Application of ERIC-PCR method for genetic classification of campylobacter strains isolated from raw milk

Subject Areas : Food-Borne Diseases

GholamReza Banisharif ¹ , Mohammad Hosein Marhamatizadeh ² , Hassan Momtaz ³

1 - Department of Food Safety and Quality Control, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
2 - Department of Food Safety and Quality Control, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
3 - Department of Microbiology, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran

Received: 2023-11-20 Accepted : 2024-05-12 Published : 2024-05-28

Keywords: Campylobacter, Raw milk, Genetic classification, ERIC-PCR,

Abstract :

Introduction and purpose: Campylobacter species are one of the most important pathogens causing bacterial gastroenteritis, which are generally transmitted through food of animal origin. The present study was conducted with the aim of genetic classification of Campylobacter isolated from raw milk of cows, sheep and goats in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: 43 isolates of Campylobacter isolated from raw milk of cows, sheep and goats in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces were selected and confirmed by ERIC-PCR method. Results: The studied isolates revealed banding patterns ranging from 100 to 2000 open pairs, which were further classified into 5 main profiles with a similarity coefficient of simple matching at a similarity level above 80%. Except for 100% affinity which was observed in 1 case, other isolates had genetic affinity between 54% and 98%. Conclusion: The placement of the studied isolates in several subgroups showed the acceptable discrimination power of the ERIC-PCR technique in Campylobacter genotyping and the presence of different sources of contamination of dairy products with this pathogen. ERIC-PCR method is a simple, fast and low-cost method to describe the genetic diversity of different Campylobacter strains, including Campylobacter jejuni and coli strains.