Prevalência de E.COLI O157:H7 e linhagens produtoras de toxina do tipo shiga em carcaças de frango de corte abatidas no estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Foodborne Diseases (FBD) are worldwide considered as a public health problem. Among the microorganisms that can be transmitted by foods, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is of great concern, mainly O157:H7 serotype. This bacterium has been isolated especially from meat products. Although chickens are not carriers of this pathogen, it has been found in chicken meat and its byproducts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 and Shiga toxin-producing E.coli strains in broiler carcasses collected from September 2010 to May 2011 at federal and state inspected slaughterhouses located in Minas Gerais - Brazil. A total 180 broiler carcasses were analyzed by real-time PCR. In a preliminary study, fecal coliforms were isolated in 90% of the samples, of which 35% were in higher numbers than the standard established by legislation. Nevertheless, no samples were contaminated by E. coli O157:H7. Thus, it was concluded that the broiler carcasses analyzed in the state of Minas Gerais did not pose a risk to public health in relation to the presence of E. coli O157: H7 and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains. Also, no difference was observed between the establishments under federal or state inspection regarding the contamination by E. coli O157: H7.