Distribution of six exotoxin genes and production of L2-HBL and nheA proteins in six Bacillus cereus isolates from infant formula and produce

Abstract

Six Bacillus cereus exotoxin genes were isolated from infant formula and produce. The lytic components of hemolysin BL and non-hemolytic enterotoxin were produced in culture media. Three strains isolated from produce harbored nheA, hblC, bceT, and cytK. Infant formula strains harbored nheA. Produce strains expressed hblC when grown in a synthetic medium and rehydrated infant formula. Infant formula strains expressed nheA when cultured in both a synthetic medium and infant formula. Produce strains expressed nheA in the synthetic medium, but not in infant formula. Expression of nheA is influenced by nutrients in the culture medium and to the strain.