Calidad microbiológica de carne de res comercializada en el mercado municipal de Culiacán, Sinaloa / Microbiological quality of beef sold in the municipal market of Culiacan, Sinaloa

The microbiological quality of raw meat was evaluated in 18 retail units of the municipal market in Culiacan, Sinaloa. The levels of E. coli were measured using methods from the Bacteriological Analytical Manual, and the O157 sero-group and the H7 antigen were also evaluated using chromogenic media and PCR, respectively. The results were confirmed using real time-PCR (PCR-TR) and PCR to detect virulence genes (vt1, vt2, eaeA and hlyA). Of the samples tested, 31.5% were positive for E. coli, with concentrations between 100 and 700 CFU/g of beef. Nine suspected E. coli O157:H7 strains were isolated from 16 samples, which were then discarded by the PCR-TR test. The virulence genes were not detected. The microbial contamination of beef could indicate the presence of pathogens from fecal sources. To guarantee the quality of these products, it is important to incorporate food safety programs.

Se evaluó la calidad microbiológica de carne de res en 18 comercios del mercado municipal de Culiacán, Sinaloa. Para determinar E. coli se usó la metodología del Manual Bacteriológico Analítico, y para evaluar el serogrupo O157 y antígeno H7, se usaron medios cromogénicos y PCR, respectivamente. La confirmación se hizo por PCR tiempo real (PCR-TR) y la detección de genes de virulencia (vt1, vt, eaeA y hlyA), por PCR. El 31.5% de muestras resultaron positivas para E. coli, con concentraciones entre 100 y 700 UFC/g. Se aislaron nueve cepas presuntivas de E. coliO157:H7 de 16 muestras, las cuales fueron descartadas con la técnica PCR-TR. No se detectaron genes de virulencia. La contaminación microbiana de la carne de res podría indicar la presencia de patógenos provenientes de fuentes fecales. Por ello es importante incorporar programas de inocuidad para garantizar la calidad de estos productos.