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Isolation of vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium from food
H C Wegener1, M Madsen, N Nielsen
1Danish Veterinary Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark. hcw@svs.dk
International Journal of Food Microbiology
|March 18, 1997
Summary
Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) was found in 16% of Danish broiler samples and 15% of pork. An enrichment method significantly improved VREF detection in meat products, highlighting public health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Food microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Public health
Background:
- Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) is a significant public health concern.
- VREF has been detected in various food products, necessitating surveillance in the food chain.
- Understanding VREF prevalence in meat is crucial for assessing food safety risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of VREF in Danish meat products (broilers and pork).
- To compare the efficacy of direct plating versus enrichment methods for VREF detection.
- To discuss the public health implications of VREF in the food supply.
Main Methods:
- Survey of VREF in broiler and pork samples from Danish slaughterhouses and retail outlets.
- Isolation of VREF using direct plating on Slanetz and Bartley agar.
- Isolation of VREF using a 24-hour enrichment step in vancomycin-supplemented nutrient broth followed by plating.
Main Results:
- VREF was detected in 16% of broiler samples and 15% of pork samples using the enrichment method.
- Direct plating detected VREF in only 1.7% of broiler samples and none of the pork/beef samples.
- The enrichment method increased VREF detection rates approximately threefold compared to direct plating in broiler samples.
Conclusions:
- Enrichment methods significantly enhance the detection of VREF in meat products.
- VREF is present in Danish broiler and pork products, posing potential risks.
- Further investigation into the implications and control of VREF in food is warranted.