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Identification of Campylobacter infection in chickens from volatile faecal emissions |
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| Authors: | Catherine E. Garner Stephen Smith Nicola C. Elviss Tom J. Humphrey Paul White Norman M. Ratcliffe |
| Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Research in Analytical, Materials, and Sensor Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK;2. Clinical Science at South Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough St, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK;3. Food Borne Zoonoses Unit, Health Protection Agency, School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK;4. Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Health Protection Agency Yorkshire &5. the Humber, Bridle Path, York Road, Leeds, LS15 7TR, UK;6. Zoonotic Infections Group, School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, BS40 5DU, UK |
| Abstract: | Volatile organic compounds from chicken faeces were investigated as biomarkers for Campylobacter infection. Campylobacter are major poultry-borne zoonotic pathogens, colonizing the avian intestinal tract. Chicken faeces are the principal source of contamination of carcasses. Fresh faeces were collected on farm sites, and Campylobacter status established microbiologically. Volatile organic compounds were pre-concentrated from the headspace above 71 separate faecal samples using solid-phase microextraction and separated and identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A Campylobacter-specific profile was identified using six of the extracted volatile organic compounds. The model developed reliably identified the presence or absence of Campylobacter in >95% of chickens. The volatile biomarker identification approach for assessing avian infection is a novel approach to enhancing biosecurity in the poultry industry and should reduce the risk of disease transmission to humans. |
| Keywords: | Campylobacter chickens volatile organic compounds gas chromatography solid-phase microextraction biosecurity |