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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
05:34
Detection and Isolation of Campylobacter spp. from Raw Meat
Published on: February 23, 2024
Arcobacter thereius sp. nov., isolated from pigs and ducks
Kurt Houf1, Stephen L W On, Tom Coenye
1Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. kurt.houf@UGent.be
Summary
A novel bacterial species, Arcobacter thereius, was identified from pig abortions and animal food products. This finding expands our understanding of Arcobacter species and their potential prevalence in food safety contexts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Campylobacteria are significant foodborne pathogens.
- The genus Arcobacter includes species with varying public health relevance.
- Previous studies indicated unidentified Arcobacter strains in Danish animal samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and classify eight novel Arcobacter isolates from pig abortions and food of animal origin.
- To determine if these isolates represent a new species within the Arcobacter genus.
- To establish phenotypic and genotypic criteria for identification.
Main Methods:
- Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis.
- Numerical analysis of whole-cell protein profiles.
- DNA-DNA hybridization and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Biochemical testing and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR).
Main Results:
- All eight isolates formed a distinct cluster, separate from known Arcobacter species, based on AFLP and protein profiles.
- DNA-DNA hybridization values were below 41% with recognized Arcobacter type strains, confirming novelty.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated Arcobacter cryaerophilus, A. cibarius, and A. skirrowii as closest relatives.
- Distinct biochemical profiles and ERIC-PCR fingerprints supported the classification as a single novel species.
Conclusions:
- The eight isolates represent a single, novel Arcobacter species, named Arcobacter thereius sp. nov.
- This species can be differentiated from other Arcobacter species using specific biochemical tests.
- The identification of Arcobacter thereius contributes to the understanding of bacterial diversity in food animal production and food safety.
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