High survival rates of Campylobacter coli under different stress conditions suggest that more rigorous food control measures might be needed in Brazil

• Published in: Food microbiology Vol. 73; pp. 327 - 333
• Main Authors: Gomes, Carolina N., Passaglia, Jaqueline, Vilela, Felipe P., Pereira da Silva, Fátima M.H.S., Duque, Sheila S., Falcão, Juliana P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2018
• Subjects: Animals; Bacterial Proteins - genetics; Bacterial Proteins - metabolism; Brazil; Campylobacter coli; Campylobacter coli - classification; Campylobacter coli - genetics; Campylobacter coli - growth & development; Campylobacter coli - isolation & purification; Campylobacter Infections - microbiology; Campylobacter Infections - veterinary; Chickens; Different stress conditions; Food Safety; Humans; Meat - microbiology; Pathogenic potential; Poultry Diseases - microbiology; Virulence Factors - genetics; Virulence Factors - metabolism; Virulence genes; Brazil; Different stress conditions; Pathogenic potential; Virulence genes; Campylobacter coli
• ISSN: 0740-0020; 1095-9998
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2018.02.014

Campylobacter spp. have been the most commonly reported gastrointestinal bacterial pathogen in many countries. Consumption of improperly prepared poultry meat has been the main transmission route of Campylobacter spp. Although Brazil is the largest exporter of poultry meat in the world, campylobacteriosis has been a neglected disease in the country. The aim of this study was to characterize 50 Campylobacter coli strains isolated from different sources in Brazil regarding the frequency of 16 virulence genes and their survival capability under five different stress conditions. All strains studied presented the cadF, flaA, and sodB genes that are considered essential for colonization. All strains grew at 4 °C and 37 °C after 24 h. High survival rates were observed when the strains were incubated in BHI with 7.5% NaCl and exposed to acid and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the pathogenic potential of the strains studied was reinforced by the presence of several important virulence genes and by the high growth and survival rates of the majority of those strains under different stress conditions. The results enabled a better understanding of strains circulating in Brazil and suggest that more rigorous control measures may be needed, given the importance of contaminated food as vehicles for Campylobacter coli. •Campylobacteriosis has been a neglected disease in Brazil, the largest poultry meat exporter.•A total of 50 C. coli strains isolated from clinical and non clinical sources during 16 years were studied.•The frequency of 16 virulence genes and survival under different stress conditions were accessed.•High survival rates and the presence of some virulence genes highlight their pathogenic potential.•The results suggested that more rigorous control measures of C. coli may be needed in Brazil.