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PubMed1996

Infection of cesarean-derived colostrum-deprived 1-day-old piglets with Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, and Arcobacter skirrowii.

Neonatal piglets have been used as models to study human campylobacteriosis and helicobacteriosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative pathogenicities, on the basis of the duration of fecal shedding and colonization of tissues, of three Arcobacter species in 1-day-old cesarean-derived colostrum-deprived piglets. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, two piglets each were infected per os with either Arcobacter butzleri ATCC 49616, Arcobacter cryaerophilus 1B ATCC 43159, Arcobacter skirrowii CCUG 10374, or the three field strains of A. butzleri (approximately 5 X 10(9) CFU per piglet). Rectal swab samples were taken prior to infection and daily thereafter for up to 7 days. Arcobacter spp. were detected at least once in rectal swab samples of all but one of the experimentally infected piglets but not in the control. At necropsy, A. butzleri was recovered from the lung, kidney, ileum, or brain tissues of the four infected piglets which had received either the field strain or the ATCC type strain of A. butzleri. A. cryaerophilus 1B was detected in rectal swab samples for up to 7 days postinfection but was not cultured from tissues at necropsy. Arcobacters were detected in the rectal swab sample of the A. skirrowii-infected piglet only on day 3 postinfection; no isolates were obtained from tissues at necropsy. No gross pathological lesions were consistently noted in the experimentally infected piglets. In experiment 2, two piglets each were infected per os with A. butzleri ATCC 49616, A. cryaerophilus 1A ATCC 43158, A. skirrowii CCUG 10374, or the single A. butzleri field strain Yard J/c (approximately 5 X 10(9) CFU per piglet). Arcobacter spp. were cultured from rectal swab samples of all but one of the experimentally infected piglets at least once. At necropsy Arcobacter spp. were cultured from the liver, kidney, ileum, or brain tissues of two of the four A. butzleri-infected piglets. However, no severe gross pathology was noted. These data suggest that Arcobacter spp., especially A. butzleri, can colonize neonatal pigs.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Multiplex PCR for the identification of Arcobacter and differentiation of Arcobacter butzleri from other arcobacters.

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to identify Arcobacter isolates and to distinguish A. butzleri from other arcobacters is described. The test uses two primer sets. Set I targets a section of the 16S rRNA genes of Arcobacter spp. Set II amplifies a portion of the 23S rRNA genes unique to A. butzleri. Specificity of the primer sets was evaluated using ATCC reference strains of A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus, A. skirrowii, Bacteroides spp., Campylobacter spp., Helicobacter spp. and Wolinella succinogenes. Upon PCR amplification, all of the Arcobacter isolates yielded a 1223 bp product, whereas A. butzleri ATCC 49616 exhibited both a 1223 bp and a 686 bp product. No PCR product was observed for other closely related ATCC strains (n = 37). We next analyzed by multiplex PCR field strains of Arcobacter spp. (n = 108) which had been previously characterized to the species level by either DNA-DNA hybridization, dot blot hybridization, ribotyping or by serology. The 1223 bp multiplex PCR product identified all of the isolates as Arcobacter. The presence of both the 1223 and 686 bp amplicons identified 66 strains as A. butzleri. Speciation by multiplex PCR agreed with results obtained by the other methods. The multiplex PCR assay is specific, rapid and easy to interpret and, thus, will aid in elucidating the prevalence, epidemiology and zoonotic potential of Arcobacter.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Polyphasic taxonomic study of the emended genus Arcobacter with Arcobacter butzleri comb. nov. and Arcobacter skirrowii sp. nov., an aerotolerant bacterium isolated from veterinary specimens.

The relationships of 77 aerotolerant Arcobacter strains that were originally identified as Campylobacter cryaerophila (now Arcobacter cryaerophilus [P. Vandamme, E. Falsen, R. Rossau, B. Hoste, P. Segers, R. Tytgat, and J. De Ley, Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 41:88-103, 1991]) and 6 reference strains belonging to the taxa Arcobacter nitrofigilis, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, and "Campylobacter butzleri" were studied by using a polyphasic approach, in which we performed DNA-rRNA hybridizations, DNA-DNA hybridizations, a numerical analysis of whole-cell protein patterns after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, an analysis of cellular fatty acid compositions, and a phenotypic analysis and determined DNA base ratios. Our results indicate that "C. butzleri" should be transferred to the genus Arcobacter as Arcobacter butzleri comb. nov., as was suggested by Kiehlbauch and coworkers (J. A. Kiehlbauch, D. J. Brenner, M. A. Nicholson, C. N. Baker, C. M. Patton, A. G. Steigerwalt, and I. K. Wachsmuth, J. Clin. Microbiol. 29:376-385, 1991). A rapid screening of all strains in which we used the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique revealed five major groups, which were identified by using DNA-DNA hybridization data as A. cryaerophilus (two distinct electrophoretic subgroups), A. butzleri, A. nitrofigilis, and a new species, for which we propose the name Arcobacter skirrowii. The phylogenetic position within rRNA superfamily VI was established for each species. A. butzleri strains and strains belonging to one of the electrophoretic subgroups of A. cryaerophilus had similar fatty acid contents. An analysis of fatty acid compositions allowed clear-cut differentiation of all of the other groups. All of the species could be distinguished by using classical phenotypic tests, although erroneous identifications due to a shortage of clear-cut differentiating tests could occur.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Development of a multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection and identification of Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter skirrowii.

A multiplex PCR assay with five primers targeting the 16S and 23S rRNA genes was developed for the simultaneous detection and identification of Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter skirrowii. The selected primers amplify a 257-bp fragment from A. cryaerophilus, a 401-bp fragment from A. butzleri and a 641-bp fragment from A. skirrowii. No PCR product was generated for closely related bacteria including Campylobacter and Helicobacter species. The assay was useful to identify cultures after in vitro cultivation and to detect and identify A. butlzeri and A. cryaerophilus from poultry samples present in 24-h old enrichment in Arcobacter broth with cefoperazone, amphotericin and teicoplanin (CAT)-supplement.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Susceptibility of Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus, and Arcobacter skirrowii to antimicrobial agents used in selective media.

Several antimicrobial agents used in selective media for the isolation of Arcobacter were found to be inhibitory to strains belonging to this genus. All three species tested were susceptible to colistin and rifampin at concentrations used in selective media. Arcobacter skirrowii was the most susceptible species. 5-Fluorouracil, novobiocin, trimethoprim, and teicoplanin or vancomycin were found to be without any inhibitory effect on the strains tested at concentrations described for the isolation of Arcobacter species.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Arcobacter halophilus sp. nov., the first obligate halophile in the genus Arcobacter.

A Gram-negative bacterium, designated LA31B(T), was isolated from water collected from a hypersaline lagoon on Laysan Atoll in the north-western Hawaiian Islands. Single cells of LA31B(T) were slightly curved but became helical as their length increased. Preliminary characterization based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that LA31B(T) shared 96.0 % identity with an Arcobacter sp. isolated from a cyanobacterial mat in hypersaline Lake Sinai, and 94 % identity with Arcobacter nitrofigilis, the type species of the genus Arcobacter. A polyphasic taxonomic study was conducted and confirmed the phylogenetic affiliation of strain LA31B(T) to the genus Arcobacter. However, LA31B(T) was found to be distinct from all recognized Arcobacter species, by a comprehensive biochemical test analysis, whole-cell fatty acid profiling, DNA G + C content (35 mol% in LA31B(T)) and degree of DNA-DNA reassociation. Most notably, LA31B(T) was found to be an obligate halophile, a hitherto undescribed feature among recognized Arcobacter species. These data indicate that LA31B(T) should be considered to represent a novel species in the genus Arcobacter, for which the name Arcobacter halophilus sp. nov. is proposed. This is the first obligately halophilic member of the genus. The type strain is LA31B(T) (=ATCC BAA-1022(T) = CIP 108450(T)).

Arcobacter↗
PubMed1995

Arcobacter-specific and Arcobacter butzleri-specific 16S rRNA-based DNA probes.

The genus Arcobacter encompasses gram-negative, aerotolerant, spiral-shaped bacteria formerly designated Campylobacter cryaerophila. Two genus-specific 16S rRNA-based oligonucleotide DNA probes (23-mer and 27-mer) were developed. The probes hybridized with strains of Arcobacter butzleri (n = 58), Arcobacter cryaerophilus (n = 19), and Arcobacter skirrowii (n = 17). The probes did not cross-react with any of the reference strains of Campylobacter, Helicobacter, including "Flexispira rappini," or Wolinella. The 27-mer hybridized with 61 Arcobacter spp. field isolates originating from late-term aborted porcine (n = 54) and equine (n = 2) fetuses and humans with enteritis (n = 5). The species of Arcobacter isolates (n = 56) recovered from aborted livestock fetuses were determined by ribotyping and were as follows: A. cryaerophilus group 1A (11 of 56; 20%), A. cryaerophilus group 1B (37 of 56; 66%), A. butzleri (5 of 56; 9%), and unknown (3 of 56; 5%). The five human field strains were identified as A. butzleri. A species-specific DNA probe (24-mer) for A. butzleri was also developed since there is evidence that this organism may be a human pathogen. This probe hybridized with previously characterized strains of A. butzleri (n = 58), with 10 field strains identified as A. butzleri by ribotyping and with 2 strains having an indeterminate ribotype. The A. butzleri-specific probe did not cross-react with strains of A. skirrowii (n = 17) and A. cryaerophilus (n = 19).

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Differentiation of Arcobacter species by numerical analysis of AFLP profiles and description of a novel Arcobacter from pig abortions and turkey faeces.

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)-based genetic profiling for taxonomic and epidemiological analyses of diverse Arcobacter species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-two isolates of A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus, A. skirrowii and A. nitrofigilis, and a previously unclassified porcine abortion strain were studied. AFLP profiling was performed using a BglII-Csp6I-based protocol previously used to characterize Campylobacter species. Duplicate profiles of 20 isolates were 93.25% similar, indicating high reproducibility. Numerical analysis of all 72 strains revealed five phenons at the 29% similarity level, four of which represented each of the known species studied. The remaining phenon was further characterized by phenotypic and 16S rDNA sequence analyses, the results of which indicated it to be a novel Arcobacter species. The genetically distinct subgroups of A. cryaerophilus were differentiated at the 39.5% similarity level. For strain typing, 62 distinct types were defined, with evidence of clonal lineages within A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus and A. skirrowii. CONCLUSIONS: AFLP profiling is an effective means of determining taxonomic and strain relationships for arcobacters. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: First use of AFLP profiling for diverse Arcobacter species; indication of clonality in A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus and A. skirrowii; potentially novel Arcobacter taxon identified.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed2004

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Arcobacter butzleri and Arcobacter cryaerophilus strains isolated from humans and broilers.

The MICs of five antimicrobial agents were determined by the agar dilution method for 98 Arcobacter butzleri and 28 Arcobacter cryaerophilus strains from humans, and poultry. With gentamicin, a MIC of 16 microg/ml was recorded for one A. butzleri strain isolated from poultry, whereas for the other strains MICs ranged from 0.25 to 4 microg/ml. With ciprofloxacin, a bimodal distribution of susceptibility levels was seen for human A. butzleri isolates (0.015-0.03 versus 0.12-0.25), whereas MICs for 65 of the 68 A. butzleri poultry strains ranged from 0.12 to 0.5 microg/ml and three strains from three different broilers were resistant with a MIC of 16 microg/ml. One A. cryaerophilus strain from poultry was resistant to erythromycin at a MIC of 128 microg/ml, whereas MICs for the other Arcobacter strains ranged from 2 to 32 microg/ml. No difference in susceptibility or resistance among the human and poultry strains tested was observed with doxycycline and nalidixic acid. The presence of acquired resistance to erythromycin and ciprofloxacin among poultry isolates is a matter of concern, because the two antimicrobials are generally prescribed as first-line drugs for the treatment of infections with Campylobacteraceae in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

In vitro susceptibility of Arcobacter butzleri and Arcobacter cryaerophilus to different antimicrobial agents.

Seventeen strains of Arcobacter butzleri and thirteen of Arcobacter cryaerophilus, were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility to 26 antimicrobial agents. Among beta-lactams agents in this study, imipenem was the most active agent against both A. butzleri and A. cryaerophilus isolates with MIC(90) values of 2 and 4 mg/l, respectively. The most active cephalosporin tested was cefepime, although it was more active against A. butzleri (MIC(90) 8 mg/l) than A. cryaerophilus (MIC(90) 64 mg/l). Levofloxacin, marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the best-performing fluoroquinolones against these species. Of the aminoglycosides, amikacin was the most active agent against both A. butzleri and A. cryaerophilus strains with MIC(90) values of 64 and 16 mg/l, respectively. All isolates showed high levels of resistance to penicillins, macrolides, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim and vancomycin.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Potential routes of acquisition of Arcobacter species by piglets.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the transmission routes of Arcobacter spp. in sows and their offspring on a breeding farm. Twelve Arcobacter-positive sows and their litters were studied for this purpose. Analysis of rectal samples showed a high prevalence of Arcobacter spp. among the sows (approximately 42% of the sows carried one or more Arcobacter species). Intermittent excretion of one particular species and shifts in excretion from one species to another were observed in individual animals over time. The detection of Arcobacter spp. in amniotic fluid of the sows and in rectal samples from newborn piglets (ranging from 38.5-83.3% per litter), as well as the high similarity between PFGE profiles of Arcobacter isolates from sows and their respective newborns indicated the existence of an intra-uterine transmission route for Arcobacter spp. Specific antibodies against Arcobacter spp. were detected in colostrum by Western blot. At 2 weeks of age, only a few piglets were positive for Arcobacter. The reappearance of Arcobacter in these piglets at Week 3 and the shift in the Arcobacter species detected (from a prominent presence of A. cryaerophilus at birth to the presence of A. skirrowii and A. butzleri at 3 weeks after birth) showed that a post-natal infection route from their mothers, newcomers or the environment to the piglets existed. Thus, in this manuscript the transmission of Arcobacter spp. (both vertical and horizontal) from carrying sows to their offspring is demonstrated.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2026

Emerging food- and waterborne pathogen Arcobacter in wastewater: diversity and antibiotic resistance.

Arcobacter spp. are emerging food- and waterborne pathogens frequently detected in wastewater. Despite their high abundance in wastewater, Arcobacter diversity, antibiotic resistance, and genomic traits remain poorly characterized. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted a comprehensive study of Arcobacter spp. in influent, effluent, and activated sludge from a Finnish wastewater treatment plant using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, isolate-based genomics, and phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing. Arcobacter spp. were highly abundant in raw sewage but substantially removed during treatment. Four Arcobacter species were identified, dominated by Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter suis. A proportion of amplicon sequence variants unclassified to species-level revealed potentially unexplored Arcobacter diversity. For the first time, we observed intragenomic variability in 16S rRNA gene copies of A. cryaerophilus, highlighting the importance of integrating culture-based and culture-independent approaches. Phenotypic testing revealed high proportions of non-wild-type isolates for clinically relevant antibiotics, including ampicillin, cefotaxime, tetracycline, and erythromycin. Genomic analyses showed that antibiotic resistance profiles were primarily mediated by chromosomally encoded determinants, including β-lactamases, efflux systems, and point mutations. Additionally, a broad arsenal of chromosomal and plasmid-borne resistance genes to heavy metals, biocides, and organic solvents was detected, reflecting adaptations to the wastewater environment. These findings provide novel insights into Arcobacter species-level diversity, resistance mechanisms, and ecological adaptations in anthropogenically influenced environments. The study highlights the significance of Arcobacter for public health and establishes a foundation for further research.IMPORTANCEArcobacter spp. are emerging human and animal pathogens that exhibit increasing resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. Most community-acquired infections are linked to exposure through contaminated food and water, yet studies investigating their occurrence and diversity in wastewater remain scarce. Here, we focus on wastewater as an abundant source of Arcobacter spp. and a potential dissemination route contributing to downstream contamination of surface waters, irrigated soils, and possibly the food chain. By characterizing the species-level diversity, genomic traits, and antibiotic resistance profiles of Arcobacter spp. in wastewater, this study provides critical insights into the ecology and epidemiology of this ubiquitous genus.

Arcobacter↗
PubMed2005

Relevant aspects of Arcobacter spp. as potential foodborne pathogen.

Arcobacter species are Gram-negative spiral-shaped organisms belonging to the family Campylobacteraceae that can grow microaerobically or aerobically. The Arcobacter organisms also have the ability to grow at 15 degrees C, which is a distinctive feature that differentiates Arcobacter species from Campylobacter species. Cultural detection of Arcobacter is generally performed by an enrichment step and takes 4 to 5 days. In the last few years, several studies comparing different culture-based protocols have been published. Furthermore, DNA-based assays have also been established for rapid and specific identification of Arcobacter spp. Recent evidence suggests that Arcobacter, especially A. Butzleri, may be involved in human enteric diseases. Moreover, A. butzleri has also occasionally been found in cases of human extraintestinal diseases. However, up to now, little is known about the mechanisms of pathogenicity or potential virulence factors of Arcobacter spp. There is evidence that livestock animals may be a significant reservoir of Arcobacter spp. and over the last few years, the presence of these organisms in raw meat products as well as in surface and ground water has received increasing attention. In view of control measures to be used to prevent or to eliminate the hazard of Arcobacter spp. in food, several treatments have been evaluated for their effectiveness. While the role of Arcobacter spp. in human disease awaits further evaluation, a precautionary approach is advisable. Measures aimed at reduction or eradication of Arcobacter from the human food chain should be encouraged. With this article, we review the recent literature on this organism with a special emphasis on the information relevant to food safety.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Arcobacter cibarius sp. nov., isolated from broiler carcasses.

Twenty Gram-negative, rod-shaped, slightly curved, non-spore-forming bacteria that gave a negative result in Arcobacter species-specific PCR tests but that yielded an amplicon in an Arcobacter genus-specific PCR test were isolated from 13 unrelated broiler carcasses. Numerical analysis of the profiles obtained by SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins clustered all isolates in a single group distinct from the other Arcobacter species. DNA-DNA hybridization among four representative strains exhibited DNA binding values above 91 %. DNA-DNA hybridization with reference strains of the current four Arcobacter species revealed binding levels below 47 %. The G+C contents ranged between 26.8 and 27.3 mol%. Pairwise comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed the mean values for similarity to the type strain of Arcobacter cryaerophilus (97.5 %), Arcobacter butzleri (96.5 %), Arcobacter skirrowii (96.0 %) and Arcobacter nitrofigilis (95.0 %). The levels of similarity to Campylobacter and Helicobacter species were below 88 and 87 %, respectively. The isolates could be distinguished from other Arcobacter species by the following biochemical tests: catalase, oxidase and urease activities; reduction of nitrate; growth at 25 and 37 degrees C under aerobic conditions; growth on 2-4 % (w/v) NaCl media; and susceptibility to cephalothin. These data demonstrate that the 20 isolates represent a single novel Arcobacter species, for which the name Arcobacter cibarius sp. nov. is proposed, with LMG 21996(T) (=CCUG 48482(T)) as the type strain.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Investigation of arcobacters in meat and faecal samples of clinically healthy cattle in Turkey.

AIMS: To investigate the presence of Arcobacter spp. in minced beef meat (n = 97) and rectal faecal samples (n = 200) collected from cattle immediately after slaughter at a local abattoir in Turkey. METHODS AND RESULTS: Meat samples were examined using three different isolation procedures (CAT-supplemented media, de Boer arcobacter isolation method and membrane filtration method), but only one method (CAT-supplemented media) was employed for faecal samples. The isolated Arcobacter strains were identified by genus- and species-(multiplex) specific PCR assays. Arcobacter spp. were isolated from 5 and 9.5% of meat and faecal samples respectively. Although the only Arcobacter sp. found in meat samples was Arcobacter butzleri, all three pathogenic species--A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus and A. skirrowii--were detected in the rectal swabs. No Arcobacter was isolated when the de Boer method was used for minced meat samples but the same five meat samples were found positive for arcobacters when CAT-supplemented media and membrane filtration method were used. CONCLUSIONS: The membrane filtration method was found to be superior to the CAT-supplemented media, because it led to a reduction in competing microflora. However, the necessity for one filter and medium for each sample makes this method somewhat expensive. The multiplex-PCR (m-PCR) assay shortened significantly the time required for the identification of Arcobacter spp. and also removed the possibility of false positive results due to other campylobacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study reports the isolation of Arcobacter spp. in cattle for the first time in Turkey. The m-PCR assay enables the identification and differentiation of all arcobacters simultaneously in one-step PCR.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Development of a new protocol for the isolation and quantification of Arcobacter species from poultry products.

None of the presently available selective supplements for the specific isolation of Arcobacter species allows the growth of Arcobacter butzleri, A. cryaerophilus and A. skirrowii and at the same time fully suppresses the accompanying flora present in poultry and poultry products. Furthermore, little is known about the contamination levels of poultry with Arcobacter species. In this study, a new selective supplement comprising amphotericin B (10 mg/l), cefoperazone (16 mg/l), 5-fluorouracil (100 mg/l), novobiocin (32 mg/l) and trimethoprim (64 mg/l) was developed. With a new isolation procedure, including enrichment in Arcobacter broth with the selective supplement, incubated for 24 to 48 h at 28 degrees C under microaerobic conditions, arcobacters were isolated from 100% (n = 34) of neck skin of laying hens and from 90% (n = 71) of similar samples from broilers. Of the broiler breast meat samples examined (n = 52), 65% were found to be contaminated with these bacteria. In 64% of the samples, A. butzleri was the only Arcobacter species isolated. In 9% of the samples, A. cryaerophilus was the only species present, while 11% of the samples were positive for both species simultaneously. Using direct isolation on the selective agar medium developed in this study, incubated for 24 to 48 h under microaerobic conditions at 28 degrees C. 32 out of 45 broiler carcasses and 6 out of 25 broiler breast meat samples carried a bacterial load of arcobacters of 10(2) to 10(3) cfu/g. The prevalence of Arcobacter in Belgian poultry was found higher than the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species in each of the poultry categories examined. The enrichment procedure and the direct plating method were validated for the isolation of A. skirrowii. For this species, growth performance was less than the other two Arcobacter species and it was not isolated nor detected by m-PCR from the naturally contaminated poultry samples examined. This new protocol provides a fast and reliable method for the isolation of Arcobacter species from poultry and can contribute to more comprehensive epidemiological investigations.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Occurrence and distribution of Arcobacter species in poultry processing.

A total of 16 broiler flocks slaughtered in the morning in eight Belgian poultry slaughterhouses were examined for the presence of Campylobacteraceae. In samples collected before and after chilling, the prevalence of arcobacters was found to be higher than the prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters, with the slaughter procedure used having no clear effect. Two slaughterhouses were selected for a detailed investigation of the occurrence and distribution of arcobacters. Sampling carried out before slaughter revealed that both Arcobacter butzleri and Arcobacter cryaerophilus were commonly present on the slaughter equipment in both plants. These findings indicate inadequate decontamination of the slaughterhouse environment and suggest potential Arcobacter contamination of broiler carcasses through the slaughter equipment. Even before evisceration, contamination levels of hundreds to several thousands of arcobacters per gram of neck skin were detected. It appears unlikely that contamination through slaughter equipment alone explains the high contamination levels found for poultry products. Arcobacters were not isolated from the 30 intestinal tracts sampled for each broiler flock examined. A. cryaerophilus was the only Arcobacter species recovered from the transport crate samples collected before and after washing. Arcobacter contamination during slaughter, either direct (from chicken intestinal content or feces) or indirect (from equipment), was not confirmed. The origin and the precise routes of contamination remain to be determined.

Abattoirs↗