MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF CAMPYLOBACTER SPECIES FROM TURKEYS FLOCKS IN DELTA GOVERNMENTS

Abstract

Two hundred and forty samples were collected from turkey farms and various markets in Delta Governorates for Campylobacter spp. isolation. Multiplex PCR assay was used to identify 2 Thermophilic Campylobacter species (C. jejuni and C. coli). The prevalence of Campylobacter in turkeys(22.5%) observed in this study; C. jejuni was 15.4% and C. coli 7%. The high incidence of Campylobacter in liver was (30%) followed by skin (26.7%), cloacal swabs (21.3%) and finally intestinal content (16.7%). A food borne disease infected with campylobacteriosis resulting from consuming or handling of contaminated poultry meat. The high incidence of Campylobacter due to contamination to intestinal tract during evisceration can lead to direct contamination of the carcasses or indirectly through the hands of the processors, material or instrument used in processing. The amplification of the DNA belonging to Campylobacter genus specific (C. jejuni hipO) was (19%); (13.8%) C. jejuni at 323 bp and (5.8%) C. coli at 126 bp, while for C. jejuni 23S rRNA at 650 bp. PCR analysis for detection of Campylobacter can be utilized as a simple, rapid and sensitive tool to discriminate stains recovered from different sources, especially when used as profile analysis for a control strategy of C. jejuni in turkey farms to reduce the risk of human exposure to Campylobacter and is an important food safety issue. Multiplex PCR was found to be more reliable than the conventional cultural methods in species level for identification of Campylobacter isolates. Further epidemiological studies at different geographical areas, carried to discover the prevalence, magnitude and importance of Campylobacter infection in turkey farms.