Development of a new molecular typing method of Salmonella spp. based on SNPs detection

The aim of this study was to develop a new molecular typing method of Salmonella spp. based on the detection of point mutations (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms or SNPs) in the genome. Several genomic regions (ManB, InvA, pduF) were sequenced in strains isolated from pig, the sequences were aligned and 49 point mutations were identified. A panel of 12 SNPs giving a genotype characteristic of a particular serotype was selected. Until now, thes selected SNPs were unable to distinguish the all strains. Therefore, additional SNPs must be selected

Exposure assessment of foodborne pathogens in pork in Belgium

The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of the most incident foodborne pathogens in the Belgian meat production chain. The prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria monocytogenes were evaluated in carcasses (swabs), retail cuts, minced meat and meat products of pork. The investigation was made each year since 1997, using official methods from the Ministry of Public Health for Salmonella and Campylobacter and the Vidas Listeria monocytogenes method. More than 10 % of each matrix were contaminated with Salmonella. For minced meat and meat products, the contamination rate were respectively round 20 % and 3 – 6 % for Listeria monocytogenes. Under 5 % of minced meat samples were positive for Campylobacter. For minced meat, the contamination has also been assessed according to the location of sampling (agreed, low capacity establishments or retail level). The characterisation of bacterial species allows the comparison between meat and human isolates