Prevalence of Listeria spp. at a poultry processing plant in Brazil and a phage test for rapid confirmation of suspect colonies

Sites and occurrence of Listeria contamination in an industrial poultry processing plant were investigated by sampling carcasses at varying stages of processing and testing the hands and gloves of food handlers as well as the chilling water used in the process. In the course of nine visits to a local processing plant we collected a total of 121 samples: 66 from carcasses, 37 from workers' hands and gloves and 18 from the water used for chilling. Except for the water samples Listeria was isolated at all sampling sites. The species most often isolated was Listeria innocua, which accounted for 28 of the 31 (90.3%) isolates. The frequency of Listeria in the chicken carcasses was similar at bleeding, defeathering and end of evisceration stages (33.3%), reduced during scalding (16.7%), and rose immediately after initial evisceration stage (50%) to peak after packaging (76.2%). The carcasses were contaminated by L. monocytogenes serotypes 1b and 1c only during packaging. The prevalence of Listeria spp. on workers' hands and gloves was 46% mostly with L. innocua (40.5%) followed by L. monocytogenes 1b (11.8%). Chilling water presented more than 100 ppm of chlorine, which could explain why the samples were negative to Listeria. As the contamination by Listeria in the carcasses progressively rose both in number, species and strains during processing it seems reasonable to conclude that those carcasses become contaminated at the processing level. Improvement and innovation measures to control bacteria in general at the processing plant level are necessary to effectively reduce final product contamination by L. monocytogenes. In the course of this work we introduced a bacteriophage susceptibility test to confirm suspected Listeria colonies which was able to reduce the time of analysis to a minimum of 30 h depending on the isolation technique employed.     

Quantitative analysis of Campylobacter spp. contamination in chicken slaughtering lines by “label tracking method” in eastern China

Campylobacter contamination of poultry meat occurs vastly and inevitably in chicken slaughtering line. The aim of this study was to determine the quantification of Campylobacter spp. contamination levels in chicken slaughtering lines by a “label tracking method”, in eastern China. From the six critical slaughtering steps in 4 slaughtering house, a total of 1260 samples were collected in 236 sampling chicken. Results showed that Campylobacter may propagate in each slaughtering step with a high prevalence (≥83.05%). Both the highest Campylobacter-positive rate and the concentration of isolates were detected at the point of evisceration (97.46%; 2.80 ± 2.52 Log10 CFU/100 cm²), the Campylobacter contamination was mitigated after washing and chilling. However, after flash-freezing, the positive rate of Campylobacter was return to a high value while the concentration was reduced, and frozen storage has been confirmed allowing a mitigation on Campylobacter prevalence, qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, the dynamic variation rule of Campylobacter prevalence obtained from different slaughtering environments was consistent with the rule identified from the corresponding slaughtered poultry. Campylobacter isolates obtained from different slaughtering processes in one slaughter-batch chicken were shown with above 90% homology, pointing to a potential source of contamination. Interventions are needed to minimize Campylobacter contamination, especially in washing, chilling, and frozen storage processes. Our study highlights the quantification of Campylobacter spp. contamination levels in broilers slaughtering line, which would provide quantitative data for the further studies on poultry meat safety control.     

Systematic review-meta-analysis of the effect of chilling on Campylobacter spp. during primary processing of broilers

Carcass chilling is a critical control point for Campylobacter spp. during the primary processing of broiler chickens. Our objective was to evaluate chilling intervention research that measured the change in Campylobacter prevalence and concentration on broiler chicken carcasses during primary processing using systematic review-meta-analysis (SR-MA) methodology. Experimental and observational research published in English that investigated impacts of chilling on Campylobacter spp. during primary processing of broiler chicken carcasses were considered. Random-effects MA of air chilling resulted in heterogenous summary effect estimates (mean reduction = 0.74 log₁₀ CFU/carcass, 95% CI: 0.32–1.17, I² = 91.3%; and odds ratio = 7.42, 95% CI: 0.32–174.05, I² = 92.3%). Random-effects MA of immersion chilling with chlorine resulted in heterogenous summary effect estimates (mean reduction = 1.74 log₁₀ CFU/carcass, 95% CI: 1.32–2.16, I² = 86.4%; and odds ratio = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.20–1.28, I² = 90.6%). Effects of immersion chilling with unspecified disinfectants were also determined and varied depending on study design. The SR-MA indicated that air chilling and immersion chilling reduce Campylobacter concentrations. Due to conflicting results across studies, the estimated average effect of air chilling on Campylobacter prevalence is not informative. Immersion chilling with chlorine demonstrated a trend towards reduced Campylobacter prevalence, but this result was not significant; results should be interpreted with caution because the overall methodological soundness of included studies was low. Existing research on the effectiveness of broiler carcass chilling on Campylobacter concentration or prevalence is limited and heterogenous. Results generated herein can inform decisions makers and stakeholders on potential effective chilling interventions, and can be used to inform quantitative microbial risk assessment to estimate processing measure impacts on public health.     

Identification and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species isolated from poultry meat in Khorasan province,Iran

Campylobacter is the main bacterial cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are the most frequent Campylobacter species isolated from patients with diarrhea. Undercooked poultry meat is one of the main sources of human infection. Contamination of poultry carcasses by Campylobacter during processing occurs directly via intestinal contents or indirectly from bird to bird, via equipment and water. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Campylobacter spp. isolated from raw poultry meat in Mashhad, Iran. From May 2012 to July 2012, 300 poultry meat samples including chicken (150), turkey (70), partridge (50), and quail (30) were randomly purchased from retail outlets. Using cultural method and a PCR assay 49.7% of poultry meat samples were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter spp. were significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent in chicken meat (59.3%), followed by partridge (48%), quail (40%), and turkey (34.3%) meat. The most prevalent Campylobacter spp. isolated was C. jejuni (80.8%); the remaining isolates were C. coli (19.3%). Overall, 96.6% Campylobacter isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agent. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was the most common finding (81.9%), followed by resistance to nalidixic acid (73.2%) and tetracycline (67.8%). In conclusion, the results of this study showed the importance of chicken, quail, partridge, and turkey meat as potential sources of Campylobacter spp. infection in people.     

Prevalence,strain identification and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolated from slaughtered pig carcasses in Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of contamination, species identification and antimicrobial resistance of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in pig carcasses during the slaughter process in a slaughterhouse in Brazil. Two hundred and fifty-nine samples were collected at 7 different stages of the slaughter process for Campylobacter determination by both qualitative and quantitative methods. Typical colonies were subjected to API Campy, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antimicrobial resistance testing. Campylobacter was found in 18.9% of the carcasses and 3.5% of the samples. Dehairing was the slaughter stage with the highest Campylobacter contamination (55.6%). All Campylobacter strains were confirmed by real-time PCR and showed multi-drug resistance to cephalothin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, tetracycline and trimethoprim. None of the strains were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Despite the low occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in pig samples, the antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter strains represents a considerable risk for the consumption of pork meat and confirms the need for continuous monitoring of Campylobacter in the pig production chain.     

Prevalence and pattern of antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat in Southern Italy

Campylobacter spp. is one of the most common cause of sporadic human foodborne illness in industrialized countries, and concern has been raised by the emergence of strains showing antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and pattern of antibiotic resistance in samples of poultry raw meat sold in retail outlets in Southern Italy.A total of 208 samples of chicken and turkey raw meat collected from randomly selected retail butchers' shops in Catanzaro (Italy) were processed for the presence of Campylobacter spp.Campylobacter spp. contaminated 43 samples of poultry product. The most frequent isolates were Campylobacter coli (34.9%) and Campylobacter jejuni (32.6%). The lowest resistance was found for gentamycin (27.9%) and cloramphenicol (32.6%). We also investigated prevalence of sensitivity to the most important antibiotics and we found that only 20.9% isolates were sensible to both ciprofloxacin and erythromycin.Our findings revealed a reduction in the overall contamination by Campylobacter spp. in raw meat. However, resistant and particularly multi-resistant strains were alarmingly spread, representing an increasing phenomenon that demands enforced interventions at multidisciplinary levels.     

Influence of food handlers' compliance with procedures of poultry carcasses contamination: A case study concerning evisceration in broiler slaughterhouses

Campylobacter remains the most commonly reported zoonotic agent worldwide. Reducing the concentration of Campylobacter on chicken meat is seen as the most efficient strategy to diminish the number of human campylobacteriosis cases. Analysis of risk factors related to characteristics of broiler batches and processing conditions could, however, not fully explain differences in impact of processing on contamination levels between slaughterhouses. Our study aimed at investigating whether compliance of food handlers with procedures on setting and controlling evisceration process parameters could explain differences in microbial concentrations on carcasses between slaughterhouses. The study was conducted in two commercial broiler chicken slaughterhouses. Analysis of documentation provided insight in the adequacy of procedures, and observational studies revealed insight in compliance with procedures by using a set of criteria for evisceration control. The frequency of carcasses with visible faecal contamination was counted and Escherichia coli concentrations on carcasses classified based on visible contamination was analysed. E. coli was found to be a valid indicator for Campylobacter during evisceration. Food handlers' knowledge, attitude and practices related to evisceration control tasks were analysed based on a validated questionnaire. Documentation analysis revealed obvious differences in the procedures between slaughterhouses. The observation study revealed that in the slaughterhouse with advanced procedures, the food handlers more often complied with these procedures and a lower frequency of carcasses with visible faecal contamination was observed. Carcasses contaminated with visible faecal spots, even at a low level, carried significantly higher concentrations of E. coli than visibly clean carcasses. Food handlers in both slaughterhouses revealed a good knowledge level. The attitude of food handlers differed between slaughterhouses. In one slaughterhouse, where food handlers complied more frequently with procedures their attitude was at a good level, and practices at good and moderate levels. In the other slaughterhouse the attitude of food handlers was at moderate level and practices at moderate and poor levels. In conclusion, the results from our case study suggest that management factors like availability of adequate monitoring procedures and food handlers' compliance with these procedures may influence the bacterial concentrations on carcasses. Our study demonstrated that compliance with procedures differed between slaughterhouses, and might be associated with faecal contamination of carcasses and thus with higher bacterial concentrations. These results suggest that managerial improvements, supervising and motivating food handlers could be an important control point. To validate the observed relation between compliance with procedures and contamination of carcasses, an intervention study is needed.     

Prevalence,seasonality and antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. isolates of retail broiler meat in Iran

Campylobacter species, are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The main route of transmission is generally believed to be via undercooked meat and meat products. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, seasonality and antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. isolates of retail broiler meat in Mashhad, Iran. From January 2013 through December 2013, 360 broiler meat samples were purchased in Mashhad, Iran. Identification of a presumptive Campylobacter species was performed using the cultural method and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. Overall, 227 samples (63.1%) were positive for Campylobacter. The most prevalent Campylobacter spp. isolated was Campylobacter jejuni (88.1%). There was a significant seasonal prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler meat in Mashhad, Iran (P < 0.0001). The highest isolation rate was also in summer (78.9%). The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 93.4% of the isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. Resistances to tetracycline (87.2%) and ciprofloxacin (79.3%) were the most common resistances. The findings of this study showed a relatively high prevalence of Campylobacter contamination and antimicrobial resistance in broiler meats in Mashhad, Iran. To the authors' knowledge this is the first study on the seasonal prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. isolated from broiler meat in Iran.     

High occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in Latvian broiler chicken production

Campylobacteriosis in humans is caused by thermotolerant Campylobacter spp., most commonly by C. jejuni and C. coli. However, no official data for human campylobacteriosis in Latvia is available or cases are heavily under-reported. In accordance with Commission Decision 2007/516/EC the Campylobacter spp. baseline study was performed in 2008 in Latvia but there was no continuous monitoring for the Campylobacter at broiler chicken production level in 2009. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler chicken production at slaughterhouse and retail level in Latvia. Poultry samples originated from the two biggest Latvian broiler slaughterhouses. Altogether, 240 fresh broiler chicken neck skins, 2400 intact broiler chicken intestines and 240 fresh broiler chicken carcasses were collected during the year 2010. A total of 92.5% of the pooled intestine samples; 60.8% of the neck skin samples and 56.3% of carcasses were positive for Campylobacter spp. There was seasonal variation in proportions of Campylobacter positive samples with seasonal peak on summer months.     

The occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in Estonian broiler chicken production in 2002–2007

The aim of the present study was to monitor the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler chicken production in Estonia from 2002 to 2007. Campylobacter spp. was isolated in 163 (12.3%) of 1320 broiler chicken meat samples form 2002 to 2007 and in 115 (6.3%) of 1819 cecal samples in 2005–2007. Campylobacter jejuni was the most commonly isolated species (98.2%), followed by Campylobacter coli (1.4%) and Campylobacter lari (0.4%). The seasonal peak of Campylobacter contamination was from July to September. Our findings showed that Campylobacter contamination at all levels of broiler chicken production in Estonia was low.     

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species isolates in ducks and geese

A total of 471 duck and goose intestinal content samples were collected from wet markets and were determined for the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. For the detected isolates, resistance to selected antimicrobial agents was identified. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 114/291 duck samples (39.2%) and 47/180 goose samples (26.1%). Among the 161 isolated Campylobacter spp., 85.7% and 14.3% were Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, respectively. Resistance to ciprofloxacin (82.6%), tetracycline (77%) and nalidixic acid (75.2%) was particularly high in the tested Campylobacter isolates. However, all isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, neomycin, streptomycin, neomycin and ampicillin. The presence of Campylobacter spp., as well as the detection of multidrug-resistant isolates in this study, indicates that consuming of duck and goose meat might be a potential campylobacteriosis risk in this region.     

Derivation of performance objectives for Campylobacter in broiler carcasses taking into account impact of selected factors on pathogen prevalence and counts

Food safety standards in the European Union include microbiological criteria and targets in primary production. The current paper provides a strategy to elucidate risk-based metrics such a potential Food Safety Objective for Campylobacter used as benchmark to derive possible Performance Objectives for the pathogen in broiler carcasses tested after chilling. The Performance Objectives were developed using the EFSA data collected on broiler carcasses during the monitoring study performed in 2008 in the European Union according to the evaluation of the different risk factors included in the survey. The FSO for Campylobacter was set at −1.2 log₁₀ cfu/g (∼6 cfu/100 g). The Campylobacter concentrations after chilling resulting in a final concentration equal or below this proposed FSO were suggested as possible POs. The results obtained indicated that batches originating from previously thinned flocks can be more at risk of being colonized with Campylobacter. In fact, the estimated mean concentrations of Campylobacter on carcasses were 1.05 and 2.38 log₁₀ cfu/g for non thinned and thinned flocks, respectively. Further, the impact of high Campylobacter contamination on carcasses (>2.5 log₁₀ cfu/g) was shown since for those carcasses a reduction in PO values higher than 1.5 log₁₀ cfu/g is needed to meet the FSO. In contrast no significant differences for PO values estimated were found between slaughterhouses with different capacity and for carcasses tested at different times from collection. This study provides a validated methodology for the estimation of risk-based metrics based on a quantitative approach allowing food safety authorities to develop specific microbiological criteria.     

Quantitative estimation of Campylobacter cross-contamination in carcasses and chicken products at an abattoir

This study aimed to investigate Campylobacter contamination in carcasses and chicken products derived from a Campylobacter-negative flock when the flock is slaughtered immediately after a Campylobacter-positive flock. The first 2 flocks slaughtered on 10 different dates were investigated at an abattoir. Eighteen of the 20 flocks tested were positive for Campylobacter. A Campylobacter-negative flock was slaughtered immediately after a Campylobacter-positive flock on only 1 of the 10 slaughter dates. In this case, Campylobacter was detected in the carcasses and chicken products originating from the Campylobacter-negative flock, and all the flaA genotypes of these isolates were identical to those present in the caecal contents, carcasses, and chicken products from the Campylobacter-positive flock. The Campylobacter concentrations in the products originating from the Campylobacter-negative flock were: close to the enumeration limit (1.7 log₁₀ cfu/carcass) in the carcass samples; and below the enumeration limit (2.0 log₁₀ cfu/g) in the liver samples. The mean Campylobacter concentrations in the carcasses and liver products originating from the 18 Campylobacter-positive flocks were 3.8 log₁₀ cfu/carcass and 2.6 log₁₀ cfu/g, respectively. While 91% (246/270) of chicken products originating from Campylobacter-positive flocks were positive for Campylobacter, chicken products originating from the remaining Campylobacter-negative flock were free from Campylobacter cross-contamination by slaughter prior to a Campylobacter-positive flock. These results prove that slaughtering Campylobacter-negative flocks does not introduce Campylobacter into the abattoirs and indicate that although carcasses and chicken products originating from the Campylobacter-negative flock were cross-contaminated with Campylobacter from the Campylobacter-positive flock slaughtered immediately before, the Campylobacter contamination levels were lower than those in carcasses and chicken products from Campylobacter-positive flocks. Based on these findings, the reduction of Campylobacter prevalence in broiler flocks should be taken as an effective control measure for preventing introduction of Campylobacter into abattoirs and consequently for reducing Campylobacter prevalence in chicken products in addition to the good hygienic practice at abattoirs and logistic slaughter.     

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species isolated from the avian eggs

Campylobacter is one of the most important food borne pathogens that cause bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The most commonly isolated species in humans are Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and Campylobacter coli. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp. has been a growing public health concern globally. Information about antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter at different levels of production is important for the development of control strategies for this pathogen. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolated from different eggs from different avian species in Iran. A total of 440 egg samples were collected from different avian and analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter spp. in eggshell and eggs content under sterile conditions using Campylobacter selective agar base and the species were identified by biochemical tests. The suspected colonies were subjected to PCR assay for final confirmation as Campylobacter spp., and identification of C. jejuni or Campylobacter coli. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method using Mueller Hinton agar. Campylobacters were detected in a total of 7 out of 100 (7%) eggshell of chicken samples and in 3 out of 60 (5%) eggshell of duck samples. In addition, Campylobacter spp. were also detected in 3.3%, 2.5%, 4.2%, 5% and 3.8 of the eggshell of goose, ostrich, partridge, quail and turkey samples, respectively. The overall prevalence rate of Campylobacter species from different avian eggs was found to be 7.7% (34/440). Among different avian egg samples, Campylobacter jejuni was more frequently isolated 28 (n = 28, 6.3%) than C. coli 6 (n = 6, 1.3%). In addition, the prevalence of C. jejuni was highest in summer and lowest in autumn. In this study Campylobacter spp. showed significant difference in resistance pattern with tetracycline and ciprofloxacin but gentamicin resistance was not found in both C. coli and C. jejuni isolates. Therefore, gentamicin is safe and effective drugs for the treatment of human campylobacteriosis if avian egg is considered as the source of infection.     

Prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in broilers at retail in the Czech Republic and their antibiotic resistance

Infections caused by thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. are among the most frequent bacterial diseases from food in Europe. An important source of infection is poultry. The aim was to perform the first nationwide study on the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. at retail in the Czech Republic. Samples of chilled and frozen broiler chickens were obtained from supermarkets localized in the eight largest cities in the Czech Republic. From February to November 2009, a total of 120 samples of chilled and 120 samples of frozen poultry were collected and assessed. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed according to the ISO 10272-1:2006 and ISO 10272-2:2006 methods. The microdilution method was used to test the resistance of Campylobacter spp. isolates to selected antibiotics. High prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was detected in chilled poultry (75%). The prevalence was significantly lower (37%) in frozen poultry. The most prevalent species was Campylobacter jejuni detected in 70% of positive findings, followed by Campylobacter coli (18%). In 12% of cases, the samples were contaminated by both C. jejuni and C. coli. The species Campylobacter lari and Campylobacter upsaliensis were not detected. The highest resistance rates were to quinolone antibiotics and ampicillin.     

Prevalence and fluoroquinolones resistance of Campylobacter and Salmonella isolates from poultry carcasses in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

To investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in poultry carcasses in state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 60 samples from 6 slaughterhouses were collected over a period of 6 months. A total of 82 Campylobacter isolates were obtained from twenty seven (45%) positive chicken carcasses, including 44 isolates (53.66%) of Campylobacter jejuni and 38 (46.34%) of Campylobacter coli. The identification of all strains was confirmed by PCR. Salmonella was isolated from 4 (6.67%) carcasses by conventional method and was detected in 5 (8.33%) of 60 chicken carcasses by PCR. Two Salmonella Albany and two Salmonella Typhimurium were identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was primarily done by the disk diffusion method and later by assessing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against all the isolates. All the Campylobacter isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. It was observed high MIC values for enrofloxacin (64 μg/mL) in one C. jejuni and two C. coli strains, and for ciprofloxacin (≥128 μg/mL) in one C. jejuni and three C. coli strains. No Salmonella isolate was resistant to these antibiotics by both methods. These findings reveal a broad extent of fluoroquinolone resistance in Campylobacter isolates from chicken carcasses in Brazil and underline the need for prudent use of these antibiotics in poultry production to minimize the spread of fluoroquinolone resistant Campylobacter.     

Antimicrobial resistance in thermotolerant Campylobacter isolated from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina

The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance in thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. isolated from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina. Six poultry meat chains were studied from the reproductive farm to the chicken at the retail. Chickens sampled along each food chain were from the same batch. Samples collected were: a) cloacal samples from hens and chickens on the farm, b) chicken carcasses from the slaughterhouse and retail market. Samples obtained were examined for Campylobacter spp. Antimicrobial resistance was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Almost all isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid (91.2%) and ciprofloxacin (88.2%). A large proportion of thermotolerant Campylobacter isolated from hens and broilers <1 wk showed resistance to erythromycin in comparison with the rest of the stages of the poultry meat supply chain (P = 0.031). Campylobacter isolated from broilers (both <1 wk and >5 wk) and carcasses at slaughterhouse and at retail showed a proportion of resistance to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin higher than isolates from hens (P = 0.015 and P = 0.031, respectively). One strain was resistant to all the antibiotics analyzed, and 46.1% of the isolates were resistant to three or more drug classes. Almost 50% of the isolates were resistant to all quinolones tested (ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, and enrofloxacin), and 13.2% were resistant to all quinolones and erythromycin. Campylobacter strains isolated from carcasses at retail showed higher resistance to all quinolones than strains isolated from hens (P = 0.016). These results reflect an alarming situation with potential serious consequences to the public health.     

Wild-bird feces as a source of Campylobacter jejuni infection in children's playgrounds in Iran

Wild birds are important to public health, and they carry immerging zoonotic pathogens as a reservoir host. They often cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. Many playgrounds in parks are natural habitats for wild birds. Children's behavior, the frequent hand-mouth contact in this age group, is also likely to increase the risk of eating infective material. In this study, we looked into the likelihood that contamination by wild-birds of children's playground is a source of human infection. We did that by estimating the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in fresh and dried wild-bird fecal samples. From July to August, 2013, we collected 200 samples of fresh and dried feces from 5 publicly accessible children's playgrounds in Mashhad, Iran. Our data by using a cultural method and a test, showed that 17.5% of feces samples contained Campylobacter spp. It was significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent in the fresh samples (23.85%) than the dried samples (5.7%). We only detected one species of Campylobacter spp. from wild birds in this study. In conclusion, the results of this study showed wild bird species may set up a reservoir for Campylobacter spp. They could be of risk to humans. As far as we are aware, this is the first study in Iran to isolate Campylobacter spp. from children's playgrounds.     

Potential of Escherichia coli as a surrogate indicator for postchill broiler carcasses with high Campylobacter counts

Surrogating Campylobacter contamination level in broiler carcasses with other bacterial indicators, used to evaluate the hygienic status of the slaughterline operations, might be stimulation to the broiler meat industry to improve control of Campylobacter during slaughter. Theoretically, Escherichia coli might have some practical merits as a potential indicator for carcasses contaminated with Campylobacter. This study investigates the correlation between the counts of E. coli and Campylobacter in 231 postchill broiler carcasses. The impact of setting a process hygiene target based on E. coli counts on reducing the frequency of carcasses contaminated with Campylobacter at level of ≥3 log₁₀ CFU/g was also investigated. Almost half (48.9% (46/94)) of the carcasses with enumerable Campylobacter (≥1 log₁₀ CFU/g) had E. coli counts between 3 and 4 log₁₀ CFU/g. In addition, 54.8% (17/31) of the carcasses contaminated with Campylobacter of ≥3 log₁₀ CFU/g were correlated with E. coli count range of ≥3 & <4 log₁₀ CFU/g. A theoretical scenario assuming that hygiene and processing measures could allow achieving a target for E. coli that not exceeding 3 log₁₀ CFU/g showed a parallel impact on Campylobacter contamination in broiler carcasses. In such scenario, the overall number of Campylobacter-positive carcasses could be dropped from 40.6% to 12.5%; in addition, 80.6% (25/31) of the carcasses contaminated with Campylobacter of ≥3 log₁₀ CFU/g could be eliminated. Findings from this study reveal that a hygiene target based on E. coli count could be used as an indirect sanitary tool for reducing the level of Campylobacter contamination in postchill broiler carcasses.     

Low contamination of Campylobacter spp. on chicken carcasses in Minas Gerais state,Brazil: Molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance

Here, we evaluated Campylobacter contamination on chicken carcasses and phenotypic and genotypic profiles of antimicrobial resistance of the isolated strains. A total of 95 of samples were collected from 19 slaughterhouses from Minas Gerais - Brazil, and analyzed by MPN-PCR method. Campylobacter was found in 16.8% of samples with microbial load ranging from 60 to 184 MPN/carcass. All isolates were resistant to at least 5 (31.2%) of the antimicrobials screened using the disk diffusion method. Thr-86-Ile gyrA mutation, bla_OxA-61 and tet(O) genes were found in 95%, 100% and 40% resistant isolates to ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and tetracycline, respectively. Almost all isolates (90%) showed the three genes required to synthesize the CmeABC efflux system. The use of efflux pump inhibitor (PAβN) resulted in a significant reduction in the MICs of antimicrobials (2–128 fold), indicating the importance of efflux systems in conferring antimicrobial resistance. Campylobacter were detected at low concentrations in Brazilian chicken carcasses. However, high-levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed and associated with several mechanisms. This study provides a baseline survey on contamination of Campylobacter in Brazilian chicken carcasses and its antimicrobial resistance, giving support for actions directed at reducing this pathogen in the food chain.