Effect of gamma radiation on survival of campylobacters in various food samples.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Campylobacter spp. is a major food borne pathogen and shows resistance towards gamma radiation. In the present study, effect of gamma radiation was assessed on the indigenous strains of Campylobacter spp. inoculated in food and water samples. METHODS: Campylobacter spp. were isolated from river water and faeces of various birds and animals. The growth rate was studied for these isolates by propagating them in Kapadnis-Baseri medium. The survival of Campylobacter spp. inoculated in food and water samples was tested after exposing them to gamma radiation. RESULTS: The isolates survived well in meat and milk samples and were sensitive to 1.8 KGy dose of gamma radiation, which lies with in the FDA limit. The effect of radiation on Campylobacter spp. varied with the species and the type of food. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained suggest that the dose of gamma radiation should be standardized depending on the Campylobacter spp. and the type of food that is being processed.