Survival of Campylobacter jejuni in Biofilms Isolated from Chicken Houses

Abstract

Campylobacter jejuni is a thermophilic and microaerophilic enteric pathogen associated with poultry. Biofilms may be a source of C. jejuni in poultry house water systems since they can protect constituent microorganisms from environmental stress. In this study, the viability of C. jejuni in biofilms of gram-positive chicken house isolates (P1, Y1, and W1) and a Pseudomonas sp. was determined using a cultural method (modified brucella agar) and direct viable count (DVC). Two-day biofilms grown on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coupons in R2A broth at 12 and 23 degrees C were incubated with C. jejuni for a 6-h attachment period. Media were then refreshed every 24 h for 7 days to allow biofilm growth. Two-day biofilms of P1, Y1, and Pseudomonas spp. enhanced attachment (P < 0.01) of C. jejuni (4.74, 4.62, and 4.78 log cells/cm2, respectively) compared to W1 and controls without preexisting biofilm (4.31 and 4.22 log cells/cm2, respectively). On day 7, isolates P1 and Y1 and Pseudomonas biofilms covered 5.4, 7.0, and 21.5% of the surface, respectively, compared to 4.9% by W1. Viable C. jejuni on the surface decreased (P < 0.05) with time, with the greatest reduction occurring on surfaces without a preexisting biofilm. The number of viable C. jejuni determined by DVC was greater than that determined by the cultural method, indicating that C. jejuni may form a viable but nonculturable state within the biofilm. Both DVC and the cultural method indicate that biofilms enhance (P < 0.01) the survival of C. jejuni during incubation at 12 and 23 degrees C over a 7-day period.

Campylobacter sp in eggs from cloacal swab positive breeder hens

“…Experimental evidences suggest that under certain conditions C. jejuni generates viable but non-culturable forms, especially in Biofilms derived from aviaries (15). Hiett et al (7) also demonstrated 70% Campylobacter sp in eggs by direct Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), but these eggs were 100% negative with the traditional culture methods, suggesting that Campylobacter could be present in eggs, however, without it being possible to isolate it.…”

Sources of Campylobacter Colonization in Broiler Chickens

“…Experimental evidence suggests that under such conditions C. jejuni generates forms that are viable but nonculturable, especially in the presence of biofilms derived from poultry houses (101). The survival of such forms for periods of up to 4 months has been recorded (79), but survival times appear to vary with water temperature, strain, the aquatic system used, and previous growth conditions (11,98,99).…”

In Vitro Antagonistic Activity Evaluation of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Combined with Cellulase Enzyme Against Campylobacter jejuni Growth in Co-Culture

“…Thus, they are widely disseminated in the farm environment, and they can be concentrated in raw poultry meat. Because of its susceptibility to multiple environmental stresses (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, and air composition), it is known that Campylobacter does not grow outside its host, but is able to survive in litter [17], in sewage [1], in biofilms formed in the water distribution systems of poultry houses [12], and for more than two weeks in feces [32]. The reduction of Campylobacter contamination at different levels of the poultry production chain, especially at the primary production level, should decrease the risk of human infection.…”