A Study on the Rate of Contamination of Slaughtered Chicken by Campylobacter in Industrial Slaughter Houses

SUMMARY Campylobacters are gram negative, microaerophilic, curved or spiral shaped organisms, among which C.jejuni is considered as the most common causative agent of bacterial gastroenteritis in human. It is likely to be transmitted by consumption of animal products as well as poultry. So a potential source of infection could be traced to the chicken abattoirs in order to determine the rate of contamination in this foodstuff. 300samples obtained from 5 chicken industrial slaughter houses standing in Tehran surroundings were submitted to the laboratory, cultured on selective media and examined for type a spaces by biochemical tests. The purpose was to define the correct prevalence. Statistically and classifying of contamination rates according to the season and vicinity. This study showed that: The rates of contamination were 5%, 14.2% and 10.5% in spring, summer and fall respectively, whereas no positive case could be obtained in winter time. In 3 slaughter houses numbered 3, 4 and 5, the rates were 17.5%, 13.3% and 9.2%, while 2.9% in No 1 and finally none in No 2. Skin and intestines were demonstrated to be the most frequent organs involved, but the liver and muscles, e.g. 0.3% and 1.7% respectively next.