Category Archives: Campylobacter

Research – Campylobacter presence on Dutch broiler farms and associated risk factors

Posted on February 25, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Science Direct

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter is the most reported zoonotic pathogen in humans in the European Union. Poultry is a major source of human infection with Campylobacter. Although many studies are done on the presence of Campylobacter in broilers and theoretically effective control measures are known, their relative importance at broiler farms remains poorly understood. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Campylobacter on selected broiler farms in the Netherlands, to determine the moment of introduction, and associated risk factors. A longitudinal study on 25 broiler farms was carried out between June 2017 and December 2020. Fecal samples were collected weekly from 43 broiler houses. In total 497 flocks were sampled. Putative variables on flock and farm characteristics for a risk factor analysis were gathered through questionnaires. Risk factors associated with the presence of Campylobacter in a broiler flock were determined using regression models. In total 30% of the flocks included in the study were positive for Campylobacter. Factors associated with presence of Campylobacter at slaughter age included: season, mowing lawns and presence of agricultural side activities. While summer/autumn and mowing lawns were associated with an increase in Campylobacter presence in flocks, the farmer having agricultural side activities other than poultry production was associated with a decrease. Analysis of the age at which flocks first tested Campylobacter positive revealed that slower growing breeds became positive on average one week later compared to regular growers. This study revealed a delayed introduction of Campylobacter in slower grower versus regular grower broiler flocks reared indoors. In addition it confirmed importance of season as major risk factor. The relevance of mowing and preceding positive flocks as risk factors needs further investigation.

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Posted in Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Zoonosis

Research – Investigating bacteriophages as a novel multiple-hurdle measure against Campylobacter: field trials in commercial broiler plants

Posted on February 10, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Nature

Abstract

Campylobacter mitigation along the food production chain is considered effective for minimizing the public health burden of human campylobacteriosis. This study is the first combining different measures in a multiple-hurdle approach, using drinking water additives and feed additives in single and combined application schemes in commercial broiler plants. Broiler chickens in the study groups were naturally contaminated with Campylobacter. Application of an organic acid blend via drinking water, consisting of sodium propionate, potassium sorbate, and sodium diacetate, resulted in significant reductions of up to 4.9 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples and in cecal samples at slaughter. The application of a phage mixture, consisting of Fletchervirus phage NCTC 12673 and Firehammervirus phage vB_CcM-LmqsCPL1/1, resulted in reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL in fecal samples 1 day after dosing. The sole administration of curcumin via feed resulted in small and inconsistent reductions. In the group receiving a combination of all tested measures, reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/mL were observed. Based on the results of our field trials, it was shown that both the sole application and the combined application of mitigation measures in primary production can reduce the Campylobacter load in broiler chickens, while no synergism could be observed.

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Posted in Bacteriophage, Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Food Microbiology Research, Food Technology, Hurdle Technology, Phage, Research, Technology

Research – The antimicrobial effect of eugenol against Campylobacter jejuni on experimental raw chicken breast meat model

Posted on February 3, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Wiley Online

Campylobacter jejuni is the predominant bacterial cause of gastroenteritis, the main cause of foodborne deaths. Currently, Campylobacter is a common foodborne pathogen found in poultry; thus, there is a need for the development of novel intervention strategies. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of eugenol on C. jejuni load in an experimental chicken meat model. We observed that eugenol was effective in reducing C. jejuni load for 7 days of storage. Eugenol treatment at all concentrations (1.28, 5.12, and 10.24 mg mL−1) decreased Campylobacter load more significantly in the reference strain, and this decrease was dose-dependent throughout the storage period. Compared to the control group, eugenol reduced the counts of chicken isolate and the reference strain of C. jejuni by approximately 1.5 and 4.5 log/CFU, respectively, after 7 days of storage. Eugenol is a promising agent for improving the safety of poultry.

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Posted in Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Food Microbiology Research, gastroenteritis, Gastrointestinal Infection, Research

Research – A comparison of European surveillance programs for Campylobacter in broilers

Posted on February 3, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Science Direct

Campylobacter kswfoodworld

Abstract

Campylobacter is an important foodborne pathogen as it is associated with significant disease burden across Europe. Among various sources, Campylobacter infections in humans are often related to the consumption of undercooked poultry meat or improper handling of poultry meat. Many European countries have implemented measures to reduce human exposure to Campylobacter from broiler meat. In this paper, surveillance programs implemented in some European countries is summarized. Our findings reveal that many European countries test neck skin samples for Campylobacter as per the Process Hygiene Criterion (PHC) set by the European Regulation. Variations to the legal plan are seen in some countries, as in Norway and Iceland, where weekly sampling is performed during infection peak periods only, or in Iceland, where the Campylobacter limit is set at 500 CFU/g instead of 1000 CFU/g. Furthermore, northern European countries have implemented national Campylobacter surveillance plans. Denmark tests cloaca and leg skin samples at the slaughterhouses and meat samples at the retail, while Finland, Norway, and Sweden test caeca at slaughterhouses. In contrast, Iceland tests feces on farms. Iceland and Norway test flocks close to the slaughter date and when a farm tests positive, competent authority implement measures such as logistic slaughter, heat treatment or freeze the meat from these flocks. In Iceland, frozen meat is further processed prior to being put on the market. While the incidence of campylobacteriosis has declined in all European countries except France since the introduction of PHC in 2018, it is uncertain whether this decrease is due to prevalence reduction or underreporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future investigations with more comprehensive data, devoid of potential confounding factors, are necessary to validate this potential trend. However, it is evident that the implementation of national action plans can be successful in reducing the incidence of human campylobacteriosis, as demonstrated by Iceland.

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Posted in Campylobacter, campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Food Microbiology Research, Research, Retailer Campylobacter Survey

USA – Conoco View Dairy Raw Milk Campylobacter Outbreak in PA

Posted on February 1, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

A Conoco View Dairy raw milk Campylobacter outbreak in Pennsylvania has sickened at least 11 people, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Officials are warning consumers to immediately discard all of this milk.

The Department ran tests after 11 reports of illness in December 2023 and January 2024 were received. Campylobacter contamination was confirmed in the dairy’s products.

The press release states that, “While the source of the bacteria is clear, every specific production date could not be pinpointed. All products, including those in consumers’ freezers, should be discarded.”

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Posted in Campylobacter, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Raw Milk

New Zealand – Lindsay Farm HB Ltd is recalling specific batches of its Lindsay Farm brand Organic Raw Milk (unpasteurised) as the product may contain Campylobacter.

Posted on January 26, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MPI

Product identification
Product type Raw (unpasteurised) drinking milk
Name of product (size) Lindsay Farm brand Organic Raw Milk (unpasteurised) 2L
Batch marking Lot numbers: 2612, 2712, 2812, 2912, 3112, 0101, 0201, 0301, 0401
Date marking Use by dates: 30.12.23, 31.12.23, 01.01.24, 02.01.24, 04.01.24, 05.01.24, 06.01.24, 07.01.24, 08.01.24
Package size and description The product is sold in a plastic 2L bottle.
Distribution The product is sold in the Hawke’s Bay region via home deliveries and the following registered depots:

Betta Electrical, 46 – 48 Ruatainwha Street, Waipukurau

Chantal Shop, 45 Hastings Street, Napier

Cornucopia – The Organic Shop, 221 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings

Dawnacres Florist, 208 Havelock Road, Akina, Hastings

Nature’s Nurture – The Organic Grocer, 100 High Street, Waipawa

Tangaroa Seafoods, 7 Tangaroa Street, Ahuriri, Napier

Unichem Taradale Pharmacy, 288 Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier.

The product has not been exported.
Notes This recall does not affect any other batches of Lindsay Farm brand Organic raw milk (unpasteurised).

Point of sale notice for retailers

If you are a retailer of the product in this recall, download a copy of the point of sale notice. You need to display it in your store for one month.

Point of sale notice – Lindsay Farm brand Organic Raw Milk (unpasteurised) [PDF, 128KB]

Consumer advice

Customers are asked to check the lot number and Use by date printed on the bottle.

If you have purchased any of the affected product listed on this notice, do not consume it. Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund. Alternatively, consume after heating to 70°C and holding at this temperature for one minute. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat the milk until it nearly reaches a boil (or scald the milk) before drinking it.

There have been two notifications of possible associated illness. If you have consumed any of this product and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.

How to reduce the risk of illness if you drink raw unpasteurised milk

Campylobacter infection: symptoms and advice

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Posted in Campylobacter, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, MPI, Raw Milk

RASFF Alert- Campylobacter – Duck Drumsticks

Posted on January 26, 2024 by | Leave a comment

RASFF

Salmonella group C and Campylobacter jejuni in frozen duck drumsticks from Poland in Germany

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Posted in Campylobacter, food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, RASFF

Research – Most major pathogens see an increase in Ireland

Posted on January 24, 2024 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News

The number of E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria infections has gone up in Ireland, according to 2022 data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting rates for giardiasis, listeriosis, norovirus, rotavirus, salmonellosis, shigellosis, and toxoplasmosis in Ireland decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels. Still, rates for campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, E. coli, and yersiniosis increased or remained unchanged. In 2022, most of these diseases returned to or remained at pre-pandemic levels.

A 2021 cyber-attack at the Health Service Executive (HSE) also affected data validation and collection, reporting of enhanced data variables, and outbreak notification.

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Posted in Campylobacter, Cryptosporidiosis, Cryptosporidium, E.coli, Food Pathogen, Giardia, Listeria, Norovirus, Pathogen, pathogenic, Rotavirus, Yersinia, yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Research – Process Hygiene Criterion for Campylobacter and Number of Campylobacter Enteritis Cases in Northwest Germany

Posted on January 20, 2024 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Campylobacteriosis is the most commonly reported bacterial foodborne disease in the European Union. Its transmission is often associated with the consumption of poultry meat. In 2018, Regulation (EC) No. 2017/1495 introduced a process hygiene criterion and with this, the testing requirements for Campylobacter. The results of microbiological testing for Campylobacter of chicken carcass neck skin samples from several slaughter lines in Northwest Germany collected by the food business operators and contamination levels (cfu/g Campylobacter) of these samples were analysed from 2018 to 2021. Classification into three different categories was made based on contamination levels. The proportion of highly contaminated (category three) neck samples (>1000 cfu/g) decreased from 2018 to 2021. Our analysis showed a relationship between the number of neck samples with high Campylobacter contamination levels (>1000 cfu/g) and human cases in Northwest Germany. Spearman’s rank test (p < 0.01) showed a higher correlation in 2018 (0.66) and 2019 (0.58) compared to 2020 and 2021. Campylobacter enteritis cases in Northwest Germany stayed at a low level in 2020 and 2021. It remains unclear whether the decrease in reported Campylobacter enteritis cases is related to a decrease in Campylobacter levels on chicken carcasses or due to other reasons like underreporting during the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore must be investigated in further analyses.

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Posted in Campylobacter, Decontamination Microbial, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, microbial contamination, Microbial growth, Microbial Spoilage, Microbiology, Microbiology Investigations, Microbiology Risk, Research

Research – Outbreak Reports: A Large Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreak Associated with Both Campylobacter coli and Human Sapovirus — Beijing Municipality, China, 2021

Posted on January 20, 2024 by | Leave a comment

China CDC

Campylobacter is a significant foodborne pathogen that leads to global outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) usually affecting less than 30 individuals. Human sapovirus (HuSaV) is an enteric virus responsible for sporadic cases and outbreaks of AGE worldwide. In a study conducted in Beijing, HuSaV detection ranked second after norovirus.

What is added by this report?

We present a discussion of the first large-scale outbreak of AGE caused by both Campylobacter coli (C. coli) and HuSaV. The outbreak involved a total of 996 patients and exhibited two distinct peaks over a period of 17 days. Through case-control studies, we identified exposure to raw water from a secondary water supply system as a significant risk factor. Among 83 patients, 49 samples tested positive for C. coli, 39 samples tested positive for HuSaV, and 27 samples tested positive for both pathogens using real-time polymerase chain reaction detection. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing of 17 C. coli isolates obtained from 17 patients revealed that all isolates belonged to a highly clonal strain of C. coli.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Outbreaks of AGE resulting from multiple pathogen infections warrant increased attention. This report emphasizes the significance of ensuring the safety of drinking water, particularly in secondary supply systems.

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Posted in Campylobacter, food bourne outbreak, Food Illness, Food Microbiology Research, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, Research, Sapovirus