Evaluation of a Potential Bacteriophage Cocktail for the Control of Shiga-Toxin Producing in Food.

Shiga-toxin producing (STEC) are important foodborne pathogens involved in gastrointestinal diseases. Furthermore, the recurrent use of antibiotics to treat different bacterial infections in animals has increased the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including , in foods of animal origin. The use of bacteriophages for the control of these microorganisms is therefore regarded as a valid alternative, especially considering the numerous advantages (high specificity, self-replicating, self-limiting, harmless to humans, animals, and plants).

: To Survive, or Not to Survive the Gastrointestinal Tract, That Is the Question!

The probiotic market is increasing world-wide as well as the number of products marketed as probiotics. Among the latter, many products contain strains at several dosages. However, the scientific evidence that should support the probiotic status of those strains is often contradictory.