Percentage Of Positive Samples Research Articles

Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in flour: a survey of the Serbian retail market

ABSTRACTThis report presents data on the occurrence of aflatoxins (AF) and ochratoxin A in different types of flour marketed in Serbia. A total of 114 samples of wheat, buckwheat, rye, oat, barley, rice, millet and corn flour were collected in the period 2012–2016 and analysed using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Among flours other than corn, AFB1 was quantified only in rice, while ochratoxin A (OTA) was found in 29% of the samples. In corn flours the percentage of positive samples varied greatly over the years: AFB1 7.1–80.0%, OTA 30.0–40.6%, with a co-occurrence of 7.1–34.4%. Overall 5.2% of flours other than corn and 10.7% of corn flours exceeded the maximum levels (MLs) for AFB1 and/or OTA. The highest recorded levels were 8.80 μg kg−1 of AFB1 (corn) and 23.04 μg kg−1 of OTA (rye). Overall mean contamination levels of corn flours were 0.53 μg kg−1 of AFB1 and 0.46 μg kg−1 of OTA.

Molecular characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii from environmental sources and genetic comparison with clinical isolates in Apulia, Italy

The present study investigated the environmental distribution of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complex molecular types, mating types and sequence types in Apulia, a region of Southern Italy. A total of 2078 specimens from arboreal and animal sources were analyzed. The percentage of positive samples was similar among both arboreal and animal specimens: 4.2% vs. 5.1% for C. neoformans species complex and 0.6% vs. 1.4% for C. gattii species complex. Molecular typing identified 78 isolates as VNI (76 αA and two aA), one as AD-hybrid αADa, and 16 as VGI aB. VNI isolates presented 10 different sequence types (STs) and VGI isolates two. The most frequent STs among C. neoformans and C. gattii species complex isolates were ST23 (51%) and ST156 (90%), respectively. Comparison with molecular types and STs results obtained from 21 clinical isolates collected in Apulia showed that one C. neoformans VNI clinical isolate shared an identical sequence type of one arboreal isolate (ST61) and that one C. gattii VGI clinical isolate matched with the main ST (ST156) present in the environment. In addition, molecular type VNIV was found only among clinical isolates and was absent in the investigated environmental area. In conclusion, the present study identified which C. neoformans and C. gattii species complex genotypes are circulating in Apulia, defined their ecological niches and revealed the relationship with clinical cases. It represents a basal study for addressing future investigations and public health interventions in the region.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in benign and malignant laryngeal lesions in Egyptian patients: Cross-sectional study.

To assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in benign and malignant laryngeal lesions among Egyptian patients. Observational analytical cross-sectional study. Ain Shams University hospital, Otorhinolaryngology department PARTICIPANTS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of 126 patients (70 benign laryngeal lesions and 56 squamous cell carcinoma lesions) were assessed for the presence of HPV DNA using MY09/11 PCR-based DNA detection. Percentage of positive samples was calculated. All 70 benign laryngeal lesion specimens were negative for the HPV DNA, while 2 of the 56 squamous cell carcinoma lesions (3.6%) were positive. The presence of HPV DNA in only two specimens in our study suggests that the proportion of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas attributable to infection by HPV seems to be very low in Egypt.

SEROPREVALENCE OF INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE VIRUS IN PRIVATE POULTRY BREEDINGS OF UKRAINE FROM 2014 TO 2016

Aim. Implementation of serological monitoring of infectious bursal disease virus in poultry households to study the relevance of this pathogen in Ukraine. Methods. Presence of IBDV antibodies was analyzed in 83 farms of 20 regions of Ukraine. Overall 20,126 serum samples from selected chicken (Gallus domesticus) which ages ranged from 1 to 506 days were analyzed. For the IBDV antibodies detection there were used the indirect ELISA method, which was carried out using commercial test kits IDEXX IBD (USA). The optical absorbance value was determined by wavelength of 650 nm. Antibody titers were calculated using software xCheck (USA). Titer values above 396 were considered as positive. Results. IBDV antibodies were found in the serum of chickens from all the analyzed farms and regions of Ukraine. Antibodies were detected in 19.236 samples of blood serum. The value of antibody titers in positive samples varied from 415 to 15576. Mean titers were 5952. The percentage of positive samples in different areas was very high and ranged from 82.5% in the Kherson region to 100% in the Chernihiv, Poltava and other regions. IBDV antibodies were detected in all age groups of birds. The maximum level of maternal antibodies were observed at 1–4 days after birth. Conclusions. We have shown the significant spread of IBDV in Ukraine. These data suggest the need to strengthen of biosecurity and management in order to prevent the spread of the virus in the farms.

Survey for Listeria monocytogenes in and on Ready-to-Eat Foods from Retail Establishments in the United States (2010 through 2013): Assessing Potential Changes of Pathogen Prevalence and Levels in a Decade

A multiyear interagency Listeria monocytogenes Market Basket Survey was undertaken for selected refrigerated ready-to-eat foods purchased at retail in four FoodNet sites in the United States. Food samples from 16 food categories in six broad groups (seafood, produce, dairy, meat, eggs, and combination foods) were collected weekly at large national chain supermarkets and independent grocery stores in California, Maryland, Connecticut, and Georgia for 100 weeks between December 2010 and March 2013. Of the 27,389 total samples, 116 samples tested positive by the BAX PCR system for L. monocytogenes , and the pathogen was isolated and confirmed for 102 samples. Among the 16 food categories, the proportion of positive samples (i.e., without considering clustering effects) based on recovery of a viable isolate of L. monocytogenes ranged from 0.00% (95% confidence interval: 0.00, 0.18) for the category of soft-ripened and semisoft cheese to 1.07% (0.63, 1.68) for raw cut vegetables. Among the 571 samples that tested positive for Listeria-like organisms, the proportion of positive samples ranged from 0.79% (0.45, 1.28) for soft-ripened and semisoft cheese to 4.76% (2.80, 7.51) for fresh crab meat or sushi. Across all 16 categories, L. monocytogenes contamination was significantly associated with the four states (P < 0.05) but not with the packaging location (prepackaged by the manufacturer versus made and/or packaged in the store), the type of store (national chain versus independent), or the season. Among the 102 samples positive for L. monocytogenes , levels ranged from <0.036 most probable number per g to 6.1 log CFU/g. For delicatessen (deli) meats, smoked seafood, seafood salads, soft-ripened and semisoft cheeses, and deli-type salads without meat, the percentage of positive samples was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in this survey than that reported a decade ago based on comparable surveys in the United States. Use of mixed logistic regression models to address clustering effects with regard to the stores revealed that L. monocytogenes prevalence ranged from 0.11% (0.03, 0.34) for sprouts (prepackaged) to 1.01% (0.58, 1.74) for raw cut vegetables (prepackaged).

КОНТРОЛЬ ГЕНЕТИЧНО МОДИФІКОВАНИХ РОСЛИН – ГАРАНТІЯ ПРОДОВОЛЬЧОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ

One of the problems in formation of mechanisms of development of environmentally safe environment is the proliferation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The use of genetic engineering in agriculture, food and agricultural industry have created the new opportunities for manufacturing the food and feed for meet the ever growing needs of the world's population. However, the opinions of scientists about the benefits and risks of genetic engineering is different. So today is particularly acute issue unpredictable consequences and danger for human health and the environment which are connected with GMO.The article present the results of determination of genetically modified organisms in plant material for the period 2013 – 2015 years, from the farms of different ownership forms. Analysis of the conducted research indicates on the circulation in farms of Lviv region transgenic plants.Found that the most common genetically modified plants were maize, soya and rape. The research of plant material on the presence of GMOs was performed by polymerase chain reaction in real time (PCR RF) by setting in them target sequences of promoter 35S virus of cauliflower mosaic (CaMV), promoter of FMV and (or) terminator NOS (T–NOS) T1 plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pat, EPSPS, Cry 3A, and determined species identification of positive samples. The use of PCR–RF allows quickly and qualitatively detect the GMO in the research samples. In 2013, the percentage of positive samples was 3.9% of the total, in 2014 – 2.3% and in 2015 – 3.3%. It is therefore necessary to monitor the vegetable raw and seed material on the presence of genetically modified organisms, to monitor the situation on GMO in Ukraine, because the problem of biosafety and the evaluation of the potential risks from their use is not studied.

0115 Occurrence of mycotoxins in the 2015 U.S. corn crop

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by filamentous fungi which commonly contaminate feedstuffs harvested for both human and livestock consumption. Although the different types of mycotoxins have variable effects on different livestock species, exposure to mycotoxins can impair health and adversely affect animal performance. The objective of the current study was to determine the occurrence of mycotoxins in the 2015 corn crop in the United States and to assess the potential risk to livestock species. From September 2015 to January 2016, 381 corn samples were collected from 20 states as part of the annual Biomin Mycotoxin Survey. Samples were analyzed either by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques, which are highly sensitive in detecting very low mycotoxin concentrations. The major mycotoxin groups analyzed were aflatoxins (Afla), zearalenone (ZEN), trichothecenes including deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin (T-2), fumonisins (FUM), and ochratoxin A (OTA). Mycotoxins were detected in 94% of the corn samples tested and 50% of the positive samples contained more than one mycotoxin. Co-occurrence of mycotoxins may lead to synergism and enhanced toxicity in animals which consume contaminated feed. The percentage of positive samples, mean of positives (ppb), maximum of positives (ppb), and risk threshold (ppb) for the six major mycotoxins are presented in Table 1 (not available). The occurrence of Afla, T-2, and OTA were minimal in relation to ZEN, DON, and FUM in these samples. The highest threat in these corn samples was posed by DON due to its high prevalence and number of samples above the FDA recommended level. As a result of their common co-occurrence, ZEN also presents a major threat. In terms of occurrence, FUM ranks second among the six major mycotoxins analyzed in these samples. With the increased occurrence and co-occurrence levels in 2015 compared with the previous year, DON, FUM, and ZEN pose a higher risk to livestock production in 2016.

Comparison of electron microscopy, ELISA, real time RT-PCR and insulated isothermal RT-PCR for the detection of Rotavirus group A (RVA) in feces of different animal species

There is no gold standard for detection of Rotavirus Group A (RVA), one of the main causes of diarrhea in neonatal animals. Sensitive and specific real-time RT-PCR (rtRT-PCR) assays are available for RVA but require submission of the clinical samples to diagnostic laboratories. Patient-side immunoassays for RVA protein detection have shown variable results, particularly with samples from unintended species. A sensitive and specific test for detection of RVA on the farm would facilitate rapid management decisions. The insulated isothermal RT-PCR (RT-iiPCR) assay works in a portable machine to allow sensitive and specific on-site testing. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate a commercially available RT-iiPCR assay for RVA detection in feces from different animal species. This assay was compared to an in-house rtRT-PCR assay and a commercially available rtRT-PCR kit, as well as an ELISA and EM for RVA detection. All three PCR assays targeted the well-conserved NSP5 gene. Clinical fecal samples from 108 diarrheic animals (mainly cattle and horses) were tested. The percentage of positive samples by ELISA, EM, in-house rtRT-PCR, commercial rtRT-PCR, and RT-iiPCR was 29.4%, 31%, 36.7%, 51.4%, 56.9%, respectively. The agreement between different assays was high (81.3–100%) in samples containing high viral loads. The sensitivity of the RT-iiPCR assay appeared to be higher than the commercially available rtRT-PCR assay, with a limit of detection (95% confidence index) of 3–4 copies of in vitro transcribed dsRNA. In conclusion, the user-friendly, field-deployable RT-iiPCR system holds substantial promise for on-site detection of RVA.

Aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol in feed ingredients and complete feed from central China

ABSTRACTBetween 2012 and 2014, 2528 feed ingredient and complete feed samples were collected from central China. Numbers of 2083, 255 and 190 samples were analysed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON), respectively, by high-performance liquid chromatography in combination with UV or fluorescence detection. The incidence rates of AFB1, ZEN and DON contamination of feed ingredients and complete feeds were 33.9%, 90.2% and 77.4%, respectively. The percentage of positive samples for AFB1 ranged from 13.1% to 97.1%. Cottonseed meal presented the most serious contamination by AFB1. ZEN and DON contamination levels of feeds ranged from 50% to 100%, indicating serious contamination over the studied 3-year period. This study demonstrates that AFB1, ZEN and DON contamination of feeds in central China is serious and differs over the years. Feeds are mostly contaminated with ZEN, followed by DON and AFB1.

Survey of Chloramphenicol in Honeys from China

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and a potential carcinogen that has been banned for use in apiculture in China and other countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of CAP residues in various Chinese honeys. In total, 219 raw honeys and 149 commercial honeys from China produced during four consecutive years (2011–2014) were analyzed by ELISA for the detection of CAP residues. The results showed the percentage of positive samples of CAP of 12.33% in the 219 raw honeys, withan obvious decreasefrom 2012 (20.97%) to 2014 (7.27%), the incidence of CAP showed a significant decrease. The CAP residues in all raw honeys ranged from ND (not detected) to 1.34 μg/kg, with a mean value of 0.08 μg/kg. The mean incidence of CAP in 149 commercial honeys was 6.04%. From 2012 (8.82%) to 2014 (2.78%), the incidence of CAP in commercial honeys showed an obvious decrease.

Multi-Drug Resistant Aerobic Bacteria Associated with Pneumo-Enteritis in Small Ruminants in Three Egyptian Provinces a field Study

To assess the most common bacterial causes of pneumo-enteritis in small ruminants in three Egyptian provinces, a total of 248 rectal and nasal swabs and 19 tissue samples were collected from diarrheic and dead lambs and goat kids and examined by the standard bacteriological techniques. All the isolates were examined for their antibiotic sensitivity. Finally, the virulence genotyping of E coli serogroups was carried out by PCR. The data showed that 90.34% and 73.79% of the rectal and nasal swabs were bacteriologically positive respectively, with the highest percentage of positive samples were observed in neonates (85%) comparing with 80% in adult samples. Escherichia coli was the highest percentage followed by Staph. aureus and then Salmonella (70.99%, 5.34%, and 3.82% respectively). While, in the case of tissue samples, the highest percentage of bacteria were isolated from the liver with E. coli is predominant (31.58%). The isolated aerobic bacteria showed a multi-drug resistance. The common E .coli serotypes are O114, O103, O8, O26, O108, O148, O86, O78, O111, O18. These serotypes were further examined for the presence of Shiga toxin (Stx1) and attaching effacing (eaeA) encoding genes. The data showed that Stx1 and eaeA genes were produced by 64.85% (9/14) of and 42.85% (6/14) of these serogroup respectively. The production of both was noticed in only 35.71% (5/14) of E. coli serogroups, while 21.43% (3/14) serogroups did not contain any of these genes. The data collectively showed that E. coli is the main cause of pneumo-enteritis amongst small ruminants and severity of infection mainly depends on the production of certain virolence encoding genes including Stx1 and eaeA genes. Further investigations are still required to verify their precise role in pneumo-enteritis pathogenesis.

Aflatoxins, Fumonisins and Zearalenone Contamination of Maize in the Southeastern and Central Highlands Provinces of Vietnam

A survey of the contamination of maize with aflatoxins, fumonisins and zearalenone was carried out in the Southeastern and Central Highland provinces in Vietnam. Four provinces were chosen for sampling maize: Dong Nai (22), Binh Phuoc (25), Dak Lak (30) and Dak Nong (20). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), G2 (AFG2), fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2) and zearalenone (ZEA) were analysed by HPLC in 97 maize kernel samples. Fumonisins were the most common toxins found in all samples (67%), followed by aflatoxins (55.7%) and zearalenone (27.8%). The incidence of aflatoxin positive samples (61.7%) in the Southeastern provinces was higher than in the Central Highlands (50%), while fumonisins and zearalenone incidences were higher in the Central Highlands. The mean level of fumonisin B1 in samples from the Central Highlands provinces (1757 µg/kg) was significantly greater (p &lt; 0.05) than in the Southeastern provinces (740 µg/kg). Importantly, the percentage of positive samples (about 70%) that had over 20 µg/kg (ppb) aflatoxin was very high. Moreover, many samples (53%) contained more than one mycotoxin and this result highlights the difficulty of diagnosing mycotoxicoses in the field and the need for ongoing research to reduce the occurrence of mycotoxins in Vietnamese maize.

Serological Detection of Caseous Lymphadenitis in Sheep and Goats Using a Commercial ELISA in Grenada, West Indies

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in small ruminants has been diagnosed by culture, several times in the state of Grenada. In order to understand the prevalence of CLA, serum samples from 541 sheep and 338 goats from Grenada and Carriacou islands were tested for antibodies against the phospholipase antigen of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis , the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) using a commercial ELISA kit: “ELITEST CLA”. The percentage of positive samples among sheep was 7.9, and for goats it was 31.3%, with a significant difference between these two species of animals. Of the six parishes of Grenada, and one parish of Carriacou, significantly more positive samples originated from St. George parish. There were no significant differences between age groups. The results of this study show that CLA is endemic and widely distributed throughout the islands of Grenada and Carriacou.

Quantification of human infection risk caused by rotavirus in surface waters from Córdoba, Argentina

Fecal contamination of water is a worrying problem because it is associated with the transmission of enteric pathogenic microorganisms that can cause many infectious diseases. In this study, an environmental survey was conducted to assess the level of viral contamination by viable enterovirus and rotavirus genome in two recreational rivers (Suquía and Xanaes) of Córdoba, Argentina. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was calculated to estimate the risk of rotavirus infection. Water sampling was carried out during a one-year period, the presence of total and fecal coliforms was determined and water samples were then concentrated for viral determination. Cell culture and indirect immunofluorescence were applied for enterovirus detection and RT-qPCR for rotavirus quantification. Coliform bacteria levels found in Suquía River often far exceeded the guideline limits for recreational waters. The Xanaes exhibited a lower level of bacterial contamination, frequently within the guideline limits. Enterovirus and rotavirus were frequently detected in the monitoring rivers (percentage of positive samples in Suquía: 78.6% enterovirus, 100% rotavirus; in Xanaes: 87.5% enterovirus, 18.7% rotavirus). Rotavirus was detected at a media concentration of 5.7×105 genome copies/L (gc/L) in the Suquía and 8.5×100gc/L in the Xanaes. QMRA revealed high risk of rotavirus infection in the Suquía, at sampling points with acceptable and non-acceptable bacteria numbers. The Xanaes showed significantly lower health risk of rotavirus infection but it proved to be a public health hazard. The viral occurrence was not readily explained by the levels of bacteria indicators, thus viral monitoring should be included to determine microbiological water quality. These findings provide the first data of QMRA for recreational waters in Argentina and reveal the need for public awareness of the health implications of the use of the river waters.

First finding of spontaneous infections with Cryptosporidium baileyi and C. meleagridis in the red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa from an aviary in the Czech Republic

This paper represents the first report of spontaneous infection with Cryptosporidium baileyi and Cryptosporidium meleagridis in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), as well as the percentage of positive samples and age-associated dynamics of cryptosporidial infections in an aviary in the Czech Republic. The entire infection process was monitored over two semesters (July–December 2012 and 2013) until release of birds for hunting purposes. Coprological examination of 663 pooled fecal samples and 89 post-mortem examinations of red-legged partridges were carried out. Our results indicated that infections with C. baileyi only occurred in 5–7 week-old birds during 2013 (percentage of positivity, 1%) and those with C. meleagridis in 18–22 week (17%) and 17–21 week-old birds (24%) during 2012 and 2013, respectively. Molecular characterization of isolates of C. baileyi and C. meleagridis heat shock protein 70 and actin genes were analyzed in order to support our coprological results. DNA sequence analysis of the 60kDa glycoprotein gene was used to subtype C. meleagridis. Our findings extend the host range for C. baileyi.

A clinico-bacteriological study of lacrimal regurgitate in cases of chronic dacryocystitis in a referral hospital in Madhya Pradesh

Background: Chronic dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac which usually occurs because of the obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. Objective: The primary objective of the study was to know its clinico-bacteriological profile. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out over a period of one year to know the current bacterial flora involved in chronic dacryocystitis. All specimens were processed for isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens according to the standard microbiological techniques. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Among total 100 cases of chronic dacryocystitis, the highest percentage of infections in relation to age was noted in the age group of 50-60 years and the prevalence rate was higher in female patients compared with male. Out of total chronic dacryocystitis cases, 72% cases were found to be culture positive. Among positive culture, gram positive organisms were higher than that of Gram-negative. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently isolated and Streptococcus pyogenes was least isolated. The highest percentage of positive samples was found in the mucopurulent discharge followed by extensive purulent and clear fluid, respectively. In Gram-positive isolates, chloramphenicol was the most sensitive followed by cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, cephalexin, vancomycin, gentamycin, and tobramycin, respectively, whereas in Gram-negative isolate, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid were equally effective followed by ofloxacin, gentamycin, cephalexin, cefazolin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. Conclusion: S. epidermidis was the most frequently isolated bacteria, and chloramphenicol was the most susceptible drug in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

FREQUÊNCIA DE ENTEROPARASITOS EM FEZES DE CÃES COLETADAS EM PRAÇAS PÚBLICAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE PINDAMONHANGABA, SP, BRASIL

Despite the importance of domestic dogs to humans, the benefits of interaction are significantly attenuated when these animals contaminate mutual interaction environments with zoonotic pathogens. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of parasitic forms in fecal samples from dogs ( Cannis familiaris ) collected in public squares in the city of Pindamonhangaba from September 2010 to September 2011. A total of 640 fecal samples were collected at eight public squares and sent under refrigeration to the laboratory of parasitology of FAPI, when submitted to Willis-Molay (1921) and modified Ritchie (1948) methods which, after examination by light microscopy, were positive for evolving forms of potentially zoonotic helminthes namely: Ancylostomidae (23.4%), Toxocara sp (8.1%) and Trichuris sp (3.1%). There was a significant prevalence (p <0.05) of evolving forms of Toxocara sp. in the period corresponding to early spring, however, Ancylostomidae was more prevalent in the early summer and early autumn. It was also possible to observe a significant difference (p <0.05) in the efficacy of Willis-Molay method (27.18% of positive samples) for parasitological diagnosis when compared to the Ritchie modified method (8.1% of positive samples). Based on the percentage of positive samples that was observed, it is expected that the results of this research may serve as subsidy for programs aimed at controlling the population of stray dogs, besides the periodic treatment of these animals, as well as the promotion of health education of the population regarding the collection of feces of their dogs, avoiding contamination of public places.

Rapid identification of Campylobacter jejuni from poultry carcasses and slaughtering environment samples by real-time PCR

The objective of this study was to develop a real-time PCR assay for rapid identification of Campylobacter jejuni and to apply the method in analyzing samples from poultry processing. A C. jejuni-specific primer set targeting a portion of the C. jejuni hippuricase gene was developed. The specificity of the newly designed primer pair was verified using 5 C. jejuni strains and 20 other bacterial strains. Sensitivity was determined to be as low as 1 genome copy per reaction. A total of 73 samples were collected at different sites along the processing line during 2 visits to a poultry slaughterhouse and were examined by direct plating onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar or after enrichment in Bolton broth followed by plating on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar. The newly developed real-time PCR assay was used to identify the presumptive colonies as belonging to C. jejuni. A real-time PCR assay targeting 16S ribosomal RNA was also applied to determine Campylobacter spp. prevalence. Results from the real-time PCR analysis indicated considerable variability in Campylobacter contamination, with incidence rates of 72.7 and 27.6% for sampling days A and B, respectively. Campylobacter was isolated from 100% of prescalded and preeviscerated carcasses on sampling day A. In contrast, on sampling day B, the highest number of Campylobacter-positive carcasses was recovered after evisceration (60%). The chilling process significantly reduced (P < 0.05) Campylobacter population, but the percentage of positive samples on sampling day A increased to 80%. All samples collected from the processing environment, except scalding tank 3 and the prechiller and chiller tanks, were 100% positive on day A, whereas no campylobacters were isolated from machinery on sampling day B. Our results revealed the widespread of C. jejuni in poultry processing and proved that the newly developed real-time PCR assay is a simple, specific, and inexpensive method for rapid C. jejuni identification. The newly developed PCR method can be easily used in laboratories for reliable and unambiguous identification of C. jejuni in poultry samples.

Residual Breast Tissue after Mastectomy: How Often and Where Is It Located?

Residual breast tissue after a mastectomy can lead to a (second) primary breast cancer. The development of breast cancer after prophylactic mastectomy and the finding of normal breast tissue around a local recurrence support this assumption. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and localization of residual breast tissue after a mastectomy. A series of 206 women who underwent a mastectomy between January 2008 and August 2009 in 11 hospitals were enrolled onto this study after written informed consent was obtained. From each mastectomy specimen, a total of 36 samples were obtained from the superficial dissection plane at predetermined locations. The biopsy samples were analyzed for the presence of benign breast tissue in the inked superficial area. Differences in percentage of positive samples were analyzed by generalized estimating equations to account for their interdependence. A total of 7,374 biopsy samples from 206 breast specimens of 206 patients were included in the analysis. In 76.2 % of the specimens (n = 157), one or more positive biopsy samples were found. The positive findings were found diffusely across the superficial dissection surface of the specimen with a significant predilection for the lower outer quadrant and the middle circle of the superficial dissection plane. After a mastectomy, there is a high probability of residual breast tissue. This tissue is predominantly located in the middle circle of the superficial dissection plane and in the lower outer quadrant. Surgeons should be aware of these locations so they may remove as much of the benign breast tissue as possible.

Occurrence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. at different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina

AIMS: The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence and concentration of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. at different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina.METHODS: Three integrated poultry companies were sampled. Each supply chain was considered at different stages from the reproductive farm to chicken meat at a retail market. The stages sampled were: (a) hens from breeder flocks, (b) eggs in the incubator, (c) broiler chickens in flocks (aged <1 week and >5 weeks), (d) chickens at a slaughterhouse, and (e) chicken meat at a retail market. The chickens sampled along each supply chain were in the same batch. Samples collected were: (a) cloacal samples from hens and chickens on the farms, (b) fertile eggs, (c) feed, water and litter from flocks, (d) chicken carcasses from the slaughterhouse and retail market, and (e) caeca and livers from the slaughterhouse. Samples obtained were examined for Campylobacter spp. The isolates were biotyped and the genus and species identified by PCR. Campylobacter spp. on chicken carcasses at slaughterhouse and retail market were enumerated.RESULTS: The highest proportions of Campylobacter positive samples were observed in carcasses at retail (25/30, 83.3%) and faecal samples from breeding hens (27/45, 60.0%). Only 3.3% (3/90) samples collected from broiler chickens aged <1 week were positive, but the percentage of positive samples had risen to 28.9% (26/90) by the end of the rearing period. The proportions of Campylobacter positive carcasses and caecal contents at the slaughterhouse were both 33.3% (10 of 30 samples each). The concentration of Campylobacter contamination observed on carcasses at retail markets ranged from no bacteria/carcass to 3.71 log10 cfu/carcass.CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained provide essential information for future quantitative risk assessments aiming to estimate the probability of a person contracting campylobacteriosis following consumption of broiler meat in Argentina.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proportions of Campylobacter-positive samples found in this preliminary study indicate that a large proportion of the cases of human gastroenteritis in Argentina may be due to this pathogen. Human cases of gastroenteritis should be studied in greater detail and measures should be developed to reduce the proportion of poultry products that are contaminated by Campylobacter species.