Research Article

Muhammad Osama Sajjad, Muhammad Naveer Hassan, Hamid Azhar, Kashif Sadiq, Maryum Aslam

Published on : December 2024 | Volume : 1 Issue : 2

Abstract :

The dormant bacterial subpopulations often pose threat to effective control strategies. Small colony variants (SCV), one of the dormant bacterial states, adapt their metabolism along with resistance mechanisms to antibiotics. Genetic mutations together with environmental stressors lead to the formation of these bacterial states. SCV bacterial subpopulations possess the ability to persist within cells combined with their biofilm formation that leads to treatment resistance. Furthermore, these SCVs serve as a cause of persistent human and animal infections. Being resistant therapeutic approaches, SCVs become a relapsing source of bacterial growth in industry as well. SCVs associated with food industry establish outbreaks for prolonged duration which results in economic damages. Through biofilm formation, SCVs improve their capacity to survive on food production surfaces. The food production environments provide optimum conditions to specific food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus. These pathogens can produce SCV strains that lead to transmission between animals and humans. In addition to, SCVs of Bacillus cereus together with Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa also show the fundamental properties of resistance and adaptability. These bacteria create hazards to food safety operations that need specific control measures. Effective control measures for SCVs throughout every sector will reduce their long-term damaging effects. The appropriate control of SCV requires the implementation of One Health principles. Enhanced hygiene practices together with improved surveillance methods and monitoring systems help decrease the numbers of SCV contamination. Food safety and public health protection depends on proactive steps that should be taken. Surveillance programs require follow-up on the tracking of all SCV activity in humans along with animals and environmental settings. Studies into alternative antimicrobial measures can provide solutions for stopping SCVs. Food safety policies should adopt SCV management as part of their regulatory framework. A combined strategy to control SCVs will improve public health security measures. The current preventive strategies against SCVs will build a safer food management structure for future generations.