DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2019.v06i05.002

Pages: 148–152

The aims of this study are to isolate and microbiologically characterize Salmonella spp. in frozen meat and organs imported into Egypt and to evaluate the potential virulence of the isolates by detecting the presence of the enterotoxin (stn) gene. A total of 1363 frozen imported meat and organ samples (962 meat, 281 liver, 69 heart, 51 kidney) were collected from original packets while lots are in their primary destination before market distribution. Isolation and microbiological identification of salmonellae were performed according to ISO 6579/2002; in addition, different Salmonella isolates were tested for harboring enterotoxin gene (stn) using PCR. Results revealed existence of the pathogen in all kinds of examined samples (meat 1.7%, liver 0.36%, heart 1.5% and kidney 3.9%); moreover, enterotoxin (stn) gene was detected in 85% of the isolates. The occurrence of these pathogens in relation to the country of origin was presented. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated significant difference in prevalence rate of Salmonella species among the potential meat and organ exporters to Egypt; where India showed the highest rate (3.39%) followed by Brazil (1.20%), USA (0.83%) and Australia (0%).