Evaluation of isolation methods for pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica from pig intestinal content

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of four isolation methods for the detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica from pig intestinal content. Methods and Results: The four methods comprised of 15 isolation steps using selective enrichments (irgasan–ticarcillin–potassium chlorate and modified Rappaport broth) and mildly selective enrichments at 4 or 25°C. Salmonella–Shigella‐desoxycholate–calcium chloride agar, cefsulodin–irgasan–novobiocin agar were used as plating media. The most sensitive method detected 78% (53/68) of the positive samples. Individual isolation steps using cold enrichment as the only enrichment or as a pre‐enrichment step with further selective enrichment showed the highest sensitivities (55–66%). All isolation methods resulted in high numbers of suspected colonies not confirmed as pathogenic Y. enterocolitica. Conclusions: Cold enrichment should be used in the detection of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica from pig intestinal contents. In addition, more than one parallel isolation step is needed. Significance and Impact of the Study: The study shows that depending on the isolation method used for Y. enterocolitica, the detected prevalence of Y. enterocolitica in pig intestinal contents varies greatly. More selective and sensitive isolation methods need to be developed for pathogenic Y. enterocolitica.