scholarly journals A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Agona, February - August 2008

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (33) ◽  
Author(s):  
D O'Flanagan ◽  
M Cormican ◽  
P McKeown ◽  
N Nicolay ◽  
J Cowden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Retail Outlet ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Beef Steak ◽  
Production Company ◽  
Pfge Profiles

An outbreak of gastroenteritis affecting residents in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Finland is currently being investigated. As of Wednesday 13 August, a total of 119 cases have been identified. An investigation that includes interviews of persons with Salmonella Agona infections, comparison of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles of S. Agona isolates from cases and also food samples from an Irish food production company and retail outlet chain supplied by the company, suggests that food products from that company may be related to some of these cases. A number of food products including beef steak strips, chicken in various forms, bacon in various forms, and pork have been withdrawn (see: http://www.fsai.ie/ for details). The investigation is ongoing.

Isolation and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Typing of Listeria monocytogenes from Modified Atmosphere Packaged Fresh-Cut Vegetables Collected in Ireland

2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 2524-2528 ◽  
Author(s):  
GILLIAN A. FRANCIS ◽  
DAVID O'BEIRNE
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Modified Atmosphere ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Pfge Profiles

The incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in modified atmosphere packaged fresh-cut fruits and vegetables from chill cabinets of a supermarket in Ireland was investigated over a 2-year period. Overall, 9.58% of fresh-cut produce was contaminated with Listeria spp. Various species of Listeria were isolated from samples, including L. monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, L. innocua, L. welshimeri, and L. ivanovii. No fruit samples contained detectable L. monocytogenes. Overall, a total of 21 L. monocytogenes isolates (2.9% of samples) were recovered from a range of products, including dry coleslaw mix (80% shredded cabbage and 20% shredded carrot), bean sprouts, and leafy vegetables such iceberg, romaine, and radicchio lettuce and mixed salad leaves (curly endive, escarole, and radicchio leaves). Dry coleslaw mix appeared to have the highest incidence of Listeria contamination (20%) compared with other products. Listeria contamination was more frequent (P < 0.05) during the summer and autumn months than during the winter and spring months. The 21 L. monocytogenes isolates were subsequently subtyped by genomic macrorestriction techniques using ApaI with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE of digested DNA produced bands of 79 to 518 kb. Four PFGE profiles were identified, and approximately 50% of the isolates were associated with profile 1. This study indicates that fresh-cut vegetables packaged under a modified atmosphere can support growth of numerous species of Listeria, including L. monocytogenes.

scholarly journals Molecular typing of Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 (H−) isolates from cattle in Japan

1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. AKIBA ◽  
T. MASUDA ◽  
T. SAMESHIMA ◽  
K. KATSUDA ◽  
M. NAKAZAWA
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Molecular Typing ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Escherichia Coli O157 ◽  
Outbreak Strain ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Biological Methods ◽  
Pfge Profiles

A total of 77 Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 (H−) isolates from cattle in Japan were investigated by molecular biological methods. Most of these isolates (43 isolates) possessed the stx2 gene, but not stx1. Fifteen bacteriophage types and 50 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles were observed. One isolate was indistinguishable from the human outbreak strain by these methods. This indicates that cattle must be considered as a possible source of human E. coli O157[ratio ]H7 infection in Japan.

Evaluation of Logistic Processing To Reduce Cross-Contamination of Commercial Broiler Carcasses with Campylobacter spp.

2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
pp. 2549-2554 ◽  
Author(s):  
LAKSHMI-PRASANNA POTTURI-VENKATA ◽  
STEFFEN BACKERT ◽  
SERGIO L. VIEIRA ◽  
OMAR A. OYARZABAL
Keyword(s):  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Large Problem ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Simple Logistic ◽  
Campylobacter Spp

Cross-contamination of broiler carcasses with Campylobacter is a large problem in food production. Here, we investigated whether the contamination of broilers carcasses from Campylobacter-negative flocks can be avoided by logistic scheduling during processing. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from several commercial broiler flocks and enumerated for Campylobacter spp. Based on enumeration results, flocks were categorized as Campylobacter negative or Campylobacter positive. The schedule of processing included the testing of Campylobacter-positive flocks before or after the testing of Campylobacter-negative flocks. During processing, flocks were also sampled for Campylobacter spp. before and after chilling. Campylobacter strains were identified with multiplex PCR and analyzed for relatedness with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Our results show that Campylobacter-negative flocks were indeed contaminated with Campylobacter strains originating from previously processed Campylobacter-positive flocks. Campylobacter isolates collected from carcasses originating from different farms processed on the same day showed similar pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, confirming cross-contamination. These findings suggest that a simple logistic processing schedule can preserve the Campylobacter-negative status of broiler carcasses and result in products with enhanced food safety.

Sources and Spread of Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. during Partial Depopulation of Broiler Chicken Flocks

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. M. ALLEN ◽  
H. WEAVER ◽  
A. M. RIDLEY ◽  
J. A. HARRIS ◽  
M. SHARMA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Broiler Chicken ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Thermophilic Campylobacter ◽  
Broiler Flock ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection ◽  
Thinning Process ◽  
Campylobacter Spp

The practice of partial depopulation or thinning (early removal of a portion of birds from a commercial broiler flock) is a reported risk factor for Campylobacter colonization of residual birds because of the difficulty in maintaining biosecurity during the thinning process. The effect of this practice was studied in detail for 51 target flocks, each at a different growing farm belonging to one of seven major poultry companies throughout the United Kingdom. On 21 of these farms, the target flock was already colonized by Campylobacter, and at slaughter all cecal samples examined were positive, with a mean of 8 log CFU/g. An additional 27 flocks became positive within 2 to 6 days of the start of thinning and had similarly high levels of cecal carriage at slaughter. Just before the thinning process, Campylobacter was isolated frequently from the farm driveways, transport vehicles, equipment, and personnel. Strains from seven farms on which flocks became colonized after thinning were examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing. An association was found between strains occurring at specific sampling sites and those isolated subsequently from the thinned flocks. The results indicated that particular strains had spread from one farm to another when the farms were jointly owned by the same company and employed the same bird-catching teams and/or vehicles. These results highlight the need for better hygiene control in relation to catching equipment and personnel and more effective cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and bird-transport crates.

scholarly journals Molecular Epidemiology of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Saintpaul Isolated from Animals, Food, and Humans in 12 European Countries

2012 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Wasyl ◽  
Magdalena Zając ◽  
Derek J. Brown ◽  
Henry Kuronen ◽  
Kim Van Der Zwaluw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Food Of Animal Origin ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Pfge Profiles

Abstract The molecular epidemiological relationship among isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar (S.) Saintpaul, which was identified in animals, food, and humans in several EU countries, was investigated. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed a high degree of genetic diversity (82 XbaI PFGE profiles with 42.6% similarity) among 159 S. Saintpaul isolates from animals (n=91), food of animal origin (n=29), and humans (n=36) in 12 European countries during 2005 to 2009. Most frequent profiles (n=12) comprised almost 50% of the tested isolates. Profiles obtained in isolates from a single source within a particular geographical region or particular period of time were indistinguishable or closely related. Turkeys were confirmed as the major reservoir for S. Saintpaul. Indistinguishable PFGE profiles were identified in up to 19 isolates from turkey breeding and fattening flocks and food over the study period. Other animals, including food and pets, may also contribute to S. Saintpaul spread. International trade of animals and food, as well as travelling contributes to the spread of a specific clone to different geographical areas. Although control programmes in breeding turkey flocks, together with improved biosecurity, may interrupt the major transmission routes, it was concluded that S. Saintpaul will continue to represent a potential threat to human health.

Examination of Listeria monocytogenes in Seafood Processing Facilities and Smoked Salmon in the Republic of Ireland

2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (12) ◽  
pp. 2184-2190 ◽  
Author(s):  
DARA LEONG ◽  
AVELINO ALVAREZ-ORDÓÑEZ ◽  
SARAH ZAOUALI ◽  
KIERAN JORDAN
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Benzalkonium Chloride ◽  
Food Samples ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Republic Of Ireland ◽  
Smoked Salmon ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Seafood Processing

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis, a relatively rare but life-threatening disease primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in the seafood processing industry in the Republic of Ireland. The occurrence of L. monocytogenes was determined by regular sampling of both food samples and processing environment swabs at eight seafood processing facilities over two calendar years. All samples were analyzed by the International Organization for Standardization 11290-1 standard method, and the isolates were characterized by PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, serotyping, and the occurrence of some genes related to survival under stress (SSI-1, Tn6188, and bcrABC). A prevalence of 2.5% in 508 samples (433 environmental swabs and 75 food samples) was found. From the isolates obtained, eight different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles were identified, two occurring in more than one facility and one occurring in food and the environment. Five of the eight pulsotypes identified contained at least one of the three stress survival–related genes tested. The tolerance of the isolates to benzalkonium chloride, a representative quaternary ammonium compound, was also examined and ranged from 5.5 ± 0.5 to 8.5 ± 0.5 ppm of benzalkonium chloride. To evaluate the ability of smoked salmon to support the growth of L. monocytogenes, including the T4 widespread pulsotype that was isolated, a challenge test was performed on cold-smoked salmon obtained from two separate producers. The results showed clearly that both types of smoked salmon supported the growth of L. monocytogenes. Although occurrence of L. monocytogenes on seafood was low, this study showed that the smoked salmon used in this study can support the growth of L. monocytogenes; therefore, vigilance is required in the processing facilities to reduce the associated risk.

scholarly journals Emergence of Enterobacteriaceae Isolates Producing CTX-M Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase in Austria

2006 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 785-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Eisner ◽  
Elizabeth J. Fagan ◽  
Gebhard Feierl ◽  
Harald H. Kessler ◽  
Egon Marth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
E Coli ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Extended Spectrum ◽  
Epidemiological Link ◽  
Esbl Producers

ABSTRACT Among 149 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates collected from patients in southeast Austria from 1998 to 2004, 38 Escherichia coli isolates and 11 Klebsiella spp. were CTX-M producers. The proportion of CTX-M-producers among all ESBL producers rose from 0% in 1998 to 58% in 2004. In general, CTX-M-producers had heterogeneous pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, but one E. coli isolate was identical to a United Kingdom epidemic CTX-M-15-producing strain, although no epidemiological link with the United Kingdom was apparent.

Efficacy of Mini VIDAS for the Detection of Campylobacter spp. from Retail Broiler Meat Enriched in Bolton Broth, with or without the Supplementation of Blood

2009 ◽  
Vol 72 (11) ◽  
pp. 2428-2432 ◽  
Author(s):  
LIN LIU ◽  
SYEDA K. HUSSAIN ◽  
ROBERT S. MILLER ◽  
OMAR A. OYARZABAL
Keyword(s):  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Agar Plate ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pfge Analysis ◽  
False Negatives ◽  
Broiler Meat ◽  
Automated Immunoassay ◽  
Campylobacter Spp ◽  
Pfge Profiles

The goals of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of the mini VIDAS automated immunoassay chemistry system to detect Campylobacter spp. from retail broiler meat enriched in Bolton broth supplemented with lysed blood (B+B) or without blood (B–B), and to detect positive samples at 24 versus 48 h after enrichment. Retail broiler meat was enriched and tested for Campylobacter spp. with the mini VIDAS and with an agar plate. Isolates were speciated with a multiplex PCR and typed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to evaluate relatedness of isolates collected from subsamples enriched in B+B or B–B. The number of Campylobacter-positive samples by mini VIDAS was similar (P > 0.05) to the results found with traditional plating media for naturally contaminated broiler meat, regardless of whether the comparison was made between B+B and B–B, or among different meat products (breast, tenders, and thighs). More positive samples were found at 48 h of enrichment than at 24 h of enrichment (P < 0.05). A Campylobacter jejuni:Campylobacter coli ratio of 4:1 was found in this study. Most of the isolates from both subsamples (B+B and B–B) were similar or identical by PFGE analysis, except for a few samples in which the PFGE profiles of the isolates from the subsamples were different. Mini VIDAS allowed for the detection of Campylobacter spp. within 48 h after enrichment. However, the sensitivity is similar to plate media, and retail broiler samples need to be enriched for 48 h to avoid false negatives.

scholarly journals Intermediately virulent Rhodococcus equi isolates from pigs in Slovenia: discovery of new plasmid types and assessment of genetic diversity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

2009 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 111-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pate ◽  
M. Ocepek ◽  
I. Zdovc ◽  
C. Minato ◽  
Y. Ohtsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Detailed Comparison ◽  
Rhodococcus Equi ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Large Plasmids ◽  
Multiple Strains ◽  
Pfge Profiles

The presence of large plasmids in 30 <I>Rhodococcus equi</I> strains isolated from pig lymph nodes with granulomatous changes was investigated. Plasmid DNAs were isolated and digested with the restriction endonucleases <I>Bam</I>HI, <I>Eco</I>RI, <I>Eco</I>T22I and <I>Hind</I>III for detailed comparison and estimation of plasmid sizes. A total of nine isolates were identified as intermediately virulent (VapB-positive), harbouring large plasmids of type 5 (<I>n</I> = 5) and four new variants that we tentatively designated as type 19 (<I>n</I> = 1), 20 (<I>n</I> = 1), 21 (<I>n</I> = 1) and 24 (<I>n</I> = 1). All isolates were subjected to genotyping with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). High genetic diversity was observed: 21 distinct genotypes were detected; five were found in multiple isolates and the others were unique. Isolates of the same plasmid type exhibited different PFGE profiles and vice versa. In a few cases, multiple strains from certain farms were analysed, the majority of which exhibited diverse PFGE profiles. Our findings demonstrate the presence of a wide variety of <I>R. equi</I> strains even in small confined environments such as farms. This is the first molecular epidemiology study of intermediately virulent <I>R. equi</I> isolates from Slovenian pigs.

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