Draft Genome Sequences of Campylobacter jejuni Strains Isolated from Poultry.

Four wild-type Campylobacter jejuni strains isolated from the cecal contents of broiler chickens were sequenced. The average genome size was 1,622,170 bp, with 1,667 to 1,761 coding sequences and 47 to 51 RNAs. Multiple genes encoding motility, intestinal colonization, toxin production, stress tolerance, and multidrug resistance were present in all the strains.

Trans-Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol and Carvacrol Reduce Campylobacter jejuni Biofilms and Modulate Expression of Select Genes and Proteins.

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of human foodborne illness globally, and is strongly linked with the consumption of contaminated poultry products. Several studies have shown that C. jejuni can form sanitizer tolerant biofilm leading to product contamination, however, limited research has been conducted to develop effective control strategies against C. jejuni biofilms. This study investigated the efficacy of three generally recognized as safe status phytochemicals namely, trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), eugenol (EG), or carvacrol (CR) in inhibiting C. jejuni biofilm formation and inactivating mature biofilm on common food contact surfaces at 20 and 37°C. In addition, the effect of phytochemicals on biofilm architecture and expression of genes and proteins essential for biofilm formation was evaluated. For the inhibition study, C. jejuni was allowed to form biofilms either in the presence or absence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of TC (0.75 mM), EG (0.61 mM), or CR (0.13 mM) for 48 h and the biofilm formation was quantified at 24-h interval. For the inactivation study, C. jejuni biofilms developed at 20 or 37°C for 48 h were exposed to the phytochemicals for 1, 5, or 10 min and surviving C. jejuni in the biofilm were enumerated. All phytochemicals reduced C. jejuni biofilm formation as well as inactivated mature biofilm on polystyrene and steel surface at both temperatures (P < 0.05). The highest dose of TC (75.64 mM), EG (60.9 mM) and CR (66.56 mM) inactivated (>7 log reduction) biofilm developed on steel (20°C) within 5 min. The genes encoding for motility systems (flaA, flaB, and flgA) were downregulated by all phytochemicals (P < 0.05). The expression of stress response (cosR, ahpC) and cell surface modifying genes (waaF) was reduced by EG. LC-MS/MS based proteomic analysis revealed that TC, EG, and CR significantly downregulated the expression of NapA protein required for oxidative stress response. The expression of chaperone protein DnaK and bacterioferritin required for biofilm formation was reduced by TC and CR. Scanning electron microscopy revealed disruption of biofilm architecture and loss of extracellular polymeric substances after treatment. Results suggest that TC, EG, and CR could be used as a natural disinfectant for controlling C. jejuni biofilms in processing areas.

Edible Coatings Fortified With Carvacrol Reduce Campylobacter jejuni on Chicken Wingettes and Modulate Expression of Select Virulence Genes.

Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of foodborne disease in humans, associate primarily with consumption of contaminated poultry and poultry products. Intervention strategies aimed at reducing C. jejuni contamination on poultry products could significantly reduce C. jejuni infection in humans. This study evaluated the efficacy of gum arabic (GA) and chitosan (CH) fortified with carvacrol (CR) as an antimicrobial coating treatment for reducing C. jejuni on chicken wingettes. Aforementioned compounds are generally recognized as safe status compounds obtained from gum arabic tree, crustaceans and oregano oil respectively. A total of four separate trials were conducted in which wingettes were randomly assigned to baseline, saline control (wingettes washed with saline), GA (10%), CH (2%), CR (0.25, 0.5, or 1%) or their combinations. Each wingette was inoculated with a cocktail of four wild-type strains of C. jejuni (∼7.5 log10 cfu/sample). Following 1 min of coating in aforementioned treatments, wingettes were air dried (1 h) and sampled at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of refrigerated storage for C. jejuni and total aerobic counts (n = 5 wingettes/treatment/day). In addition, the effect of treatments on wingette color was measured using a Minolta colorimeter. Furthermore, the effect of treatments on the expression of C. jejuni survival/virulence genes was evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. Results showed that all three doses of CR, CH or GA-based coating fortified with CR reduced C. jejuni from day 0 through 7 by up to 3.0 log10 cfu/sample (P < 0.05). The antimicrobial efficacy of GA was improved by CR and the coatings reduced C. jejuni by ∼1 to 2 log10 cfu/sample at day 7. Moreover, CH + CR coatings reduced total aerobic counts when compared with non-coated samples for a majority of the storage times. No significant difference in the color of chicken wingettes was observed between treatments. Exposure of pathogen to sublethal concentrations of CR, CH or combination significantly modulated select genes encoding for energy taxis (cetB), motility (motA), binding (cadF), and attachment (jlpA). The results suggest that GA or CH-based coating with CR could potentially be used as a natural antimicrobial to control C. jejuni in postharvest poultry products.

Gene Expression Response of Salmonella enterica Serotype Enteritidis Phage Type 8 to Subinhibitory Concentrations of the Plant-Derived Compounds Trans-Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol.

Background:Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 8 (PT8) is a major poultry-associated Salmonella strain implicated in foodborne outbreaks in the United States. We previously reported that two plant-derived compounds generally recognized as safe (GRAS), trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), and eugenol (EG), significantly reduced S. Enteritidis colonization in broiler and layer chickens. To elucidate potential PT8 genes affected by TC and EG during colonization, a whole-genome microarray analysis of the bacterium treated with TC and EG was conducted. Results:S. Enteritidis PT8 was grown in Luria-Bertani broth at 37°C to an OD600 of ~0.5. Subinhibitory concentrations (SICs; concentration that does not inhibit bacterial growth) of TC (0.01%; 0.75 mM) or EG (0.04%; 2.46 mM) were then added to the culture. S. Enteritidis PT8 RNA was extracted before and 30 min after TC or EG addition. Labeled cDNA from three replicate experiments was subsequently hybridized to a microarray of over 99% of S. Enteritidis PT4 genes, and the hybridization signals were quantified. The plant-derived compounds down-regulated (P < 0.005) expression of S. Enteritidis PT8 genes involved in flagellar motility, regulation of the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1, and invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. TC and EG also suppressed transcription of genes encoding multiple transport systems and outer membrane proteins. Moreover, several metabolic and biosynthetic pathways in the pathogen were down-regulated during exposure to the plant-derived compounds. Both TC and EG stimulated the transcription of heat shock genes, such as dnaK, dnaJ, ibpB, and ibpA in S. Enteritidis PT8 (P < 0.005). The results obtained from microarray were validated using a quantitative real-time PCR. Conclusion: The plant-derived compounds TC and EG exert antimicrobial effects on S. Enteritidis PT8 by affecting multiple genes, including those associated with virulence, colonization, cell membrane composition, and transport systems.

Phytochemicals reduce aflatoxin-induced toxicity in chicken embryos.

Aflatoxins (AF) are toxic metabolites produced by molds, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which frequently contaminate poultry feed ingredients. Ingestion of AF-contaminated feed by chickens leads to deleterious effects, including decreased bird performance and reduced egg production. Moreover, AF residues in fertilized eggs result in huge economic losses by decreasing embryo viability and hatchability. This study investigated the efficacy of 2 generally recognized as safe phytochemicals, namely carvacrol (CR) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), in protecting chicken embryos from AF-induced toxicity. Day-old embryonated eggs were injected with 50 ng or 75 ng AF with or without 0.1% CR or TC, followed by incubation in an incubator for 18 d. Relative embryo weight, yolk sac weight, tibia weight, tibia length, and mortality were recorded on d 18 of incubation. The effect of phytochemicals and methanol (diluent) on embryo viability was also determined. Each experiment had ten treatments with 15 eggs/treatment (n = 150 eggs/experiment) and each experiment was replicated 3 times. Both phytochemicals significantly decreased AF-induced toxicity in chicken embryos. At 75 ng of AF/egg, CR and TC increased the survival of chicken embryo by ∼55%. Moreover, CR and TC increased relative embryo weight by ∼3.3% and 17% when compared to eggs injected with 50 ng or 75 ng AF, respectively. The growth of embryos (tibia length and weight) was improved in phytochemical-treated embryos compared to those injected with AF alone (P < 0.05). Phytochemical and methanol treatments did not adversely affect embryo survival, and other measured parameters as compared to the negative control (P > 0.05). Results from this study demonstrate that CR and TC could reduce AF-induced toxicity in chicken embryos; however, additional studies are warranted to delineate the mechanistic basis behind this effect.

Trans-Cinnamaldehyde, Carvacrol, and Eugenol Reduce Campylobacter jejuni Colonization Factors and Expression of Virulence Genes in Vitro.

Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen that causes severe gastroenteritis in humans characterized by fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In the human gut, Campylobacter adheres and invades the intestinal epithelium followed by cytolethal distending toxin mediated cell death, and enteritis. Reducing the attachment and invasion of Campylobacter to intestinal epithelium and expression of its virulence factors such as motility and cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) production could potentially reduce infection in humans. This study investigated the efficacy of sub-inhibitory concentrations (SICs, concentration not inhibiting bacterial growth) of three GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status phytochemicals namely trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC; 0.005, 0.01%), carvacrol (CR; 0.001, 0.002%), and eugenol (EG; 0.005, 0.01%) in reducing the attachment, invasion, and translocation of C. jejuni on human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). Additionally, the effect of these phytochemicals on Campylobacter motility and CDT production was studied using standard bioassays and gene expression analysis. All experiments had duplicate samples and were replicated three times on three strains (wild type S-8, NCTC 11168, 81-176) of C. jejuni. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with GraphPad ver. 6. Differences between the means were considered significantly different at P < 0.05. The majority of phytochemical treatments reduced C. jejuni adhesion, invasion, and translocation of Caco-2 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, the phytochemicals reduced pathogen motility and production of CDT in S-8 and NCTC 11168 (P < 0.05). Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that phytochemicals reduced the transcription of select C. jejuni genes critical for infection in humans (P < 0.05). Results suggest that TC, CR, and EG could potentially be used to control C. jejuni infection in humans.

Application of ß-Resorcylic Acid as Potential Antimicrobial Feed Additive to Reduce Campylobacter Colonization in Broiler Chickens.

Campylobacter is one of the major foodborne pathogens that result in severe gastroenteritis in humans, primarily through consumption of contaminated poultry products. Chickens are the reservoir host of Campylobacter, where the pathogen colonizes the ceca, thereby leading to contamination of carcass during slaughter. A reduction in cecal colonization by Campylobacter would directly translate into reduced product contamination and risk of human infections. With increasing consumer demand for antibiotic free chickens, significant research is being conducted to discover natural, safe and economical antimicrobials that can effectively control Campylobacter colonization in birds. This study investigated the efficacy of in-feed supplementation of a phytophenolic compound, ß-resorcylic acid (BR) for reducing Campylobacter colonization in broiler chickens. In two separate, replicate trials, day-old-chicks (Cobb500; n = 10 birds/treatment) were fed with BR (0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1%) in feed for a period of 14 days (n = 40/trial). Birds were challenged with a four-strain mixture of Campylobacter jejuni (∼106 CFU/ml; 250 µl/bird) on day 7 and cecal samples were collected on day 14 for enumerating surviving Campylobacter in cecal contents. In addition, the effect of BR on the critical colonization factors of Campylobacter (motility, epithelial cell attachment) was studied using phenotypic assay, cell culture, and real-time quantitative PCR. Supplementation of BR in poultry feed for 14 days at 0.5 and 1% reduced Campylobacter populations in cecal contents by ∼2.5 and 1.7 Log CFU/g, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant differences in feed intake and body weight gain were observed between control and treatment birds fed the compound (P > 0.05). Follow up mechanistic analysis revealed that sub-inhibitory concentration of BR significantly reduced Campylobacter motility, attachment to and invasion of Caco-2 cells. In addition, the expression of C. jejuni genes coding for motility (motA, motB, fliA) and attachment (jlpA, ciaB) was down-regulated as compared to controls (P < 0.05). These results suggest that BR could potentially be used as a feed additive to reduce Campylobacter colonization in broilers.

Targeting motility properties of bacteria in the development of probiotic cultures against Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens.

Campylobacter is the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Campylobacter is commonly present in the intestinal tract of poultry, and one strategy to reduce enteric colonization is the use of probiotic cultures. This strategy has successfully reduced enteric colonization of Salmonella, but has had limited success against Campylobacter. In an effort to improve the efficacy of probiotic cultures, we developed a novel in vitro screening technique for selecting bacterial isolates with enhanced motility. It is proposed that motility-selected bacteria have the marked ability to reach the same gastrointestinal niche in poultry and competitively reduce C. jejuni. Bacterial isolates were collected from ceca of healthy chickens, and motile isolates were identified and tested for anti-Campylobacter activity. Isolates with these properties were selected for increased motility by passing each isolate 10 times and at each passage selecting bacteria that migrated the farthest during each passage. Three bacterial isolates with the greatest motility (all Bacillus subtilis) were used alone or in combination in two chicken trials. At day of hatch, chicks were administered these isolates alone or in combination (n=10/treatment, two trials), and chicks were orally challenged with a mixture of four different wild-type strains of C. jejuni (∼10(5) CFU/mL) on day 7. Isolate 1 reduced C. jejuni colonization in both of the trials (p<0.05). A follow-up study was conducted to compare isolate 1 subjected to enhanced motility selection with its nonselected form. A reduction (p<0.05) in Campylobacter colonization was observed in all three trials in the chickens dosed using isolate with enhanced motility compared to the control and unselected isolate. These findings support the theory that the motility enhancement of potential probiotic bacteria may provide a strategy for reduction of C. jejuni in preharvest chickens.

Multiplex PCR assay for the detection and quantification of Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella serotypes in water samples.

Three pathogens, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli, are leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Although these three bacteria are typically considered food-borne pathogens, outbreaks have been reported due to contaminated drinking water and irrigation water. The aim of this research was to develop two types of PCR assays that could detect and quantify three pathogens, Campylobacter spp., E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp., in watershed samples. In conventional PCR, three target strains were detected by multiplex PCR (m-PCR) using each specific primer pair simultaneously. Under optimized m-PCR conditions, the assay produced a 90-bp product for Campylobacter jejuni, a 150-bp product for E. coli O157:H7, and a 262-bp product for Salmonella Typhimurium, and the limitation of detection was approximately 700 copies for all three bacteria. In addition, real-time PCR was performed to quantify the three pathogens using SYBR green fluorescence. The assay was designed so that each target had a different melting temperature [C. jejuni (80.1 °C), E. coli O157:H7 (83.3 °C), and S. Typhimurium (85.9 °C)]. Therefore, this system could quantify and distinguish three pathogens simultaneously in a single reaction.

Caprylic Acid reduces enteric campylobacter colonization in market-aged broiler chickens but does not appear to alter cecal microbial populations.

Campylobacter is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, and epidemiological evidence indicates poultry products to be a significant source of human Campylobacter infections. Caprylic acid, an eight-carbon medium-chain fatty acid, reduces Campylobacter colonization in chickens. How caprylic acid reduces Campylobacter carriage may be related to changes in intestinal microflora. To evaluate this possibility, cecal microbial populations were evaluated with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis from market-age broiler chickens fed caprylic acid. In the first trial, chicks (n = 40 per trial) were assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10 birds per treatment group): positive controls (Campylobacter, no caprylic acid), with or without a 12-h feed withdrawal before slaughter; and 0.7% caprylic acid supplemented in feed for the last 3 days of the trial, with or without a 12-h feed withdrawal before slaughter. Treatments were similar for trial 2, except caprylic acid was supplemented for the last 7 days of the trial. At age 14 days, chicks were orally challenged with Campylobacter jejuni, and on day 42, ceca were collected for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and Campylobacter analysis. Caprylic acid supplemented for 3 or 7 days at 0.7% reduced Campylobacter compared with the positive controls, except for the 7-day treatment with a 12-h feed withdrawal period. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles of the cecal content showed very limited differences in microbial populations. The results of this study indicate that caprylic acid's ability to reduce Campylobacter does not appear to be due to changes in cecal microflora.

Prophylactic supplementation of caprylic acid in feed reduces Salmonella enteritidis colonization in commercial broiler chicks.

Salmonella Enteritidis is a major foodborne pathogen for which chickens serve as reservoir hosts. Reducing Salmonella Enteritidis carriage in chickens would reduce contamination of poultry meat and eggs with this pathogen. We investigated the prophylactic efficacy of feed supplemented with caprylic acid (CA), a natural, generally recognized as safe eight-carbon fatty acid, for reducing Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in chicks. One hundred commercial day-old chicks were randomly divided into five groups of 20 birds each: CA control (no Salmonella Enteritidis, CA), positive control (Salmonella Enteritidis, no CA), negative control (no Salmonella Enteritidis, no CA), and 0.7 or 1% CA. Water and feed were provided ad libitum. On day 8, birds were inoculated with 5.0 log CFU of Salmonella Enteritidis by crop gavage. Six birds from each group were euthanized on days 1, 7, and 10 after challenge, and Salmonella Enteritidis populations in the cecum, small intestine, cloaca, crop, liver, and spleen were enumerated. The study was replicated three times. CA supplementation at 0.7 and 1% consistently decreased Salmonella Enteritidis populations recovered from the treated birds. Salmonella Enteritidis counts in the tissue samples of CA-treated chicks were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of control birds on days 7 and 10 after challenge. Feed intake and body weight did not differ between the groups. Histological examination revealed no pathological changes in the cecum and liver of CA-supplemented birds. The results suggest that prophylactic CA supplementation through feed can reduce Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in day-old chicks and may be a useful treatment for reducing Salmonella Enteritidis carriage in chickens.

Antibiotic residues distribute uniformly in broiler chicken breast muscle tissue.

Use of antibiotics by the poultry industry has the potential to produce residues in edible tissues. In order to protect consumers, the U.S. federal government performs extensive evaluations to quantify residues in edible tissues to ensure that concentrations do not exceed the tolerance level. However, in the case of muscle tissue, the regulatory process does not differentiate between different edible muscle types in poultry. Previous studies performed by our laboratory determined higher fluoroquinolone residue concentrations in breast versus thigh muscle. Thus, if thigh tissues were used for residue monitoring, it would not accurately depict the higher concentrations. It is also possible that residue concentrations vary within tissues. To evaluate this possibility, fluoroquinolone antibiotic residues were determined for different breast sections. One hundred sixty chickens were randomly divided into four groups and dosed at 33 days of age with the fluoroquinolone antibiotic, enrofloxacin (Baytril), at either 25 ppm for 3 days, 25 ppm for 7 days, 50 ppm for 3 days, or 50 ppm for 7 days. Breast fillets were collected from each bird (n = 5 birds per day per group) during the dosing and withdrawal period. Each breast was divided into four sections (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right) that were analyzed as individual samples for determination of fluoroquinolone concentration. Our results indicated no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the levels of enrofloxacin residues between breast sections during the dosing or withdrawal periods. Consequently, samples can be collected from any breast section to evaluate fluoroquinolone residue concentrations during the regulatory monitoring process.

Simultaneous determination of fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines in chicken muscle using HPLC with fluorescence detection.

A multiresidue method has been developed which allows for the simultaneous determination of both fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines in chicken muscle. Samples were extracted with a mix of acetonitrile and 0.1 M citrate, 150 mM MgCl(2), pH 5.0. After centrifugation and evaporation, the extracts could be analyzed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Good recoveries (63-95%) were obtained from samples fortified with a mix of five fluoroquinolones and three tetracyclines, with satisfactory relative standard deviations. Limits of detection were 0.5 ng/g (danofloxacin), 1 ng/g (oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin), 1.5 ng/g (tetracycline), 2 ng/g (difloxacin) and 5 ng/g (sarafloxacin, chlortetracycline). Enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin, as well as oxytetracycline were determined in enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline incurred chicken muscle using this method.

Evaluation of serum as a potential matrix for multiresidue determination of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in chicken using liquid chromatography-fluorescence-mass spectrometry(n).

An efficient multiresidue method was successfully applied to the determination of fluoroquinolones (FQs) in chicken serum. In this method, FQs are extracted from matrix with ammoniacal acetonitrile, and the extracts are defatted and then evaporated. After addition of basic phosphate buffer and filtration, the samples are analyzed by liquid chromatography-fluorescence-mass spectrometry(n) (multiple mass spectrometry; MS(n)). This approach allows for simultaneous quantitation (fluorescence) and confirmation (MS(n)) of the FQs. Using this method, 8 FQs were determined in fortified chicken serum at levels of 10, 20, 50, and 100 ng/g. Recoveries ranged from 71-99%, with excellent relative standard deviations (< 10%). Limits of quantitation for the FQs ranged from 0.05-5 ng/g. Confirmation was achieved by comparison of MS2 or MS3 product ion ratios with those of standard FQ samples. These quantitative and confirmatory results were compared with those obtained for muscle using this approach. Serum and muscle samples from enrofloxacin-dosed chickens were also analyzed with this method. The results show that enrofloxacin can be determined in both serum and muscle of chickens dosed at a level formerly approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for up to at least 48 h after withdrawal from dosing, and suggest that serum can provide an efficient matrix for monitoring FQ levels in chicken.

Concentrations of antibiotic residues vary between different edible muscle tissues in poultry.

Antibiotics are used by veterinarians and producers to treat disease and improve animal production. The federal government, to ensure the safety of the food supply, establishes antibiotic residue tolerances in edible animal tissues and determines the target tissues (e.g., muscle) for residue monitoring. However, when muscle is selected as the target tissue, the federal government does not specify which type of muscle tissue is used for monitoring (e.g., breast versus thigh). If specific muscle tissues incorporate residues at higher concentrations, these tissues should be selected for residue monitoring. To evaluate this possibility in poultry, chickens were divided into four groups and at 33 days of age were dosed with enrofloxacin (Baytril), as per label directions, at either 25 ppm for 3 days, 25 ppm for 7 days, 50 ppm for 3 days, or 50 ppm for 7 days. Breast and thigh muscle tissues were collected from each bird (n = 5 birds per day per group) during the dosing and withdrawal period, and fluoroquinolone concentrations were determined. The results indicate higher overall enrofloxacin concentrations in breast versus thigh muscle for each treatment group (P < 0.05). These data indicate, at least for enrofloxacin, that not all muscle tissues incorporate antibiotics at the same concentrations. These results may be helpful to regulatory agencies as they determine what tissues are to be monitored to ensure that the established residue safety tolerance levels are not exceeded.

Comparison between a bioassay and liquid chromatography-fluorescence-mass spectrometry(n) for the determination of incurred enrofloxacin in whole eggs.

The objective of this study was to compare a bioassay with a liquid chromatography-fluorescence-mass spectrometry(n) method for detection of enrofloxacin (ENRO) in incurred eggs. The bioassay developed by our laboratories involves an agar diffusion microbiological method using Klebsiella pneumoniae as an indicator organism. Results demonstrate that both methods are capable of detecting incurred fluoroquinolone residues in eggs. During the 3-day dosing period of hens (Days 1-3) and following drug withdrawal (Days 5, 7, and 9), both of these methods were able to detect incurred ENRO in eggs above the zero tolerance established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The LC-fluorescence-MS(n) method has the benefit of providing confirmation for fluoroquinolones, while the bioassay may be used as an effective, rapid screening method for detection of fluoroquinolone residues in eggs.

Antibiotic residues in poultry tissues and eggs: human health concerns?

Antibiotics are used by the poultry industry to enhance the health and productivity of flocks. The use of antimicrobials is strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA to warrant their safety and efficacy. Prior to regulatory approval, the pharmacokinetics and tissue tolerances of an antimicrobial are determined to set the proper dosage. To ensure proper use, both the FDA and USDA have research, surveillance, and compliance programs to develop detection methods and monitor poultry tissues for antimicrobials. Unfortunately, there is the perception among many consumers that our food supply contains high concentrations of drug or hormone residues causing significant health concerns or problems. In fact, foods produced in this country (including poultry) are very safe and meet the highest standards to exclude chemical contaminants. An overview will be presented on the federal oversight and monitoring of antimicrobial residues in poultry tissues.

Multiresidue analysis of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in chicken tissue using liquid chromatography-fluorescence-multiple mass spectrometry.

An efficient liquid chromatographic method for the multiresidue analysis of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in chicken tissue has been developed in which quantitation using fluorescence and confirmation with multiple mass spectrometry (MS(n)) was achieved simultaneously. Using this method, eight fluoroquinolones were analyzed in fortified samples of chicken liver and muscle tissue with recoveries at levels of 10-200 ng/g generally in the range of 60-93%, except for desethylene ciprofloxacin, which consistently gave recoveries >or=45%. Relative standard deviations were excellent in all cases, and the limits of detection in ng/g were determined as follows in liver and (muscle): desethylene ciprofloxacin 0.3 (0.1), norfloxacin 1.2 (0.2), ciprofloxacin 2 (1.5), danofloxacin 0.2 (0.1), enrofloxacin 0.3 (0.2), orbifloxacin 1.5 (0.5), sarafloxacin 2 (0.6), difloxacin 0.3 (0.2). Confirmation of the identities of the fluoroquinolones was achieved by monitoring the ratios of two prominent product ions in MS(2) (desethylene ciprofloxacin) or MS(3) (all others). Levels of confirmation as related to ion ratio variability criteria were established. Enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were also determined in enrofloxacin incurred chicken liver and muscle using this method.

Modeling Drug Residue Uptake by Eggs: Evidence of a Consistent Daily Pattern of Contaminant Transfer into Developing Preovulatory Yolks.

A study was conducted to determine if the chicken ovary deposits the pesticide lindane into preovulatory egg yolks in a daily pattern similar to that previously reported for both of the antibiotics ampicillin and oxytetracycline. Our laboratory has proposed that a variety of drugs or contaminants are deposited into preovulatory yolks in a consistent manner. This possibility of a consistent pattern of drug deposition in preovulatory yolks has been used as a foundation for a model which predicts the pattern of residues contained in laid eggs. In two separate experiments, 16 hens were dosed with 3 mg of lindane per kg of body weight orally approximately 1 h after oviposition (8 hens per experiment). Twenty-four hours following dosing, hens were sacrificed and the ovaries were collected. Yolks were dissected free from the individual follicles with a blunt probe. Individual large (≥0.2 g) yellow yolks and a pool of 5 small (<0.2 g) yellow yolks were collected for determination of lindane content. Samples were prepared and assayed by using a gas chromatography method. Results indicate the pattern of incorporation of lindane residues in developing yolks is similar to the previous pattern obtained for both ampicillin and oxytetracycline. These data confirm the possibility that diverse chemical compounds may be incorporated into preovulatory yolks in a similar pattern, supporting a key component of our model, which predicts the pattern of incurred residues in laid eggs for a variety of drugs or contaminants.

Incurred Arsenic Residues in Chicken Eggs.

Arsanilic acid and roxarsone were fed to laying hens at elemental arsenic concentrations of 14, 28, 56 or 112 ppm for 10 weeks followed by a 2-week withdrawal period. Arsenic residues in egg components of laying hens that were fed either control or diets treated with organic arsenicals were determined weekly by atomic absorption. Arsenic concentrations in eggs were also determined after either 0, 2 or 4 weeks of refrigerated storage (4°C). Arsenic residues in both yolk and albumen increased in a dose-dependent manner although the amount of arsenic was much higher (95% of total) in yolk. Arsenic concentrations increased within 1 week of treatment, and the highest amounts were obtained between the second and fourth week for yolk samples and by the first week for albumen samples, except in the 14-ppm doses where highest amounts were reached by the middle of the treatment period. Hens treated with 112 ppm arsenic from arsanilic acid produced eggs with arsenic residues exceeding the 500 ppb Food and Drug Administration whole egg tolerance level. Eggs subjected to refrigerated storage did not have increased arsenic concentrations in yolk, although, for a few treatments, residues increased in albumen.