Prevalence and Characterization of Salmonella Isolated from Chicken Meat in Turkey

This study was conducted in a Turkish province to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. in 150 chicken meat samples using 2 phenotyping techniques: classic culture technique (CCT) and immunomagnetic separation (IMS). For the confirmation of the isolates at molecular levels, invA gene was detected in these isolates. The presence of invA, class 1 (Cls1) integrons, and integrase (Int1) genes was demonstrated by PCR assay; and the resistance of the isolated Salmonella spp. strains to antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion test. All the cultural and PCR results were evaluated together; Salmonella spp. were detected in a total of 64 (42.66%) chicken meat samples. Contamination rate was higher in carcasses (53.33%, n = 75) than in meat pieces (32%, n = 75). When results of standard culture were compared with IMS technique, IMS (n = 54) showed a clear superiority over the CCT (n = 38). A very high resistance rate (≥89.28%) to vancomycin, tetracycline, streptomycin, or nalidixic acid was found. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole resistance was present in 32.14%. Relatively lower incidence of resistance (≤8.33%) to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and ceftriaxone was observed. Concurrent resistance to at least 4 antibiotics was detected in 92.85% of the isolates. Cls1 integrons and Int1 were positive in 80.95% and 95.23% of the isolates, respectively. However, Int1 alone was detected in 15.47% (n = 13). In conclusion, the high prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat may pose a potential public health risk, and the presence of antibiotic‐resistant Salmonella spp. isolate together with Cls1 integron and/or integrase might play an important role in horizontal antibiotic gene transfer.     

Salmonella spp. contamination in fresh pork and chicken sausages marketed in Niterói and Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

Fresh sausages are one of the most popular meat products consumed in Brazil. However, the use of contaminated raw material, unhygienic handling during processing, and inadequate storage could be hazardous to consumer’s health, since fresh-sausage processing does not include heat treatment and the product may carry several human pathogens such as Salmonella spp.. In this study, a total of 80 fresh sausages prepared with pork and chicken meat were evaluated regarding Salmonella spp. presence by PCR after selective enrichment and bacteriological culture. Twenty-one sausage samples (27 %) proved to be contaminated with Salmonella spp.. Sixteen (76 %) contaminated samples were detected by PCR combined with enrichment broth culturing, whereas conventional microbiological screening detected only 8 (38 %). In this study, evidence was raised regarding packing conditions of fresh sausages, since it seems that there is no significant difference in Salmonella spp. contamination among samples in their original packing (23 %), wrapped in plastic or unpacked (27 %). Similarly, meat composition seems not to have a determinant influence in contamination, since 20 % of the chicken and 29 % of the pork sausages were contaminated. The contamination rate of Tuscan-type sausages was 37 %, while contamination was found in 21 % of ham sausages, suggesting that the cut of pork did not have a determinant influence in the contamination by Salmonella in fresh sausages. The results shown here indicate that fresh sausages marketed in Niterói and Rio de Janeiro may be contaminated with Salmonella spp., requiring more attention by sanitary authorities in order to assure the safety of this food.     

Assessment of the microbiological safety of edible dried seeds from retail premises in the United Kingdom with a focus on Salmonella spp.

Sesame seed products have recently been associated with a number of Salmonella outbreaks in the UK and elsewhere. Aside from sesame seeds, there is little published information on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in edible seeds. A study of 3735 samples of retail edible dried seeds in the UK was therefore carried out between October 2007 and March 2008 to assess their microbiological safety in relation to Salmonella contamination and levels of Escherichia coli, an indicator of faecal contamination. Overall, Salmonella was detected in 23 samples (0.6%), of which over half (57%) were sesame seeds. Other seeds contaminated with Salmonella were linseed (1 sample), sunflower (1 sample), alfalfa (1 sample), melon (4 samples) and mixed seeds (3 samples). E. coli was detected in 9% of samples, with 1.5% containing unsatisfactory levels (≥10²/g). These included melon, pumpkin, sesame, hemp, poppy, linseed, sunflower and mixed seeds. The UK retailers affected by the detection of Salmonella in their products recalled the contaminated batches, and Food Standards Agency food alerts were issued to advise against the consumption of affected seed products. This study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and effective decontamination procedures during the production of these products.     

The incidence and antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella spp. on Irish retail meat products

Irish retail meat (n=74) and poultry samples (n=106) were tested for the presence of naturally occurring Salmonella spp. The pathogen was detected in 28 poultry (n=106), two pork (n=22) and one cooked meat samples (n=20) examined. Salmonella was not isolated from minced beef or lamb samples tested. Initial counts on samples ranged from 0 to log₁₀2·5 cfu g⁻¹. The most commonly isolated serotype was S. bredeney accounting for 48·4%, followed by S. kentucky (35·5%) and S. enteritidis (6·5%). Salmonella spp. (n=31) isolated from food products were also examined for antibiotic resistance. A total of 155 strains (five strains from each isolate) were tested for resistance to 26 antibiotics using the Bauer method. The percentage of samples showing antibiotic resistance amongstSalmonella isolates were as follows: Riampicin (100%); Tetracycline (92·92%); Oxytetracycline (86·26%); Sulphamethoxazole (86·25%) and Streptomycin (80·92%).     

Microbial profiles of frozen trimmings and silver sides prepared at Indian buffalo meat packing plants

To assess microbiological quality of buffalo meat trimmings (TT = 114) and silver sides (SS = 41), samples were collected from four different Indian meat packing plants. The aim of this study was: (i) to evaluate standard plate count (SPC), psychrotrophic count (PTC), Enterococcus feacalis count (EFC), Staphylococcus aureus count (SAC) and Escherichia coli count (ECC) and the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes; and (ii) also to determine vero toxic E. coli (VTEC) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). TT samples had significantly higher (P < 0.001) SPC, PTC, EFC, and SAC than SS, while across the meat types there was no difference (P > 0.05) in ECC. E. coli was recovered from 32.4% TT and 19.5% SS samples. The prevalence rate of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes in TT was 1.75% and 0.87%, respectively. But no SS sample was found to be positive for any of these two pathogens. VTEC was found in 2.58% of all the tested samples. This finding suggests that TT contain higher microbes but only small numbers of pathogens of latent zoonotic importance. The present study confirmed the importance of maintaining good process hygiene at meat plants for microbiological status of buffalo meat.     

A new 7-plex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella Enteritidis in meat products

A 7-plex PCR assay was developed to achieve an effective detection and identification of serotype Enteritidis of Salmonella spp. and shiga toxin-producing type of Escherichia coli O157 in meat products. Six DNA sequences in the invA and sdfI genes of Salmonella Enteritidis as well as rfbE, eae, stx1, and stx2 genes of E. coli O157:H7 were employed to design primers. The multiplex PCR assay could specifically and sensitively detect and identify target pathogens. Applying the assay to meat samples, the multiplex PCR assay was able to simultaneously detect and identify the two pathogens at a sensitivity of three CFU/10 g raw meats after simple 16 h enrichment in buffered peptone water. Further applying in 21 retail meat samples revealed that two samples were positive for non-shiga toxin producing E. coli O157, one sample was positive for Stx2 producing E. coli O157 and five samples were positive for Salmonella enterica Enteritidis. Taken together, the 7-plex PCR assay is a rapid and reliable method for effectively screening single or multiple pathogens occurrences in various meat products, and could also identify the Salmonella enterica Enteritidis from all Salmonella spp. and shiga toxin producing type from all E. coli strains. Considering as a non expensive screening tool, the multiplex PCR assay has a great potential in complement for food stuff analysis by conventional microbiological tests.     

Meta-analysis of the incidence of foodborne pathogens in Portuguese meats and their products

Meat and meat products are the main vehicles of foodborne diseases in humans caused by pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) and Staphylococcus aureus. In order to prioritise research on those microbial hazards, a meta-analysis study was conducted to summarise available information on the presence of such pathogens in meats produced in Portugal. By using a logit-transformed proportion as effect size parameterisation, a number of multilevel random-effect meta-analysis models were fitted to estimate mean occurrence rates of pathogens, and to compare them among meat categories (i.e., bovine meat, broiler meat, pork, minced beef and minced pork), and among meat product categories (i.e., intended to be eaten cooked, to be eaten raw and cured meats). The mean occurrence rate of Campylobacter in Portuguese broiler meat (40%; 95% CI: 22.0–61.4%) was about ten times higher than that of Salmonella (4.0%; 95% CI: 1.4–10.8%); although these levels were comparable to current EU ranges. Nevertheless, in the other meat categories, the meta-analysed incidences of Salmonella were slightly to moderately higher than EU averages. A semi-quantitative risk ranking of pathogens in Portuguese-produced pork pointed Salmonella spp. as critical (with a mean occurrence of 12.6%; 95% CI: 8.0–19.3%), and Y. enterocolitica as high (6.8%; 95% CI: 2.2–19.3%). In the case of the Portuguese meat products, the non-compliance to EU microbiological criteria for L. monocytogenes (8.8%; 95% CI: 6.5–11.8%) and Salmonella spp. (9.7%; 95% CI: 7.0–13.4%) at sample units level, in the categories ‘intended to be eaten cooked’ and ‘to be eaten raw’, were considerably higher than EU levels for ready-to-eat products in comparable categories. S. aureus was the pathogen of greatest concern given its high occurrence (22.6%; 95% CI: 15.4–31.8%) in meat products. These results emphasised the necessity of Portuguese food safety agencies to take monitoring, and training actions for the maintenance of good hygiene practices during the production of the great variety of traditional meat products. This meta-analysis study also highlighted important gaps of knowledge, and may assist food safety authorities in the prioritisation of microbiological hazards, and the implementation of essential food safety assurance systems at primary production.     

Antimicrobial resistant genes associated with Salmonella from retail meats and street foods

We examined the antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates from 300 meat products (raw beef, chicken meat and street foods). A total of 88 non-duplicate Salmonella from 66 (22.0%) retail meat and 22 (7.5%) street food samples were recovered and 11 serovars were identified. Among the 88 Salmonella isolates, the highest resistance was to tetracycline (73.8%), followed by sulfonamide (63.6%), streptomycin (57.9%), nalidixic acid (44.3%), trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (19.3%), ampicillin (17.0%), chloramphenicol (10.2%), cephalotin (8.0%), kanamycin (6.8%), ciprofloxacin (2.2%) gentamycin (2.2%), cefoxitin (2.2%), amoxicillin–clavulanate (1.0%) and amikacin (1.0%). Sixty-seven percent of the isolates (59/88) were multidrug resistant (MDR). Ten out of 17 resistance genes (bla_TEM-1, strA, strB, aadA, sulI, sulII, tetA, tetB, floR, cmlA) were detected. Twelve of the 59 MDR Salmonella isolates from serovars Typhimurium (6), Newport (3), Agona (1), Albany (1) and Weltevreden (1) had class 1 integrons. The gene cassettes identified were dfrA1, dfrV, dfrA12, aadA2, sul1 genes and an open reading frame orfC of unknown function. Four integron-positive isolates could transfer resistance phenotypes to the recipient strain, E. coli J53 via conjugation. These data revealed that the Salmonella isolates recovered from the retail meats and cooked street foods were resistant to multiple antimicrobials, which can be transmitted to humans through food products. The occurrence of mobile genetic elements such as integrons reiterates the roles of food of animal origins as a reservoir of MDR Salmonella.     

Comparison of the Antimicrobial and Sanitizer Resistance of Salmonella Isolates from Chicken Slaughter Processes in Korea

Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen worldwide. Outbreaks of Salmonella are commonly associated with consumption of contaminated foods such as poultry products. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the occurrence, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and sanitizer resistance of Salmonella enterica isolated from chicken carcasses. A total of 318 samples were collected from 15 chicken slaughterhouses in 8 provinces of Korea. They were then examined for Salmonella contamination. S. enterica isolates were tested for their susceptibilities to 15 antimicrobials by broth microdilution method. Their biofilm formation ability and resistance to sanitizers were also evaluated. Eighty‐two isolates of S. enterica were obtained from the 318 samples. There were 14 serotypes and 2 untypable isolates. Fifty‐seven (69.5%) isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic while 30 (36.6%) isolates were resistant to 5 or more antibiotics. Two S. Senftenberg and 3 S. Montevideo isolates exhibited considerable biofilm formation ability (A₆₀₀>0.2) following incubation in Luria‐Bertani (LB) broth for 48 h. Biofilm cell survival and recovery growth assay after sanitization showed that most isolates were highly susceptible to 2.5% lactic acid and 0.1% cetylpyridinium chloride. Therefore, lactic acid and cetylpyridinium chloride might be alternatively or additionally used in addition to chlorine‐based sanitizers that are frequently used to reduce Salmonella contamination of chicken carcasses. Our results provide basic information on the distribution of Salmonella serotypes in chicken slaughterhouses. This study also highlights the necessity to improve farming practices and use antimicrobial agents cautiously. This study also suggests that sanitization during the slaughtering process might be necessary to reduce Salmonella contamination of chicken carcasses.     

Prevalence, characterization and sources of Listeria monocytogenes in blue crab (Callinectus sapidus) meat and blue crab processing plants

Seven blue crab processing plants were sampled to determine the prevalence and sources of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes for two years (2006–2007). A total of 488 raw crabs, 624 cooked crab meat (crab meat) and 624 environmental samples were tested by standard methods. Presumptive Listeria spp. were isolated from 19.5% of raw crabs, 10.8% of crab meat, and 69.5% of environmental samples. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 4.5% of raw crabs, 0.2% of crab meat, and 2.1% of environmental samples. Ninety-seven percent of the isolates were resistant to at least one of the ten antibiotics tested. Eight different serotypes were found among 76 L. monocytogenes isolates tested with the most common being 4b, 1/2b and 1/2a. Automated EcoRI ribotyping differentiated 11 ribotypes among the 106 L. monocytogenes isolates. Based on ribotyping analysis, the distribution of the ribotypes in each processing plant had a unique contamination pattern. A total of 92 ApaI and 88 AscI pulsotypes among the 106 L. monocytogenes isolates were found and distinct pulsotypes were observed in raw crab, crab meat and environmental samples. Ribotypes and serotypes recovered from crab processing plants included subtypes that have been associated with listeriosis cases in other food outbreaks. Our findings suggest that molecular methods may provide critical information about sources of L. monocytogenes in crab processing plants and will augment efforts to improve food safety control strategies such as targeting specific sources of contamination and use of aggressive detergents prior to sanitizing.     

Occurrence,Characterization, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonella enterica in Slaughtered Pigs in Sardinia

The aim of this study was to determine Salmonella occurrence in slaughtered finishing pigs and piglets and in slaughterhouse environment in order to characterize the isolates with phenotypical (antimicrobial testing) and molecular (PFGE, MLVA) methods. Nine slaughterhouses located in Sardinia were visited. Six hundred and eight samples collected from 106 pigs and 108 environmental samples were collected and analyzed. Salmonella was isolated in 65 of 504 (12.9%) samples from finishing pigs, with an occurrence of 15.1% in colon content, 12.7% in lymph nodes and liver, and 11.1% in carcass surface samples. Salmonella was never detected in piglets. The combined results of serotyping and PFGE showed a possible self‐contamination in 71.5% of Salmonella positive carcasses of lymph nodes and/or colon content carriers, pointing out the role of healthy pigs for carcass contamination. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) occurrence was detected in finishing pigs of EC countries origin (23%) than in pigs of local farms (8%). Salmonella was also detected in 3.7% of environmental samples. The most prevalent serovar was S. Anatum, followed by S. Rissen, S. Derby, and monophasic S. Typhimurium. Resistance to at least 3 antimicrobial was observed in 97.1% of strains and 7 different patterns of multiple resistance were identified. The most common resistance was detected against sulphonamide compounds. A strict slaughterhouse application of hygiene standards is essential to control the risk of Salmonella contamination.     

Investigation of Salmonella enterica in Sardinian slaughter pigs: prevalence, serotype and genotype characterization

In order to improve the knowledge about the presence of Salmonella in pork meat in Sardinia (Italy), the prevalence and the sources of Salmonella at 5 pig slaughterhouses (slaughtered pigs and environment) were investigated and the isolates were characterised. A total of 462 samples were collected, 425 from pigs at slaughter and 41 from the slaughterhouse environment. Salmonella was isolated from 26/85 (30.5%) mesenteric lymph nodes, 14/85 (16.4%) colon contents, and from 12/85 (14.1%) carcasses and livers. Salmonella prevalence was 38% (8/21) in samples from surfaces not in contact with meat, and 35% (7/20) in those from surfaces in contact with meat. Thirty-one pigs were identified as carriers of Salmonella in lymph nodes and/or colon content, but of these, only 8 carcasses were positive. A total of 103 Salmonella isolates were serotyped and genotyped. Eight different serotypes were detected; the most common were S. Derby (44/103, 42.7%) and S. Typhimurium (24/103, 23.3%). The most prevalent S. Typhimurium phage type was DT193. Thirty-two isolates were found to be resistant to more than one antimicrobial (MDR). Pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) permitted the resolution of XbaI macrorestriction fragments of the Salmonella strains into 20 distinct pulsotypes. Combined application of a plasmid profiling assay (PPA) and PFGE gave useful additional information to assist in tracing the routes of Salmonella contamination in abattoirs. To reduce Salmonella prevalence some preventive measures should be encouraged: the origin of infected slaughter animals should be identified and direct and cross-contamination of carcasses should be avoided by adhering to HACCP principles in association with good hygiene procedures (GHP).     

Microbiological quality and potential public health risks of export meat from springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) in Namibia

To assess the microbiological quality and safety of export game meat; i) a total of 80 pooled meat samples for aerobic plate count (APC) and Enterobacteriaceae ii) water used in harvesting and processing for microbiological quality and iii) meat and rectal contents for Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin Escherichia coli (STEC) were evaluated in 2009 and 2010. No differences (p > 0.05) in the APCs were observed between the years, but the mean Enterobacteriaceae count for 2009 was 1.33 ± 0.69 log₁₀ cfu/cm² compared to 2.93 ± 1.50 log₁₀ cfu/cm² for 2010. Insignificant Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) levels were detected in 9/23 field water samples, while fecal bacterial (coliforms, Clostridium perfringens and enterococci) were absent in all samples. No Salmonella spp. was isolated and all E. coli isolates from meat were negative for STEC virulence genes (stx1, stx2, eae and hlyA), suggesting a negligible role by springbok in the epidemiology of STEC and Salmonella.     

Evaluation of hygiene practices and microbiological quality of cooked meat products during slicing and handling at retail

Cooked meat ready-to-eat products are recognized to be contaminated during slicing which, in the last years, has been associated with several outbreaks. This work aimed to find out possible relation between the hygiene practice taking place at retail point during slicing of cooked meat products in small and medium-sized establishments (SMEs) and large-sized establishments (LEs) and the microbiological quality of sliced cooked meat products. For that, a checklist was drawn up and filled in based on scoring handling practice during slicing in different establishments in Cordoba (Southern Spain). In addition, sliced cooked meats were analyzed for different microbiological indicators and investigated for the presence of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Results indicated that SMEs showed a more deficient handling practices compared to LEs. In spite of these differences, microbiological counts indicated similar microbiological quality in cooked meat samples for both types of establishments. On the other hand, Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria inocua were isolated from 7.35% (5/68) and 8.82% (6/68) of analyzed samples, respectively. Positive samples for Listeria spp. were found in establishments which showed acceptable hygiene levels, though contamination could be associated to the lack of exclusiveness of slicers at retail points. Moreover, Listeria spp presence could not be statistically linked to any microbiological parameters; however, it was observed that seasonality influenced significantly (P < 0.05) L. monocytogenes presence, being all samples found during warm season (5/5). As a conclusion, results suggested that more effort should be made to adequately educate handlers in food hygiene practices, focused specially on SMEs.     

Effect of Nanoemulsified and Microencapsulated Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) Essential Oil Coatings on Quality of Fresh Pork Meat

Fresh meat is a highly perishable food. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) incorporated into active coatings (ACs) spread on fresh pork meat as free (FEO), nanoemulsified (NEO), and microencapsulated (MEO) essential oil (EO), on its microbiological, physicochemical and sensory properties during 15 d at 4 ± 1 °C. Thymol and γ‐terpinene were identified in the EO. In vitro effect of 2.85 mg EO/cm² was tested against Brochothrix thermosphacta, Micrococcus luteus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pseudomonas fragi, and Salmonella Infantis. FEO antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay) was significantly higher than that of thymol, NEO and MEO (93.53%, 89.92%, 77.79%, and 78.50% inhibition, respectively), and similar to BHA (96.03%) and gallic acid (95.57%). FEO, NEO, and MEO ACs on meat caused growth inhibition of lactic acid bacteria (5 log population reduction) and Pseudomonas spp. (4 log reduction), whereas ≤1.5 log population reduction was observed for B. thermosphacta and Salmonella Infantis. Meat microbiota was more efficiently controlled by MEO than by FEO or NEO. ACs delayed lipid and oxymyoglobin oxidation of fresh pork meat. After 15 d of cold storage meat added with EO coatings was desirable for panelists, whereas untreated (UT) samples were undesirable. Active coatings are a significant alternative method for fresh meat preservation.     

Outbreaks and factors influencing microbiological contamination of fresh produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritionally well‐recognised as healthy components in diets. The microbiological foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh produce have been increasing. Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter spp. and Listeria monocytogenes are the most common pathogens that contaminate fresh produce. This review discusses recent foodborne outbreaks linked to fresh produce, factors that affect microbiological contamination and measures that could be adopted to reduce the foodborne illnesses. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Metabolomic profiling of food matrices: Preliminary identification of potential markers of microbial contamination

The research aimed to generate an early warning system highlighting in real-time bacterial contamination of meat matrices and providing information which could support companies in accepting or rejecting batches. Current microorganisms’ detection methods rely on techniques (plate counting), which provide retrospective values for microbial contamination. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the ability of the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methodologies to detect volatile organic carbons (VOCs), which may be associated to a peculiar microbiological contamination of food. The disposal of fast headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) able to accurately and rapidly (30 min per sample) detect pathogens in raw meat could replace the traditional and time-consuming (3 to 4 days) standardized microbiological analysis required by regulations. Experiments focused on qualitative and quantitative evaluations of VOCs produced by Salmonella Typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni, and Staphylococcus aureus in different types of raw meat (beef, pork, chicken). HS-SPME-GC/MS allowed to use smaller sample volumes compared to traditional methods with no sample processing and the potentiality for its application on various food matrices for the detection of a wide variety of pathogens. Data analysis showed the identification of unique VOCs’ profiles being possible markers of meat contamination due to their association to specific pathogens. The identification of VOCs markers in association to selected bacterial pathogens and their metabolites could support the rapid determination of specific meat samples contamination. Further research is required to outline-specific metabolic profiles for each microorganism responsible of meat contamination and prevent false positives.     

Detection of Salmonella spp. in Oysters Using Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and Gene Probes

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA amplification method was used to identify oligonucleotide primers from a target gene, hns, to specifically detect SulmonelIu spp. in contaminated oysters. The primers for PCR amplification and a hybridizing oligonucleotide probe to detect the amplified DNA were specific for all Salmonella spp. tested. Modification of a procedure for extracting DNA from oyster tissue matrices followed by PCR amplification, and coupled with gene-probe hybridization detected <40 cells of seeded or naturally occurring Sulmonella spp./g of oyster meat samples without any enrichment step. The detection of SaZmonella spp. was reliable, sensitive, and required considerably less time than conventional microbiological culture methods.     

A Pilot Study for Identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella</Emphasis> in Food Processing Plants by Real-Time PCR Screening

Salmonella remains a major public health concern worldwide. Microbiological methods are the gold standard for Salmonella detection. These methods are highly specific, but their sensitivity is variable. Moreover, they are lengthy, labour intensive and not always consistent with the speed of food manufacturing processes. Thus, in the food industry, there is the need for more rapid, sensitive and accurate detection methods. The purpose of this study is to describe a Salmonella-monitoring scheme in different food processing plants based on a screening approach by a commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit and subsequent confirmation of positive molecular results by the reference microbiological method. This scheme was tested on a total of 4,693 samples, 90 of which were positive with the real-time PCR screening; 52 of the positive samples were eventually confirmed by the microbiological method. The real-time PCR kit was tested in comparison to the microbiological method in order to evaluate its performances and drawbacks. The comparison between cycle threshold (Ct) values of real-time PCR and the microbiological results (Wilcoxon rank sum test) showed a statistically significant difference between the Ct values of bacteriological positive and bacteriological negative samples (p value, <0.05). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the Ct value ensuring the lowest level of misclassification between Salmonella-positive and negative samples. The present study confirms that the real-time PCR kit tested could be used as a screening tool, leading to a rapid and sensitive identification of Salmonella and confining bacteriological confirmation to samples previously identified as positive.     

Comparison of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella and Campylobacter isolated from turkeys in the Midwest USA

The current study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles and evaluate some molecular characteristics of a set of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates recovered from production line turkeys in the Midwest region of the United States. A total of 94 birds identified as being positive for both Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. were selected for study. All Salmonella isolates were examined for antimicrobial resistance using the methods employed in the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS). Campylobacter isolates were subjected to similar analysis using the Etest^®. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to determine the presence of the antimicrobial resistance associated genes, integrase (int1), class 1 integrons (Salmonella and Campylobacter) and a multidrug efflux pump (Campylobacter spp.). Results from the study showed that the Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates examined displayed resistance to a number of antimicrobials, with Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates being resistant to at least three antimicrobials while some isolates showed resistances to 6 or 8 different antimicrobials. In addition, 68.1% of the Salmonella isolates tested were found to be positive for the class I integrase gene (int1), 28.7% possessed a 1000 bp gene cassette and 17% possessed an 800 bp gene cassette. All Campylobacter isolates were negative for int1, but 36.2% tested positive for the Campylobacter multidrug efflux pump (CmeB). A considerable number of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates tested displayed varying degrees of antimicrobial resistance as well as the presence of some factors associated with the carriage and persistence of antimicrobial resistance. Similarities in the types of antimicrobial resistance observed in Campylobacter and Salmonella strains was evident. The results of this study suggest that prescribing practice at the farm level may be a factor in promoting antimicrobial resistance in more than one species of organism. Such practices may, therefore, contribute to the potential health risk for consumers should micro-organisms carrying multiple antimicrobial resistances enter the food chain. This study may be one of the first to report on the incidence of the multidrug efflux pump (CmeB) in Campylobacters recovered from processed turkeys. The antimicrobial resistance and molecular characteristics of Salmonella and Campylobacter is discussed.