Pathogenic and transmissional potentials of a Chromobacterium haemolyticum isolate from a hydroponic farm.

This article focuses on the pathogenic potential, water treatment resistance, and foodborne transmission risk of Chromobacterium haemolyticum strain WI5, isolated from hydroponic farm water. The strain demonstrated strong in vitro pathogenicity toward human colon cells, including high hemolytic activity, significant antibiotic resistance, and an 8.2-fold greater cell attachment ability compared to Salmonella Typhimurium. C. haemolyticum WI5 showed comparable resistance to sodium hypochlorite and ultraviolet treatments as common waterborne pathogens but was highly susceptible to desiccation and failed to persist on lettuce surfaces under refrigeration and room temperature. These findings suggest that while C. haemolyticum WI5 poses a considerable risk for intestinal infections primarily through contaminated water, its potential for foodborne transmission via leafy greens is limited due to poor survivability outside aqueous environments.