OCCURRENCE OF CAMPYLOBACTER SPP. IN SWINE PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND PORK PROCESSING LINES
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Date
2018
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COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR
Abstract
The present investigation was undertaken to determine the occurrence of
Campylobacter spp. in swine production facilities, pork processing line, molecular
confirmation and antibiotic resistance profile of the positive isolates. Comparative
analysis regarding occurrence, weekly prevalence and antibiogram of Campylobacter
spp. in piglets from both farms. The study also assessed the multiple drug resistant
(MDR) and multiple antimicrobial resistance index (MAR) of the isolates. A total of 505
samples comprising of 340 rectal swabs from pigs and piglets, 40 faecal samples of pigs,
20 wild bird faecal droppings, 20 samples each feed, drinking water, wallowing tank
water, soil and worker’s hand swabs and foot swabs were collected from two farms (F1
and F2) in Thrissur. In addition, five samples which includes three dog rectal swabs and
two human faecal samples were collected from F1. To establish critical control points
and to identify contamination points in pork processing line, a total of 484 samples was
screened from various points of pork processing line from processing units, M1 and M2.
All the samples were subjected to isolation and identification by conventional culture
technique. Confirmation and species level identification was done by multiplex
polymerase chain reaction. The antibiotic resistance profiling and multiple antimicrobial
resistance index (MAR) analysis was carried out for all the positive isolates.
Higher occurrence of Campylobacter spp. was recorded from F1 (33.3 per cent)
when compared to F2 (21.70 per cent). From both the farms, piglets started excreting
Campylobacter from fourth week after birth. Higher occurrence of Campylobacter spp.
was recorded from F1 where 33.33 per cent of piglets selected for study excreted
organisms from fourth week, while only 20 per cent of piglets from F2 were excreting
Campylobacter spp. By the end of tenth week, occurrence of Campylobacter coli from
both the farms were almost similar with 66.67 per cent of piglets positive from F1 and
60 per cent from F2. Shedding pattern of Campylobacter spp. in piglets was regular
from F1, while irregular shedding pattern was recorded from F2. Higher occurrence of
Campylobacter spp. was noticed in pigs (37.5 per cent), house crows and egrets (30 per
cent), workers hand swabs and foot swabs after operations (40 per cent) and food waste
mixed with raw chicken waste (20 per cent) from F1. Lower occurrence was noticed in
F2, with pigs and crows having an occurrence of 20 per cent. Higher occurrence of
Campylobacter spp. was noticed from environmental samples obtained from F2 with an
occurrence of 20 per cent from wallowing tank water and soil samples while F1 had an
occurrence of 16 per cent. Migratory pathway of infected wild reservoirs resulted in
cross-transmission among birds and pigs.
On analysis of contamination points from both the processing units, pigs brought
to slaughter was the prime source of contamination for Campylobacter coli. From both
the units, pigs carried the organism after stunning till scalding. No organisms could be
detected after scalding. In M1 Campylobacter coli could be detected from carcass swabs
obtained from jowl and belly after evisceration. Organisms could be also detected from
carcass swabs after splitting of carcass. From M2, Campylobacter coli could not be
detected after scalding till packing. In M1, meat samples which were positive before
freezing were negative after freezing at -20°C for 24 hours. So freezing temperature
could be considered as a CCP2 in M1 while scalding can be considered as a CCP2 in
M2.
All the C. coli isolates showed higher resistance against multiple antibiotics with
cent per cent resistance against Ceftazidime, Co-trimoxazole and Ofloxacin. Cent per
cent of the C. jejuni isolates showed resistance against Ceftazidime. Difference in
resistance pattern was noticed in swine production system based on management
practices followed in production facilities. In antibiotic free systems (F1) there was less
prevalence of resistant strains compared to farms using antibiotics (F2). The multiple
antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index of isolates was in the range of 0.21-0.87, with
maximum number of isolates showing resistance for more than three groups of
antimicrobials and pigs acting as a major source of multiple drug resistant strain of
Campylobacter spp. (86.95 per cent). Thus proper implementation of biosecurity
measures and bio containment in swine production systems will reduce the risk of
Campylobacter infections and promote food safety through farm to fork concept.
Control of foodborne diseases and emergence of multidrug resistance Campylobacters
requires a multifaceted one health approach and surveillance programmes.
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