Detection and identification of Salmonella species in minced beef and chicken meats by using Multiplex PCR in Assiut city

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the incidence and distribution of Salmonella species in selected meat and chicken products purchased from retail supermarkets in Assiut, Egypt. A total of 75 samples including 25 samples each of minced frozen beef, frozen chicken legs and frozen chicken fillets were collected over a 7-month period between January and July 2009 and examined for the presence of Salmonella species. In addition, 28 children stool cultures were collected from hospitalized children resident in Pediatric University Hospital with diarrhea or fever. Out of the total 75 meat samples examined, Salmonella was detected in 5 (20%) of minced frozen beef, 9 (36%) of frozen chicken leg and 13 (52%) of frozen chicken fillet samples analyzed. Regarding the examined 28 children stool cultures, 3 (10.71 %) were found Salmonella positive. Of the total 30 Salmonella positive samples from all examined samples, five selected Salmonella isolates were further identified using multiplex PCR (m-PCR). Two serovars were the dominant serovar identified was Salmonella entrica subsp. entrica serovar Enteritidis (2 chicken leg isolates and 2 chicken breast fillets) followed by Salmonella entrica subsp. entrica serovar Kentucky (one minced beef isolate). The public health hazards of Salmonella were discussed and the suggestive measures to protect the consumers and improve the quality of meat and chicken products were given. [Veterinary World 2011; 4(1.000): 5-11]

Keywords

• Salmonellosis
• Minced beef
• Chicken legs
• Chicken breast fillet
• Incidence
• m-PCR
• Food borne illness
• Zoonosis