Campylobacter jejuni: incidence in processed broilers and biotype distribution in human and broiler isolates

Area of Science:

• Food safety
• Microbiology
• Veterinary public health

Background:

• Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide.
• Poultry is a major reservoir for C. jejuni, posing a risk to human health.
• Understanding C. jejuni prevalence in poultry processing is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens at processing plants in Sydney, Australia.
• To compare the biotypes of C. jejuni isolated from poultry and human sources in the region.
• To assess the potential for C. jejuni transmission from poultry to humans.

Main Methods:

• Sampling of broiler carcasses and cloacal swabs from four processing plants.
• Bacteriological isolation and identification of C. jejuni.
• Biotyping of C. jejuni isolates from poultry and human sources.

Main Results:

• Campylobacter jejuni was detected in 18/40 processed broiler carcasses.
• C. jejuni was isolated from 134/327 cloacal swabs.
• C. jejuni was present in 3/4 flocks examined.
• Eighty-two percent of chicken and 98% of human C. jejuni isolates were of identical biotypes.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter jejuni is prevalent in broiler chickens processed in Sydney.
• The high degree of biotype similarity between poultry and human isolates suggests a significant role of chicken as a source of human C. jejuni infections in this area.
• Enhanced biosecurity measures in poultry processing plants are recommended to reduce C. jejuni contamination.