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Enrichment and Detection of Clostridium perfringens Toxinotypes in Retail Food Samples
Published on: October 18, 2019
Clostridium difficile in retail meat and processing plants in Texas.
Roger B Harvey1, Keri N Norman, Kathleen Andrews
1Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, SPARC, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 2881 F&B Road, College Station, TX 77845, USA. Roger.Harvey@ars.usda.gov
Summary
Toxigenic Clostridium difficile was found in 9.5% of Texas pork products. Most isolates were toxinotype V, suggesting a potential foodborne transmission route for this dangerous pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Food Safety
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Toxigenic Clostridium difficile (C. diff) strains are increasing in North America, causing severe disease.
- C. diff has been found in food animals and retail meat, posing a potential human health risk.
- Understanding C. diff prevalence in the food supply is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in pork products in Texas.
- To characterize the detected C. diff isolates for toxin production and antimicrobial susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Samples were collected from 3 sausage manufacturing plants and 5 retail outlets in Texas between 2004 and 2009.
- 243 meat samples were analyzed for the presence of C. difficile.
- Isolates were tested for toxins A, B, and binary toxin, and characterized using PFGE. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.
Main Results:
- Clostridium difficile was detected in 23 out of 243 (9.5%) pork samples.
- Twenty-two of the 23 isolates were positive for toxins A, B, and binary toxin, identified as toxinotype V.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were similar to previously reported toxinotype V isolates, with some indication of reduced resistance.
Conclusions:
- Toxigenic Clostridium difficile, specifically toxinotype V, is present in the Texas pork supply.
- The findings highlight the potential for foodborne transmission of C. diff to humans.
- Continued surveillance and antimicrobial resistance monitoring are essential for public health protection.
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