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Mucosal competitive exclusion to diminish colonization of chickens by Campylobacter jejuni
1Poultry Microbiological Safety Research Unit, Richard Russell Agricultural Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Georgia 30613.
Abstract:
Mucosal competitive exclusion flora (MCE) and length of MCE culture storage were studied to determine their influence upon colonization of Campylobacter jejuni in chickens. Day-of-hatch broiler chicks, held in isolation units, were treated with MCE or were left untreated. Thirty to 48 h later, groups of chicks were challenged with serial dilutions of C. jejuni (Strain A74/C). Single challenge doses and treatments were administered to chickens within each isolation unit. After 5 d, chicks were killed and levels of the organism in cecal materials were enumerated. Effective MCE was held at -80 C in 15% glycerol for 3 to 9 mo, and efficacy in inhibiting C. jejuni colonization of fresh and stored MCE cultures was compared. Colonization dose-50% (CD50%; dose needed to colonize one-half of the challenged chicks) and colonization quotients (CQ; log10 colony-forming unit geometric means per gram cecal materials) were determined. Data indicated that in three of five trials a significant reduction (P < .02) in CQ was observed in groups of chicks provided fresh MCE as compared with the control groups. Generally, efficacy of MCE treatment decreased with storage of the cultures. This study defines methods for production of MCE and the advantages and limitations of MCE intervention for C. jejuni colonization in chickens.
Insights
Mucosal competitive exclusion flora (MCE) effectively reduced Campylobacter jejuni colonization in chickens. However, MCE efficacy decreased with longer culture storage periods, highlighting the importance of fresh cultures for optimal results.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a significant foodborne pathogen.
- Poultry are a primary reservoir for C. jejuni.
- Mucosal competitive exclusion flora (MCE) is a potential intervention strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of MCE in preventing C. jejuni colonization in chickens.
- To determine the impact of MCE culture storage duration on its effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Day-of-hatch broiler chicks were treated with MCE or left untreated.
- Chicks were challenged with C. jejuni, and colonization levels were enumerated in cecal materials.
- The efficacy of fresh and stored MCE cultures was compared.
Main Results:
- Fresh MCE significantly reduced C. jejuni colonization in three of five trials.
- MCE efficacy generally decreased with increased culture storage time.
- Colonization dose-50% (CD50%) and colonization quotients (CQ) were determined.
Conclusions:
- MCE is a viable method for reducing C. jejuni colonization in chickens.
- The storage duration of MCE cultures significantly impacts its efficacy.
- Optimized MCE production and application methods are crucial for successful intervention.