Occurrence of Pectinatus and Megasphaera in the Major UK Breweries

Abstract

The occurrence of beer spoilage bacteria belonging to the genera Pectinatus and Megasphaera in ten major UK breweries was investigated. The sampling points were selected from fermentation areas, beer conditioning areas and beer bottling and canning sites. Multiplex PCR methodology was used for detection of three Pectinatus and three Megasphaera species using speciesspecific primers. The presence of six Lactobacillus species was also examined. Overall, 117 samples were analysed from ten breweries; six samples were positive for the presence of Pectinatus species and three samples were positive for the presence of Megasphaera species, while 34 samples were positive for the presence of Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus species appeared to be the major potential spoilage microorganisms. Although none of the actual beer samples were found to be positive for Pectinatus and Megasphaera species, their occurrence in aerobic brewery environments indicates sanitation problems and revealed the presence of highly established biofilms in some breweries.

Strictly anaerobic beer-spoilage bacteria

“…Spoilage incidences and Pectinatus findings tend to peak during the warm months of the year (Paradh et al, 2011). Spoilage incidences and Pectinatus findings tend to peak during the warm months of the year (Paradh et al, 2011).…”

“…P. cerevisiiphilus and P. frisingensis have been found in the beer production chain worldwide (Hage & Wold, 2003;Haikara & Helander, 2006;Lee et al, 1978;Matoulková, Kosar, & Slabý, 2012;Paradh, Mitchell, & Hill, 2011;Schleifer et al, 1990), whereas P. haikarae findings have been restricted to the Nordic countries and Germany (Juvonen, 2009;Voetz, Pahl, & Folz, 2010). P. cerevisiiphilus and P. frisingensis have been found in the beer production chain worldwide (Hage & Wold, 2003;Haikara & Helander, 2006;Lee et al, 1978;Matoulková, Kosar, & Slabý, 2012;Paradh, Mitchell, & Hill, 2011;Schleifer et al, 1990), whereas P. haikarae findings have been restricted to the Nordic countries and Germany (Juvonen, 2009;Voetz, Pahl, & Folz, 2010).…”

“…The findings of Pectinatus bacteria in breweries have concentrated in filling halls (Haikara & Helander, 2006;Hakalehto, 2000;Juvonen, 2009;Matoulková et al, 2012;Paradh et al, 2011). Brewery filling halls provide a good growth environment for microbes due to their relatively high temperature and humidity and the presence of nutrients from product residues (Henriksson & Haikara, 1991).…”

“…Pectinatus bacteria have occasionally been detected in the fermentation area, such as in carbon dioxide collection pods of fermenters, maturing beer in the cellar and in finished beer as well as in bright beer tanks (Juvonen, unpublished data;Matoulková et al, 2012;Paradh et al, 2011). Pectinatus bacteria have occasionally been detected in the fermentation area, such as in carbon dioxide collection pods of fermenters, maturing beer in the cellar and in finished beer as well as in bright beer tanks (Juvonen, unpublished data;Matoulková et al, 2012;Paradh et al, 2011).…”

“…Spoilage incidences and Pectinatus findings tend to peak during the warm months of the year (Paradh et al, 2011). They are typically detected from several sources in a single brewery (Hakalehto, 2000;Matoulková et al, 2012;Paradh et al, 2011;Suiker, O'Sullivan, & Vaughan, 2007). They are typically detected from several sources in a single brewery (Hakalehto, 2000;Matoulková et al, 2012;Paradh et al, 2011;Suiker, O'Sullivan, & Vaughan, 2007).…”