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A simple and inexpensive method to generate a microaerophilic atmosphere for the isolation of Campylobacter sp
1Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Abstract:
Faeces of 138 chickens were inoculated on Blaser agar plates. One set of plates was incubated in jars with CampyPak envelopes. The others were incubated in "Zip-lock" plastic bags (7 x 8 in.) and a microaerophilic atmosphere was generated exhaling into the "Zip-lock" plastic bag, after holding the breath for 20 sec. Then, the bag was pressed to evacuate its atmosphere, inflated again, and pressed (4 times), and finally sealed. Campylobacter was isolated from 127 (96.2%) of samples incubated in jars with gas generator envelopes and from 129 (98%) of the specimens incubated into the bags. The proposed methodology offers good savings for cost-conscious laboratories.
Insights
A new, cost-effective method for isolating Campylobacter bacteria from chicken feces was developed using simple plastic bags to create a microaerophilic environment. This technique achieved high isolation rates, comparable to traditional methods, making it ideal for budget-conscious labs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Campylobacter is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis globally.
- Accurate isolation of Campylobacter from animal feces is crucial for food safety surveillance.
- Traditional methods for Campylobacter isolation can be costly and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel, low-cost method for isolating Campylobacter from chicken feces.
- To compare the efficacy of a microaerophilic atmosphere generated in plastic bags versus standard gas generator envelopes.
- To determine the cost-effectiveness of the proposed isolation technique.
Main Methods:
- Chicken fecal samples (n=138) were inoculated onto Blaser agar plates.
- Plates were incubated using two methods: standard CampyPak envelopes in jars and a self-generated microaerophilic atmosphere within sealed plastic bags.
- The plastic bag method involved controlled gas exchange by manual compression and re-inflation.
Main Results:
- Campylobacter was isolated from 96.2% of samples using CampyPak envelopes.
- The plastic bag method yielded a 98% isolation rate.
- Both methods demonstrated high efficacy, with the plastic bag technique showing a slight advantage.
Conclusions:
- The plastic bag method provides a highly effective and significantly more economical alternative for Campylobacter isolation.
- This simplified technique is suitable for laboratories with limited resources.
- The findings support the adoption of this cost-saving approach in routine diagnostics and research.