Multiplex PCR assay (m-PCR) with three sets of primers was developed for simultaneous identification of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli. Poultry faecal samples were enriched in Preston broth for 24 h and streaking on selective media was performed before and after enrichment. m-PCR was applied on bacterial cultures harvested from media plates. The data showed a selective effect of Preston broth which favoured the growth of C. coli. Identification of the species by the hippurate hydrolysis test and by the m-PCR was performed on 294 isolates of Campylobacter. The efficiency of the identification by the biochemical test is only 34% in comparison to 100% efficiency with the PCR. The use of our m-PCR in combination with the culture method allowed reliable detection and identification of C. jejuni and C. coli within 3-4 d.

The prevention and control of Campylobacter colonization of poultry flocks are important public health strategies for the control of human campylobacteriosis. A critical review of the literature on interventions to control Campylobacter in poultry on farms was undertaken using a systematic approach. Although the focus of the review was on aspects appropriate to the United Kingdom poultry industry, the research reviewed was gathered from worldwide literature. Multiple electronic databases were employed to search the literature, in any language, from 1980 to September 2008. A primary set of 4,316 references was identified and scanned, using specific agreed-upon criteria, to select relevant references related to biosecurity-based interventions. The final library comprised 173 references. Identification of the sources of Campylobacter in poultry flocks was required to inform the development of targeted interventions to disrupt transmission routes. The approach used generally involved risk factor-based surveys related to culture-positive or -negative flocks, usually combined with a structured questionnaire. In addition, some studies, either in combination or independently, undertook intervention trials. Many of these studies were compromised by poor design, sampling, and statistical analysis. The evidence for each potential source and route of transmission on the poultry farm was reviewed critically, and the options for intervention were considered. The review concluded that, in most instances, biosecurity on conventional broiler farms can be enhanced and this should contribute to the reduction of flock colonization. However, complementary, non-biosecurity-based approaches will also be required in the future to maximize the reduction of Campylobacter-positive flocks at the farm level.

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Aims: In order to study the transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in a poultry and a pork meat plant, we analysed the contamination by this pathogen over several months. Methods and Results: Five hundred and two isolates of L. monocytogenes were collected and characterized by genotyping and serotyping. Thirty-seven genotypes were obtained by ApaIrestriction analysis-pulsed ®eld gel electrophoresis (REA-PFGE) and 35 by SmaI-REA-PFGE and resulted in 50 combined genotypes. The tracing of the contamination in both plants showed that some clones were able to survive for several months. However, some other clones were found only during processing operations, were not detectable after cleaning and seemed to enter continuously into the plant. Conclusions: Some L. monocytogenes strains may persist for a long period in the plant environment. Different genotypes can be associated with poultry as well as pork meat. Signi®cance and Impact of the Study: Listeria monocytogenes contamination can be due to contaminated raw materials, bacterial spread and also ineffective cleaning procedures.