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Egg penetration by Campylobacter jejuni

S D Neill1, J N Campbell, J J O'Brien

  • 1Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Research Laboratories, Stormont, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Avian Pathology : Journal of the W.V.P.A
|July 1, 1985
PubMed

Insights

Campylobacter jejuni penetration into hens eggs was studied. This bacterium was found on shell membranes but did not infect the albumin, yolk, or embryo, suggesting egg transmission to poultry is unlikely.

Area of Science:

  • Food Safety
  • Microbiology
  • Poultry Science

Background:

  • Campylobacter jejuni is a significant foodborne pathogen.
  • Poultry are a primary reservoir for C. jejuni, posing a food safety risk.
  • Vertical transmission through eggs is a potential route for C. jejuni dissemination in poultry flocks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for Campylobacter jejuni penetration and infection in hens eggs.
  • To determine if C. jejuni can reach the egg's internal contents (albumin, yolk) or embryo.
  • To assess the survival of C. jejuni within the egg following penetration.

Main Methods:

  • Hens eggs were artificially contaminated with four strains of Campylobacter jejuni.
  • Penetration was assessed using an egg moulding technique and microbiological culture.
  • Salmonella virchow was used as a control organism for comparison.

Main Results:

  • Campylobacter jejuni was recovered from the shell membranes of contaminated eggs.
  • No viable C. jejuni were detected in the albumin or yolk of infected eggs.
  • Embryonic mortality rates did not significantly increase in C. jejuni-exposed eggs compared to controls.
  • C. jejuni strains survived for less than 6 hours post-penetration, unlike the control Salmonella.

Conclusions:

  • Campylobacter jejuni penetration into hens eggs is limited to the shell membranes.
  • Internal egg contents and embryos are not susceptible to C. jejuni infection under these conditions.
  • The short survival time of C. jejuni within eggs makes vertical transmission to broiler birds highly improbable.

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