Timothy Ells

Dr. Timothy Ells


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

26Years (2001-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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19 December 2023 in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
TBThomas Brauge
Thomas Brauge
JMJulia Mougin
Julia Mougin
TETimothy Ells
Timothy Ells
Graziella MideletGraziella Midelet
Graziella Midelet
Vibrio spp., known human foodborne pathogens, thrive in freshwater, estuaries, and marine settings, causing vibriosis upon ingestion. The rising global vibriosis cases due to climate change necessitate a deeper understanding of Vibrio epidemiology and human transmission. This review delves into Vibrio contamination in seafood, scrutinizing its sources and pathways. We comprehensively assess the contamination of human‐pathogenic Vibrio in the seafood chain, covering raw materials to processed products. A “ Farm‐to‐Fork” approach, aligned with the One Health concept, is essential for grasping the complex nature of Vibrio contamination. Vibrio ’s widespread presence in natural and farmed aquatic environments establishes them as potential entry points into the seafood chain. Environmental factors, including climate, human activities, and wildlife, influence contamination sources and routes, underscoring the need to understand the origin and transmission of pathogens in raw seafood. Once within the seafood chain, the formation of protective biofilms on various surfaces in production and processing poses significant food safety risks, necessitating proper cleaning and disinfection to prevent microbial residue. In addition, inadequate seafood handling, from inappropriate processing procedures to cross‐contamination via pests or seafood handlers, significantly contributes to Vibrio food contamination, thus warranting attention to reduce risks. Information presented here support the imperative for proactive measures, robust research, and interdisciplinary collaboration in order to effectively mitigate the risks posed by human pathogenic Vibrio contamination, safeguarding public health and global food security. This review serves as a crucial resource for researchers, industrials, and policymakers, equipping them with the knowledge to develop biosecurity measures associated with Vibrio ‐contaminated seafood.

1 August 2006 in International Journal of Food Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
TETimothy Ells
Timothy Ells
LHLisbeth Truelstrup Hansen
Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen

1 September 2017 in International Journal of Food Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MPMarta J. Piercey
Marta J. Piercey
TETimothy Ells
Timothy Ells
AMAndrew J. Macintosh
Andrew J. Macintosh
LHLisbeth Truelstrup Hansen
Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen

30 April 2010 in International Journal of Food Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
RMRabeb Miled-Bennour
Rabeb Miled-Bennour
TETimothy Ells
Timothy Ells
FPFranco J. Pagotto
Franco J. Pagotto
JFJeffrey M. Farber
Jeffrey M. Farber
AKAnnaelle Kérouanton
Annaelle Kérouanton
NBNathalie Gnanou Besse
Nathalie Gnanou Besse

1 October 2011 in Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
TETimothy Ells
Timothy Ells
LHLisbeth Truelstrup Hansen
Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen
The food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is a problem for food processors and consumers alike, as the organism is resistant to harsh environmental conditions and inimical barriers implemented to prevent the survival and/or growth of harmful bacteria. One mechanism by which listeriae mediate survival is through the accumulation of compatible solutes, such as proline, betaine and carnitine. In other bacteria, including Escherichia coli , the synthesis and accumulation of another compatible solute, trehalose, are known to aid in the survival of stressed cells. The objective of this research was to investigate trehalose metabolism in L. monocytogenes , where the sugar is thought to be transferred across the cytoplasmic membrane via a specific phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system and phosphorylation to trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P). The latter is subsequently broken down into glucose and glucose-6-phosphate by α,α-(1,1) phosphotrehalase, the putative product of the treA gene. Here we report on an isogenic treA mutant of L. monocytogenes 568 (568:ΔTreA) which, relative to the wild-type strain, displays increased tolerances to multiple stressors, including heat, high osmolarity, and desiccation. This is the first study to examine the putative trehalose operon in L. monocytogenes , and we demonstrate that lmo1254 ( tre A ) in L. monocytogenes 568 indeed encodes a phosphotrehalase required for the hydrolysis of T6P. Disruption of the treA gene results in the accumulation of T6P which is subsequently dephosphorylated to trehalose in the cytosol, thereby contributing to the stress hardiness observed in the treA mutant. This study highlights the importance of compatible solutes for microbial survival in adverse environments.

1 September 2019 in Food Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CLCaroline Lapointe
Caroline Lapointe
LDLouise Deschênes
Louise Deschênes
TETimothy Ells
Timothy Ells
YBYanick Bisaillon
Yanick Bisaillon
TSTony Savard
Tony Savard