Artículos de revistas
El desafío de controlar las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos: bacteriófagos como una nueva herramienta biotecnológica
Fecha
2015Registro en:
Rev Chilena Infectol 2015; 32 (6): 678-688
Autor
Jorquera, Denisse
Galarce, Nicolás
Borie Polanco, Consuelo
Institución
Resumen
Foodborne diseases are an increasing public health issue, in which bacterial pathogens have a transcendental role. To face this situation, the food industry has implemented several control strategies, using in the last decade some biotechnological tools, such as direct application of bacteriophages on food, to effectively control bacterial pathogens. Their bactericidal and safe properties to humans and animals have been widely described in the literature, being nowadays some bacteriophage-based products commercially available. Despite this, there are so many factors that can interfere in their biocontrol effectiveness on food, therefore is essential to consider these factors before their application. Thus, the optimal bacterial reduction will be achieved, which would produce a safer food. This review discusses some factors to consider in the use of bacteriophages as biocontrol agents of foodborne pathogens, including historical background, taxonomy and biological description of bacteriophages, and also advantages, disadvantages, and considerations of food applications.