeriosis in China has been increasing in recent years. Listeriosis primarily spreads through contaminated food. However, the resilient causative organism, Listeria monocytogenes, and its extended incubation period pose challenges in identifying risk factors associated with food consumption and food-handling habits. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with food consumption and food-handling habits for listeriosis in China. A matched case-control study (1:1 ratio) was conducted, which enrolled all eligible cases of listeriosis between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2022 in China. Basic information and possible risk factors associated with food consumption and food-handling habits were collected. Overall, 359 patients were enrolled, including 208 perinatal and 151 non-perinatal cases. Univariate and multivariable logistic analyzes were performed for the perinatal group. For the perinatal and non-perinatal groups, ice cream and Chinese cold dishes were the high-risk foods for listeriosis (odds ratio (OR) 2.09 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-3.55; OR 3.17 95% CI: 1.29-7.81), respectively; consumption of leftovers and pet ownership were the high-risk food-handling habits (OR 1.92 95% CI: 1.03-3.59; OR 3.00 95% CI: 1.11-8.11), respectively. In both groups, separation of raw and cooked foods was a protective factor (OR 0.27 95% CI: 0.14-0.51; OR 0.35 95% CI: 0.14-0.89), while refrigerator cleaning reduced the infection risk by 64.94-70.41% only in the perinatal group. The identification of high-risk foods and food-handling habits for listeriosis is important for improving food safety guidelines for vulnerable populations.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oil crops worldwide. However, its yield is greatly limited by salt stress, one of the primary abiotic stresses. Identification of salt-tolerance genes and breeding salt-tolerant varieties is an effective approach to address this issue. Unfortunately, little is known about the salt-tolerance quantitative trait locus (QTL) and the identification of salt tolerance genes in rapeseed. In this study, high-throughput quantitative trait locus sequencing (QTL-seq) was applied to identifying salt-tolerant major QTLs based on two DNA pools from an F2:3 population of a cross between rapeseed line 2205 (salt tolerant) and 1423 (salt sensitive). A total of twelve major QTLs related to the salt tolerance rating (STR) were detected on chromosomes A03, A08, C02, C03, C04, C06, C07 and C09. To further enhance our understanding, we integrated QTL-seq data with transcriptome analysis of the two parental rapeseed plants subjected to salt stress, through which ten candidate genes for salt tolerance were identified within the major QTLs by gene differential expression, variation and annotated functions analysis. The marker SNP820 linked to salt tolerance was successfully validated and would be useful as a diagnostic marker in marker-assisted breeding. These findings provide valuable insights for future breeding programs aimed at developing rapeseed cultivars resistant to salt stresses.

Introduction:Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a common foodborne pathogen in coastal areas of China. Most epidemiological studies on V. parahaemolyticus have focused on foodborne disease outbreaks, with fewer studies based on long-term, continuous, and systematic sentinel surveillance. Methods:Data were collected from the national foodborne disease active surveillance program in 31 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) in China from 2013 to 2022. V. parahaemolyticus-positive cases were collected for further analysis in this study. Results:From 2013 to 2022, the National Foodborne Disease Case Surveillance System identified 23,818 cases of V. parahaemolyticus foodborne infection in China. Patient ages ranged from 2 months to 100 years, with an average age of 38.41 years. These cases primarily occurred in coastal areas during summer. A new serotype, O10:K4, emerged in 2020 and has become the dominant serotype over O3:K6. Conclusions:V. parahaemolyticus infection is common in the eastern coastal areas of China and is strongly associated with aquatic food consumption. This study recommends that food regulatory authorities increase routine surveillance and inspection during high-risk periods and in high-risk areas. Authorities should also use social media platforms to conduct extensive public education campaigns on the prevention and control of V. parahaemolyticus-associated foodborne disease.

Human listeriosis is a foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Most cases occur due to consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. Stewed meat in seasoning, a type of pre-packaged ready-to-eat (RTE) food, is a popular traditional product in China. We used whole genome sequencing to analyze core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), serogroups and multilocus typing sequence typing (ST) of 67 L. monocytogenes isolates. The L. monocytogenes serogroup IIb-ST5 was predominantly isolated from different sources and linked to stewed meat in seasoning of Brand A, B, and C with <7 allelic differences by cgMLST, suggesting that this kind of food may be a high-risk food causing sporadic cases of listeriosis. Furthermore, L. monocytogenes isolates from different batches of stewed meat in seasoning products processed in the same processing plant had <5 five allelic differences, confirming that contamination occurred during manufacture. Additionally, 16 L. monocytogenes isolates from Plant A were the same clone (0 allelic difference), which confirmed the strong ability of L. monocytogenes to survive in the processing environment. Thus, increased and frequent monitoring, as well as constant technical support for the control of L. monocytogenes in food processing plants is necessary.