Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated From Broiler Meat in Egypt

Infection with Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis. Infections are mostly acquired due to consumption of raw or undercooked poultry. The aim of this pilot study is to determine the prevalence and the sequence types (STs) distribution of C. jejuni isolated from broiler meat in Egypt.

A total of 190 broiler meat samples were collected from retail chicken shops located at Mansoura, Egypt and examined bacteriologically for the presence of Campylobacter spp. The biochemically identified Campylobacter isolates were confirmed by Multiplex PCR (m-PCR). In addition, multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) was used for genotyping of C. jejuni isolates.

Thirty two Campylobacter isolates divided into C. coli (25 isolates) and C. jejuni (7 isolates) were recovered. Multiplex PCR results found to be 100% in line with biochemical identification. Out of 7 C. jejuni isolates genotyped by MLST, 4 isolates were assigned to ST21, 2 isolates were assigned to ST48 and one isolate was assigned to ST464.

This study provides valuable information concerning the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. and sequence types distribution of C. jejuni recovered from broiler meat for the first time in Egypt. The identified sequence types from this study were frequently reported in human illnesses. Thus, the present results highlight the importance of the retail broiler meat as a significant source for human Campylobacter infection.