ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SALMONELLA FROM WHOLE CHICKEN SAMPLES BY CONVENTIONAL CULTURE AND MOLECULAR BASED METHODS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate a molecular methods for detection of Salmonella in chicken samples and compare them with conventional methods. A total of 250 whole chicken carcasses have been collected. 100 local chickens, 100 imported chickens, 25 local chicken liver and 25 imported livers.. Twenty one (8.4%) out of 250 samples were found to be Salmonella spp. by conventional methods, while only 12 samples were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The highest prevalence of Salmonella was detected from local chicken carcasses 12 (12%) followed by imported chicken carcasses 8 (8%) and local chicken liver 1 (4%) by conventional methods. On other hand the ratio were declined to 9 (9%) in local chicken , 2 (2%) in imported chicken , 1 (4%) in Local chicken liver by PCR. The isolates were serotyped at the central public health Laboratory . Furthermore, a total of 12 Salmonella serotypes were identified by serotyping technique including 11 S. enteritidis and one S. ohio. Finally, our results revealed that conventional methods for Salmonella identification are not adequate for confirmation therefore, PCR is needed for more identification as it’s more sensitive and more specific. This study indicates its need of a strict hygienic measure in the process of poultry meat to reduce the potential contamination of the products. Furthermore, continuous monitoring studies are required to evaluate the prevalence and rate of contamination as well as the nature of pathogens involved in the contamination.