EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OFAEROMONAS SPP. USING REP AND ERIC-PCR IN BOVINE ABATTOIR

ABSTRACT The genus Aeromonas comprises important human pathogens and the gastroenteritises are the most common infections attributed to these microorganisms. Considering their importance as foodborne pathogens, the occurrence of Aeromonas spp. was studied on bovine carcasses and in the environment of an abattoir in State of São Paulo, Brazil, with the aim of defining the possible origin of these bacteria in the abattoir environment using molecular methods. Fifteen samples from 19 points were collected, totaling 285 units. The collecting points were: dry and wet skin, muscle surface of the carcasses during trimming process and refrigerated carcasses, operatives’ hands from the slaughter room before and during the work and from refrigerated rooms, knives, wall and floor from refrigerated room, water (chlorinated, nonchlorinated and from carcass washing), meat, intestinal content and slaughter room environment. Characterization of the genus was performed and the isolates were analyzed with REP (Repetitive Extragenic Palindromic) and ERIC-PCR (Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus PCR) techniques. A similarity of ? 99% was found only between one isolate from the muscle surface of one refrigerated carcass with one isolate from a hand. The molecular techniques did not enable the precise identification of the bacteria’s origin within the industry, but they permitted the inference that the operatives can spread Aeromonas in the slaughter environment.