Maritza Jesús Quezada Reyes

Mrs. Maritza Jesús Quezada Reyes


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 November 2023 in Foods
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DSDoina Solís
Doina Solís
NCNinoska Cordero
Ninoska Cordero
MRMaritza Jesús Quezada Reyes
Maritza Jesús Quezada Reyes
CECarla Escobar-Astete
Carla Escobar-Astete
MTMagaly Toro
Magaly Toro
Angélica Reyes-JaraAngélica Reyes-Jara
Angélica Reyes-Jara
Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne disease worldwide, usually related to contaminated poultry or poultry products, such as eggs. Since egg contamination with Salmonella depends on multiple factors that make it challenging to control, consumers’ knowledge about food safety and the proper handling of eggs is crucial. The aims of the study were (1) to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in eggs from conventional and alternative production systems, (2) to characterize the Salmonella isolates according to phenotypic-genotypic and antimicrobial-resistant traits, and (3) to understand how consumers manage the hazards related to egg contamination in the household. A total of 426 egg samples were analyzed (conventional systems = 240; alternative systems = 186). Culture-based and molecular microbiological methods were used to identify Salmonella and bioinformatics analysis of whole genome sequences was used to determine the serotype and antimicrobial-resistant genes. Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was detected only in eggs from alternative systems (1.1%, 2/186). Isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid (100%, 2/2), and the aac(6′)-Iaa gene and a mutation in the gyrA gene were identified in both isolates. Overall, consumers demonstrated knowledge regarding food safety; however, many still engage in practices that pose a risk of acquiring foodborne illnesses.