The Copy Number of the spoVA 2mob Operon Determines Pressure Resistance of Bacillus Endospores

Bacillus spp. are considered pressure-resistant microorganisms, but the resistance mechanisms remain unknown. ThespoVA 2mob operon is a mobile genetic element, and it can transfer to pathogenic or spoilage organisms by horizontal gene transfer. Results in this study indicate that multiple copies of thespoVA 2mob operon mediate high-pressure resistance ofBacillus endospores, and it might contribute to the identification of the source of pressure-resistant pathogens and spoilage organisms that may contaminate the food supply. The droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) system is well suited for analysis in some human diseases due to its high efficiency and capability to provide high precision; however, no relevant studies in food microbiology have been reported so far. This study demonstrates a novel application of ddPCR in food microbiology.