Effects of lactic, malic and fumaric acids on Salmonella spp. counts and on chicken meat quality and sensory characteristics.

The aim of this work was to assess the effectiveness of dipping chicken breast in lactic, malic and fumaric acid 3% solutions for 15 s on Salmonella counts, as well as on chicken meat quality and sensory characteristics. All three treatments effectively reduced Salmonella counts. The values of Salmonella log reduction were 2.22, 1.55 and 1.30 log CFU/g for fumaric, malic and lactic treatments, respectively. Although fumaric acid was the most effective for reducing Salmonella counts, chicken meat quality and sensory characteristics were significantly affected, even in cooked samples. Conversely, malic and lactic acids treatments caused minimal changes in chicken meat quality and sensory characteristics compared to control samples. This study shows effective alternatives to reduce Salmonella contamination on chicken breast fillets, although further studies should be considered to improve the effects on quality and sensory attributes.

Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Isolates of Salmonella enterica Serovars Heidelberg and Minnesota from Fresh Poultry Meat Imported to Portugal.

Salmonella enterica serovars Heidelberg and Minnesota frequently display several genetic mobile elements making them potential spreaders of resistance genes. Here, we phenotypically determined the antibiotic resistance profile and subsequently performed whole-genome sequencing on 36 isolates recovered from samples of fresh poultry meat, within the Portuguese Official Inspection Plan for Imported Foodstuffs. Several isolates of both serovars showed high genetic relatedness either with isolates from raw poultry meat imported to the Netherlands from Brazil or with isolates from samples from the broiler production chain in Brazil. The multidrug-resistant (MDR) character was common to the vast majority (94.4%) of isolates from both serovars, and several isolates carried the plasmid IncA/C2 containing the ß-lactamase gene blaCMY-2 and IncX1 containing a type IV secretion system. These results somehow mirror the scenario observed in the Netherlands, showing the introduction, through fresh imported poultry meat in compliance with European legislation, of MDR Salmonella enterica serovars Heidelberg and Minnesota in Europe, with the potential spread of resistance markers. These data suggest the need to revise the hygiene criteria for foodstuffs monitoring before its placement on the market, with the determination of the resistome being an invaluable contribute to limit the dissemination of resistance markers.

Molecular epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni isolates from the broiler production chain: first report of MLST profiles in Argentina.

Campylobacter jejuni is an important foodborne pathogen with global distribution. We describe a genotyping study of a collection of C. jejuni (n=137) isolated from different broiler farms and from multiple sites along the processing line in a slaughterhouse in Argentina during 2011, 2012 and 2015. The isolates were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Based on the PFGE results, the isolates were grouped into 26 pulsotypes. Subsequently, the isolates representing these 26 pulsotypes were chosen for MLST genotyping, which identified 16 different sequence types (STs) and 6 clonal complexes (CCs) (21, 45, 48, 353, 354, 446). Several of the STs (n=7) have not been previously reported in the PubMLST.org database. The most prevalent CCs were 21, 45 (both associated with human campylobacteriosis worldwide) and 353. This study showed high genetic diversity among C. jejuni in the broiler production environment in Argentina with novel MLST genotypes.

Occurrence of wooden breast and white striping in Brazilian slaughtering plants and use of near-infrared spectroscopy and multivariate analysis to identify affected chicken breasts.

White Striping (WS) and Wooden Breast (WB) are emerging poultry myopathies that occur worldwide, affecting the quality of meat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of N, WS, WB, and WS/WB (myopathies combined) in chicken breast from Brazilian commercial plant, comparing (1) inspection based on visual aspect and palpation of Pectoralis major muscle, and (2) identification of these myopathies by near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Chickens slaughtered at Brazilian commercial plant at four age ranges (4 to 5, 6 to 7, 8 to 9, and 65 weeks) were inspected. Spectral information was acquired using a portable NIR spectrometer, and classification models were performed using and Successive Projection Algorithm-Linear Discriminant Analysis (SPA-LDA) and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) to distinguish normal and affected muscles. Results showed that occurrence of myopathies was aggravated by age of slaughter, as chicken slaughtered at 4 to 5 and 65 weeks exhibited 13.6 and 95% of myopathies, respectively. Birds slaughtered at 65 weeks showed no occurrence of WB, isolated or combined with WS. It was not possible to differentiate the WB and WS/WB classes; therefore, those samples were grouped (WB+WS/WB). SPA-LDA model showed greater accuracy (92 to 93%) in identifying Normal (N), WS, and WB+WS/WB groups, compared to SIMCA (89 to 91%). It can be concluded that the level of occurrence of myopathies in meat is directly related to the age of slaughter. This study demonstrated that NIRS combined with SPA-LDA model could be used as a tool to detect myopathies in chicken breast. This technique has potential for application in industrial processing lines as an alternative to the traditional methods of identification. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study shows that NIRS combined with chemometric techniques can be used to identify chicken breast myopathies in a wide range of ages at slaughter. In addition to being able to discriminate chicken muscles into subclasses, namely, Normal, WS, and WB/WB+WS, this technique has potential for application in industrial processing lines as it is a portable and nondestructive method. This procedure is emphasized as an alternative to the conventional method of identification based on palpation and visual assessment of muscle.

Prevalence, genotypic diversity and detection of virulence genes in thermotolerant Campylobacter at different stages of the poultry meat supply chain.

Thermotolerant Campylobacter is the leading bacterial cause of foodborne illness in humans worldwide. The objectives of this study were to estimate prevalence and to identify and characterize potential sources of thermotolerant Campylobacter contamination in broilers on farms and at the slaughterhouse; to evaluate the clonal relationship among thermotolerant Campylobacter isolates from different stages of the broiler meat supply chain, and to analyze the presence of virulence genes in different sources of thermotolerant Campylobacter. A total of 1210 samples were collected from three broiler meat supply chains in Santa Fe, Argentina. At the farms, the sampling collection included broilers one week prior to slaughter, wild-living birds, domestic dogs, wild rodents, farm workers' boots, litter, feed, drinking water, flies, and darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus). At the slaughtering line, the samples taken were from the evisceration zone (broiler cecum, working surfaces, evisceration knives and workers' hands), from the chiller zone (surfaces and direct supply water) and from the packing zone (work surfaces, workers' hands and broiler carcasses). The samples taken along each supply chain were in the same batch. The isolates obtained were identified to the species level (C. jejuni and C. coli) by multiplex PCR and were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to compare different profiles according to the source. Finally, the presence of 11 virulence genes was examined (cadF, cdtA, cdtB, cdtC, ciaB, flaA, flhA, iam, wlaN, virB11, racR). From 254 isolates, 128 (50.4%) were Campylobacter jejuni and 126 (49.6%) Campylobacter coli. C. jejuni was the species most prevalent in farm and C. coli the species most prevalent at the slaughterhouse. We detected thermotolerant Campylobacter in samples of wild birds, darkling beetles, farm workers' boots, flies and litter. At the slaughterhouse, the prevalence varied along the process line. By analyzing PFGE results, C. jejuni showed 21 profiles with three predominant genotypes, while C. coli showed 14 profiles with four predominant genotypes. A high genotype diversity was found; however, relationships between isolates from different stages of the broiler meat chain, between broiler and potential sources of thermotolerant Campylobacter contamination and between strains in the farm and in the slaughterhouse were detected. Furthermore, there was evidence of cross-contamination at the slaughterhouse. FlaA, flhA genes were detected in all strains, and the third most prevalent virulence gene was cadF. Only those strains obtained from flies, wild-living birds and broiler carcass samples harbored 10 of 11 pathogenic genes. The prevalence of some pathogenic genes between C. jejuni and C. coli was different. This evidence should contribute the scientific basis to implement risk management measures in public health.

Research Note: A baseline survey of thermotolerant Campylobacter in retail chicken in southern Brazil.

Chicken is a leading source of thermotolerant Campylobacter, which triggers human foodborne enteritis. This study evaluated thermotolerant Campylobacter contamination of retail chicken in southern Brazil, using qualitative and quantitative analyses. Selective enrichment in Bolton broth for 24 and 48 h after plating onto modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate (mCCD) agar and Preston agar was assessed. The combined results of the detection and enumeration methods revealed a frequency of 70% occurrence of thermotolerant Campylobacter in chicken samples. Campylobacter was enumerated in 60% of the samples, whereas 46% of the samples were positive in the qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis showed average counts of 3.10 ± 0.15 log10 CFU/sample. Higher numbers of Campylobacter-positive samples were found using 24-h enrichment before plating onto Preston agar (46%) than onto mCCD agar (2%). The majority of isolated strains were identified as Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter coli was also found but to a lesser extent. Subtyping revealed a clear distinction between strains isolated from different chicken sources. The enriched samples plated onto mCCD agar showed extensive spreading of nonproducing extended-spectrum ß-lactamases Proteus mirabilis that hampered the identification of Campylobacter colonies. P. mirabilis strains showed resistance to cefoperazone, trimethoprim, and polymyxin B present in broth and plate media used and were inhibited by rifampicin present in Preston agar. The results underline the effect of the spread of contaminant strains on Campylobacter cultures, which might be prevented using a recently revised International Organization for Standardization method for qualitative analysis of chicken.

Molecular Epidemiology and Resistance Profile of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Strains Isolated from Different Sources in Brazil.

Aims: The objectives of this study were to genotype a total of 48 Campylobacter jejuni and 39 Campylobacter coli strains isolated in Brazil from 1995 to 2016 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and to determine their resistance profile. The presence or points of mutation in the related resistance genes was verified. Results: By MLST, C. jejuni strains were typed into 36 STs and C. coli strains were typed into 27 STs. A total of 70.8% of C. jejuni and 35.9% of C. coli were resistant to at least one antimicrobial tested. The tet(O) gene was detected in 43.7% C. jejuni and in 12.8% C. coli. The ermB gene was not detected and one C. jejuni presented the mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. Besides, 58.3% C. jejuni presented the substitution T86I in the quinolone resistance-determining region of gyrA and 15.4% C. coli presented the substitution T38I. The cmeB gene was detected in 97.9% C. jejuni and in 97.4% C. coli. Conclusion: The presence of C. jejuni and C. coli resistant to some antimicrobial agents of clinical use is of public health concern. The presence of STs shared between Brazilian strains and isolates of different countries is of concern since it might suggest a possible spread of these shared types.

Effect of pre-slaughter confinement stress on physicochemical parameters of chicken meat / Efeito do estresse no confinamento pré-abate sobre os parâmetros físico-químicos da carne de frango

The effect of pre-slaughter lairage stress on biogenic amines, pH, and color with the CIELab system (where three variables L*, a*, b* are estimated: L* for lightness, a* defines redness, and b* defines yellowness) in chicken breast meat was investigated. Before slaughtering, 25 broilers were selected and divided into five groups according to lairage holding time (30 min or 3 h), day/night schedule (daylight or nighttime) and control (no lairage). After slaughtering, breasts (M. Pectoralis major) were removed, stored for 9 days at 4 °C, and analyzed every 3 days. The results showed a pH decrease during nighttime holding. Also, a three-hour pre-slaughter holding (daytime or night) resulted in high biogenic amine concentration, increase in lightness (L*), and reduction in redness (a*) during storage. Cadaverine concentration showed a rapid increase from day 6 onward. The time and schedule of chicken lairage is a pre-slaughter stress factor that affects meat quality. Based on these observations, it is recommended to slaughter chickens immediately on arrival at the processing plants.(AU)

Foi avaliado o efeito do estresse produzido pelo tempo de espera pré-abate sobre a produção de aminas biogênicas, pH e cor pelo sistema CIELab (onde três variáveis L*, a*, b* foram determinadas: L* indica a luminosidade, a* indica o vermelho e b* determina o amarelo) na carne de peito de frango. Antes do abate 25 frangos de carne foram selecionados e divididos em cinco grupos conforme o tempo de espera pré-abate (30 min ou 3 h), programação dia/noite (diurno ou noturno) e controle (sem tempo de espera). Após abate, os peitos (M. Pectoralis major) foram separados, estocados por 9 dias a 4°C, e analisados cada 3 dias. Os resultados evidenciaram uma redução do pH nas aves que aguardaram o abate na noite. Além disso durante a estocagem incrementou-se os valores de aminas biogênicas e da luminosidade (L*) e houve redução dos teores de vermelhos (a*) no tempo de espera de três horas (diurno ou noturno). As concentrações da cadaverina incrementaram-se a partir do dia 6 de estocagem. O tempo e horário de espera em frangos de carne pode é um fator de estresse pré-abate que afeta a qualidade da carne. Contudo, é recomendável realizar o abate dos frangos imediatamente após de sua chegada ao centro de abate.(AU)

Genetic diversity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from poultry meat products sold on the retail market in Southern Brazil.

Campylobacter is regarded as the most common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis throughout the world and most cases of human campylobacteriosis can be traced back to the consumption of poultry meat. In Brazil, few studies evaluated the genetic relatedness among Campylobacter isolates. The aim of this research was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Campylobacter spp. isolated from poultry meat products sold on the retail market in Southern Brazil. The presumptive identification of Campylobacter was performed using traditional microbiological analysis, followed by molecular confirmation by PCR. The genetic diversity of isolates was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Campylobacter spp. was isolated from 91.7% (33/36) of the samples, totaling 48 isolates. Campylobacter jejuni was the most prevalent species isolated (90.8%). PFGE data revealed 26 pulsotypes and 18 PFGE patterns composed of only 1 isolate. Campylobacter isolates exhibited high genetic diversity; however, some clones were recurrent in the poultry meat products sold on the retail market. As the south region of Brazil is an important producer and exporter of chicken meat, our results highlight the need to control this pathogen in the food chain in this area of the world to reduce the risks of exposing consumers to campylobacteriosis.

Use of emulsifier and lipase in feeds for broiler chickens / Uso de emulsificante e lipase em rações de frangos de corte

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous emulsifier and lipase in diets on performance, digestibility, and organ biometry of broiler chickens. A completely randomised design with seven treatments and seven replications was adopted. The treatments were as follows: T1 (positive control; PC): 3000, 3100, 3200, and 3250 Kcal of metabolisable energy (ME) kg-1 of diet for phases 1 to 10, 11 to 21, 22 to 31, and 32 to 37 days, respectively; T2: PC with reduction in ME of 30 Kcal kg-1 of diet; T3: PC with reduction in ME of 60 Kcal kg-1 of feed; T4 (negative control; NC): PC with reduction in ME of 90 Kcal kg-1 of feed; T5: NC with inclusion of exogenous lipase (10 000 U kg-1); T6: NC with inclusion of emulsifier (250 g t-1); and T7: NC with inclusion of lipase (10 000 U kg-1) and emulsifier (250 g t-1) in the period from 1 to 37 days of rearing. Performance characteristics (weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion (FC)), carcass yield, cut yield, the relative weight of abdominal fat and organs (small intestine, liver, and pancreas), and relative intestinal length, in addition to dry matter digestibility (CDADM), ethereal extract (CDAEE), crude metabolisable energy (CMACE), and apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of the diets, were evaluated. In the initial phase, the CDAEE was higher for the PC group than for the emulsifier + lipase group. The AME determined in the final phase for the group supplemented with an emulsifier was higher by approximately 50 Kcal (EM) than the NC group. The WG of the lipase group was similar to that of the PC group. However, the groups with emulsifier and emulsifier + lipase showed a lower WG than the PC group. The additives used did not recover the FC to the same level observed in the PC group. The reduction in ME of 90 Kcal kg-1 generated a lower WG and worse FC...(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a utilização de emulsificante e lipase em rações sobre a digestibilidade, desempenho e biometria de órgãos para frangos de corte. Foi adotado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com sete tratamentos e sete repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos da seguinte forma: T1 (Controle Positivo - CP): 3000, 3100, 3200, 3250 Kcal de energia metabolizável (EM) kg-1 de ração para as fases 1 a 10, 11 a 21, 22 a 31 e 32 a 37 dias, respectivamente; T2: CP com redução de EM em 30 Kcal kg-1 de ração; T3: CP com redução de 60 Kcal EM kg-1 de ração; T4 (Controle Negativo - CN): CP com redução de 90 Kcal EM kg-1 de ração; T5: CN + inclusão de lipase exógena (10000 U kg-1); T6: CN com inclusão de emulsificante (250 g t-1); T7: CN com a utilização de lipase (10000 U kg-1) e emulsificante (250 g t-1) no período de 1 a 37 dias de criação. Foram avaliadas características de desempenho (ganho de peso (GP), consumo de ração (CR) e conversão alimentar (CA)), rendimento de carcaça, rendimento de cortes, peso relativo da gordura abdominal e de órgãos (intestino delgado, fígado e pâncreas), comprimento relativo do intestino e digestibilidade da matéria seca (CDAMS), do extrato etéreo (CDAEE) e metabolizabilidade da energia bruta (CMAEB) das rações. Na fase inicial, o CDAEE foram maiores para o grupo CP quando comparado ao grupo com emulsificante+lipase. A EMA determinada na fase final do grupo submetido ao uso de emulsificante apresentou superioridade em cerca de 50 Kcal (EM) em comparação ao grupo CN. O GP do grupo lipase foi semelhante ao observado no grupo CP. Por outro lado, os grupos com emulsificante e emulsificante + lipase apresentaram menor GP quando comparado ao grupo CP. Os aditivos utilizados não proporcionaram recuperação na CA àquela observada no grupo CP. A redução de EMA em 90 Kcal/kg gerou menor GP e pior CA. O uso de aditivos em conjunto foi o grupo que mais aproximou ao desempenho observado no grupo CP...(AU)

Effect of pre-slaughter confinement stress on physicochemical parameters of chicken meat / Efeito do estresse no confinamento pré-abate sobre os parâmetros físico-químicos da carne de frango

The effect of pre-slaughter lairage stress on biogenic amines, pH, and color with the CIELab system (where three variables L*, a*, b* are estimated: L* for lightness, a* defines redness, and b* defines yellowness) in chicken breast meat was investigated. Before slaughtering, 25 broilers were selected and divided into five groups according to lairage holding time (30 min or 3 h), day/night schedule (daylight or nighttime) and control (no lairage). After slaughtering, breasts (M. Pectoralis major) were removed, stored for 9 days at 4 °C, and analyzed every 3 days. The results showed a pH decrease during nighttime holding. Also, a three-hour pre-slaughter holding (daytime or night) resulted in high biogenic amine concentration, increase in lightness (L*), and reduction in redness (a*) during storage. Cadaverine concentration showed a rapid increase from day 6 onward. The time and schedule of chicken lairage is a pre-slaughter stress factor that affects meat quality. Based on these observations, it is recommended to slaughter chickens immediately on arrival at the processing plants.

Foi avaliado o efeito do estresse produzido pelo tempo de espera pré-abate sobre a produção de aminas biogênicas, pH e cor pelo sistema CIELab (onde três variáveis L*, a*, b* foram determinadas: L* indica a luminosidade, a* indica o vermelho e b* determina o amarelo) na carne de peito de frango. Antes do abate 25 frangos de carne foram selecionados e divididos em cinco grupos conforme o tempo de espera pré-abate (30 min ou 3 h), programação dia/noite (diurno ou noturno) e controle (sem tempo de espera). Após abate, os peitos (M. Pectoralis major) foram separados, estocados por 9 dias a 4°C, e analisados cada 3 dias. Os resultados evidenciaram uma redução do pH nas aves que aguardaram o abate na noite. Além disso durante a estocagem incrementou-se os valores de aminas biogênicas e da luminosidade (L*) e houve redução dos teores de vermelhos (a*) no tempo de espera de três horas (diurno ou noturno). As concentrações da cadaverina incrementaram-se a partir do dia 6 de estocagem. O tempo e horário de espera em frangos de carne pode é um fator de estresse pré-abate que afeta a qualidade da carne. Contudo, é recomendável realizar o abate dos frangos imediatamente após de sua chegada ao centro de abate.

Use of emulsifier and lipase in feeds for broiler chickens / Uso de emulsificante e lipase em rações de frangos de corte

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous emulsifier and lipase in diets on performance, digestibility, and organ biometry of broiler chickens. A completely randomised design with seven treatments and seven replications was adopted. The treatments were as follows: T1 (positive control; PC): 3000, 3100, 3200, and 3250 Kcal of metabolisable energy (ME) kg-1 of diet for phases 1 to 10, 11 to 21, 22 to 31, and 32 to 37 days, respectively; T2: PC with reduction in ME of 30 Kcal kg-1 of diet; T3: PC with reduction in ME of 60 Kcal kg-1 of feed; T4 (negative control; NC): PC with reduction in ME of 90 Kcal kg-1 of feed; T5: NC with inclusion of exogenous lipase (10 000 U kg-1); T6: NC with inclusion of emulsifier (250 g t-1); and T7: NC with inclusion of lipase (10 000 U kg-1) and emulsifier (250 g t-1) in the period from 1 to 37 days of rearing. Performance characteristics (weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion (FC)), carcass yield, cut yield, the relative weight of abdominal fat and organs (small intestine, liver, and pancreas), and relative intestinal length, in addition to dry matter digestibility (CDADM), ethereal extract (CDAEE), crude metabolisable energy (CMACE), and apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of the diets, were evaluated. In the initial phase, the CDAEE was higher for the PC group than for the emulsifier + lipase group. The AME determined in the final phase for the group supplemented with an emulsifier was higher by approximately 50 Kcal (EM) than the NC group. The WG of the lipase group was similar to that of the PC group. However, the groups with emulsifier and emulsifier + lipase showed a lower WG than the PC group. The additives used did not recover the FC to the same level observed in the PC group. The reduction in ME of 90 Kcal kg-1 generated a lower WG and worse FC...

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a utilização de emulsificante e lipase em rações sobre a digestibilidade, desempenho e biometria de órgãos para frangos de corte. Foi adotado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com sete tratamentos e sete repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos da seguinte forma: T1 (Controle Positivo - CP): 3000, 3100, 3200, 3250 Kcal de energia metabolizável (EM) kg-1 de ração para as fases 1 a 10, 11 a 21, 22 a 31 e 32 a 37 dias, respectivamente; T2: CP com redução de EM em 30 Kcal kg-1 de ração; T3: CP com redução de 60 Kcal EM kg-1 de ração; T4 (Controle Negativo - CN): CP com redução de 90 Kcal EM kg-1 de ração; T5: CN + inclusão de lipase exógena (10000 U kg-1); T6: CN com inclusão de emulsificante (250 g t-1); T7: CN com a utilização de lipase (10000 U kg-1) e emulsificante (250 g t-1) no período de 1 a 37 dias de criação. Foram avaliadas características de desempenho (ganho de peso (GP), consumo de ração (CR) e conversão alimentar (CA)), rendimento de carcaça, rendimento de cortes, peso relativo da gordura abdominal e de órgãos (intestino delgado, fígado e pâncreas), comprimento relativo do intestino e digestibilidade da matéria seca (CDAMS), do extrato etéreo (CDAEE) e metabolizabilidade da energia bruta (CMAEB) das rações. Na fase inicial, o CDAEE foram maiores para o grupo CP quando comparado ao grupo com emulsificante+lipase. A EMA determinada na fase final do grupo submetido ao uso de emulsificante apresentou superioridade em cerca de 50 Kcal (EM) em comparação ao grupo CN. O GP do grupo lipase foi semelhante ao observado no grupo CP. Por outro lado, os grupos com emulsificante e emulsificante + lipase apresentaram menor GP quando comparado ao grupo CP. Os aditivos utilizados não proporcionaram recuperação na CA àquela observada no grupo CP. A redução de EMA em 90 Kcal/kg gerou menor GP e pior CA. O uso de aditivos em conjunto foi o grupo que mais aproximou ao desempenho observado no grupo CP...

Antimicrobial effect of copper surfaces on bacteria isolated from poultry meat.

Poultry meat is a food product that usually carries high rates of microbial contamination, including foodborne pathogens. The poultry industry has established different systems to minimize these hazards. In recent years, extensive literature has demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of different contact surfaces made of copper to effectively reduce microbial loads. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of copper surfaces on the transmission of two foodborne pathogens - Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes - and a poultry native microbiota bacterial species - Enterobacter cloacae. We also evaluated the impact of the poultry meat matrix on the antimicrobial activity of a copper surface. Our results indicated that copper surfaces reduced the bacterial load quickly (

Antimicrobial effect of copper surfaces on bacteria isolated from poultry meat

Abstract Poultry meat is a food product that usually carries high rates of microbial contamination, including foodborne pathogens. The poultry industry has established different systems to minimize these hazards. In recent years, extensive literature has demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of different contact surfaces made of copper to effectively reduce microbial loads. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of copper surfaces on the transmission of two foodborne pathogens - Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes - and a poultry native microbiota bacterial species - Enterobacter cloacae. We also evaluated the impact of the poultry meat matrix on the antimicrobial activity of a copper surface. Our results indicated that copper surfaces reduced the bacterial load quickly (<than 4 min) when the microorganisms were exposed to polished copper surfaces. Even when bacteria were inoculated on copper surfaces soiled with the organic matrix (washing water from poultry carcasses) and survival rates were significantly higher, an antimicrobial effect was still observed. Survival rates of two microorganisms simultaneously exposed to copper did not show significant differences. We found an antimicrobial effect over pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. Results suggest a potential role for copper surfaces in the control of microbiological hazards in the poultry industry.

Antimicrobial effect of copper surfaces on bacteria isolated from poultry meat

Poultry meat is a food product that usually carries high rates of microbial contamination, including foodborne pathogens. The poultry industry has established different systems to minimize these hazards. In recent years, extensive literature has demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of different contact surfaces made of copper to effectively reduce microbial loads. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of copper surfaces on the transmission of two foodborne pathogens Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes and a poultry native microbiota bacterial species Enterobacter cloacae. We also evaluated the impact of the poultry meat matrix on the antimicrobial activity of a copper surface. Our results indicated that copper surfaces reduced the bacterial load quickly (

Antimicrobial effect of copper surfaces on bacteria isolated from poultry meat

Abstract Poultry meat is a food product that usually carries high rates of microbial contamination, including foodborne pathogens. The poultry industry has established different systems to minimize these hazards. In recent years, extensive literature has demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of different contact surfaces made of copper to effectively reduce microbial loads. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of copper surfaces on the transmission of two foodborne pathogens Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes and a poultry native microbiota bacterial species Enterobacter cloacae. We also evaluated the impact of the poultry meat matrix on the antimicrobial activity of a copper surface. Our results indicated that copper surfaces reduced the bacterial load quickly ( than 4 min) when the microorganisms were exposed to polished copper surfaces. Even when bacteria were inoculated on copper surfaces soiled with the organic matrix (washing water from poultry carcasses) and survival rates were significantly higher, an antimicrobial effect was still observed. Survival rates of two microorganisms simultaneously exposed to copper did not show significant differences. We found an antimicrobial effect over pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. Results suggest a potential role for copper surfaces in the control of microbiological hazards in the poultry industry.

Genetic diversity of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. isolates from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina / Diversidad genética de Campylobacter spp. termotolerantes aislados de diferentes etapas de la cadena cárnica aviar en Argentina

The objective of this study was to investigate a clonal relationship among thermo-tolerant Campylobacter spp. isolates from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina. A total of 128 thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. (89 C. jejuni and 39 C. coli) isolates from six poultry meat chains were examined. These isolates were from: a) hens from breeder flocks, b) chickens on the farm (at ages 1 wk and 5 wk), c) chicken carcasses in the slaughterhouse, and d) chicken carcasses in the retail market. Chickens sampled along each food chain were from the same batch. Campylobacter spp. isolates were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to compare different profiles according to the source. Clustering of C. jejuni isolates resulted in 17 profiles, with four predominant genotypes and many small profiles with just a few isolates or unique patterns, showing a very high degree of heterogeneity among the C. jejuni isolates. Some clusters included isolates from different stages within the same chain, which would indicate a spread of strains along the same poultry meat chain. Moreover, twenty-two strains of C. coli clustered in seven groups and the remaining 17 isolates exhibited unique profiles. Evidence for transmission of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. through the food chain and cross contamination in the slaughterhouses were obtained. This collective evidence should be considered as the scientific basis to implement risk management measures to protect the public health.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar la relación clonal entre aislamientos de Campylobacter spp. termotolerantes obtenidos de diferentes etapas de la cadena cárnica aviar en Argentina. En total se examinaron 128 aislamientos de Campylobacter spp. (89 de Campylobacter jejuni y 39 de Campylobacter coli) obtenidos de 6 cadenas cárnicas muestreadas en los siguientes puntos del circuito productivo: a) gallinas reproductoras; b) pollos en las granjas (de una y 5 semanas de edad); c) carcasas de pollo en frigorífico, y d) carcasas de pollo en puntos de venta final. Las muestras de pollos fueron obtenidas a lo largo de las cadenas cárnicas siguiendo el mismo lote. Los aislamientos de Campylobacter spp. fueron analizados mediante electroforesis de campos pulsados y se compararon los diferentes perfiles. Los aislamientos de C. jejuni se agruparon en 17 perfiles, 4 de ellos predominantes y el resto en perfiles que agruparon pocos aislamientos o patrones únicos, lo que ilustra una gran heterogeneidad. Algunos agrupamientos incluyeron aislamientos obtenidos de diferentes etapas de una misma cadena cárnica, lo cual indicaría una dispersión de cepas a lo largo de las cadenas cárnicas. Por otra parte, 22 aislamientos de C. coli se agruparon en 7 grupos y otros 17 aislamientos presentaron perfiles únicos. Se obtuvieron evidencias de transmisión de Campylobacter spp. termotolerante en la cadena cárnica aviary contaminación cruzada en frigoríficos. La evidencia reunida debería servir como base científica para implementar estrategias de manejo del riesgo, destinadas a proteger la salud de los consumidores de carne aviar.

Genetic diversity of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. isolates from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina.

The objective of this study was to investigate a clonal relationship among thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. isolates from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina. A total of 128 thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. (89 C. jejuni and 39 C. coli) isolates from six poultry meat chains were examined. These isolates were from: a) hens from breeder flocks, b) chickens on the farm (at ages 1 wk and 5 wk), c) chicken carcasses in the slaughterhouse, and d) chicken carcasses in the retail market. Chickens sampled along each food chain were from the same batch. Campylobacter spp. isolates were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to compare different profiles according to the source. Clustering of C. jejuni isolates resulted in 17 profiles, with four predominant genotypes and many small profiles with just a few isolates or unique patterns, showing a very high degree of heterogeneity among the C. jejuni isolates. Some clusters included isolates from different stages within the same chain, which would indicate a spread of strains along the same poultry meat chain. Moreover, twenty-two strains of C. coli clustered in seven groups and the remaining 17 isolates exhibited unique profiles. Evidence for transmission of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. through the food chain and cross contamination in the slaughterhouses were obtained. This collective evidence should be considered as the scientific basis to implement risk management measures to protect the public health.

Serotyping and genotyping of salmonella strains isolated from broilers, chicken carcasses before and after chilling, and frozen chicken breasts produced in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Santa Catarina, Brazil

The present study investigated the effectiveness of a single Salmonella prevention and control program applied in two different processing plants, located in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul (plant A) and Santa Catarina (Plant B), belonging to the same company, and identified Salmonella strain subtypes isolated from broilers, carcasses before and after chilling, and frozen chicken breasts. The Salmonella prevention and control program was 90% effective in plant A and 100% in plant B, considering a level of 10% positive samples per frozen chicken breast batch acceptable. A total of 128 strains were serotyped, being 10 from drag swabs, 31 from cloacal swabs, 83 from carcasses, and 4 from frozen chicken breasts. After serotyping analysis, 30 strains isolated at different processing steps and drag swabs, and three Salmonella Minnesota strains isolated in 2012 in plant A, were genotyped by PFGE. In plant A, the most frequently strain isolated was Salmonella Minnesota (90.35%), followed by Salmonella Newport (8.77%), and in Plant B, Salmonella Senftenberg (80%). Salmonella Minnesota strains were differentiated by PFGE into 19 pulsotypes distributed in three clusters. The phenotypic identification by serotyping of four strains diverged from their PFGE genotypic results. Most Salmonella Minnesota strains genotyped in plant A and the strains isolated from environmental samples in 2012 in the same broiler processing plant belong to a single cluster, confirming the dominance and persistence of this clone over time.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Biofilm Production by Salmonella sp. Strains Isolated from Frozen Poultry Carcasses

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance and the biofilm-producing ability of Salmonella sp. strains isolated from frozen poultry carcasses. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by the disk-diffusion method. Biofilm-producing ability was determined in 96-well polystyrene microplates stained with crystal violet at 1%. Out of the 22 strains tested, all were multiresistant, that is, resistant to more than three antimicrobial classes, and 72.7% were able to form biofilms. The highest resistance rates obtained were against sulfonamides, tetracycline, and quinolones. On the other hand, 100% of the strains were sensitive to chloramphenicol. According to the rate of biofilm formation, 3 (13.6%) and 13 (59.1%) strains were classified as moderate and weak biofilm-producers, respectively, and 27.3% did not form biofilms. Biofilms increase the tolerance of microorganisms to stress, reducing their sensitivity to disinfectants and antimicrobials; favor equipment corrosion; and act as substrates for the adhesion of bacteria with lower biofilm-producing capacity. The results of the present study stress the importance of cleaning procedures in food processing plants and highlight the public health risks related to the emergence of multiresistant strains.