Occurrence of Helicobacter pullorum in Retail Chicken Meat: A One-Health Approach to Consumer Health Protection

Area of Science:

• Food Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Public Health

Background:

• Helicobacter pullorum is an emerging foodborne pathogen found in poultry.
• It is linked to human gastrointestinal illnesses like gastroenteritis, colitis, and bacteremia.
• Transmission to humans can occur via undercooked poultry meat.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pullorum in raw retail chicken meat (thighs and breasts).
• To assess the risk of H. pullorum transmission to consumers through poultry products.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 240 raw retail chicken samples (120 thighs, 120 breasts).
• Utilized a modified filtration isolation protocol on Brucella agar.
• Biochemical identification and conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene for confirmation.

Main Results:

• Microbiological analysis detected H. pullorum in 35% of samples.
• PCR analysis confirmed H. pullorum in 45% of samples.
• Higher prevalence detected by PCR suggests greater sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Raw poultry meat poses a risk for Helicobacter pullorum transmission to humans.
• Food business operators and consumers are at risk.
• Stringent hygienic practices throughout the food chain are crucial for control.