S Hellström1, K Kiviniemi, T Autio, H Korkeala. 1. Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. sanna.hellstrom@helsinki.fi
Abstract
AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in wild birds and to compare the genotypes with isolates previously collected from foods and food processing environments. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples of wild birds' faeces (n = 212) were collected from a municipal landfill site and from urban areas in the Helsinki region and analysed by two-step enrichment and plating onto L. monocytogenes-selective agar. The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes in bird faeces was 36% (95% CI 30-43%), and prevalence on the landfill site was significantly higher. All isolates were analysed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and compared with the L. monocytogenes profiles in an existing collection. Similar pulsotypes were found in birds and in isolates collected along the food chain. CONCLUSIONS: Birds commonly carry L. monocytogenes, and strains are frequently similar with those detected in foods and food processing environments. Thus, birds may disseminate L. monocytogenes in nature and may also contaminate foods when entering the food processing environments and outdoor market places. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Populations of L. monocytogenes in wild birds and along the food processing chain overlap. Our findings add to the epidemiological data on this significant foodborne pathogen.
AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in wild birds and to compare the genotypes with isolates previously collected from foods and food processing environments. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples of wild birds' faeces (n = 212) were collected from a municipal landfill site and from urban areas in the Helsinki region and analysed by two-step enrichment and plating onto L. monocytogenes-selective agar. The overall prevalence of L. monocytogenes in bird faeces was 36% (95% CI 30-43%), and prevalence on the landfill site was significantly higher. All isolates were analysed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and compared with the L. monocytogenes profiles in an existing collection. Similar pulsotypes were found in birds and in isolates collected along the food chain. CONCLUSIONS: Birds commonly carry L. monocytogenes, and strains are frequently similar with those detected in foods and food processing environments. Thus, birds may disseminate L. monocytogenes in nature and may also contaminate foods when entering the food processing environments and outdoor market places. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Populations of L. monocytogenes in wild birds and along the food processing chain overlap. Our findings add to the epidemiological data on this significant foodborne pathogen.
Authors: Alejandra A Latorre; Jo Ann S Van Kessel; Jeffrey S Karns; Michael J Zurakowski; Abani K Pradhan; Kathryn J Boor; Evin Adolph; Sharinne Sukhnanand; Ynte H Schukken Journal: Appl Environ Microbiol Date: 2011-03-25 Impact factor: 4.792
Authors: Brian D Sauders; Jon Overdevest; Esther Fortes; Katy Windham; Ynte Schukken; Arthur Lembo; Martin Wiedmann Journal: Appl Environ Microbiol Date: 2012-04-13 Impact factor: 4.792
Authors: Manoj K Shah; Rhodel Bradshaw; Esmond Nyarko; Eric T Handy; Cheryl East; Patricia D Millner; Teresa M Bergholz; Manan Sharma Journal: Appl Environ Microbiol Date: 2019-05-02 Impact factor: 4.792
Authors: Alisia A W Weyna; Kevin D Niedringhaus; Melanie R Kunkel; Heather M A Fenton; M Kevin Keel; Amy H Webb; Charlie Bahnson; Rebecca Radisic; Brandon Munk; Susan Sánchez; Nicole M Nemeth Journal: J Vet Diagn Invest Date: 2022-06-10 Impact factor: 1.569
Authors: Tong Chen; Renato H Orsi; Ruixi Chen; Maureen Gunderson; Sherry Roof; Martin Wiedmann; Sara E Childs-Sanford; Kevin J Cummings Journal: Vet Med Sci Date: 2022-02-03