Prevalence of0157: H7 in chicken livers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Meat and meat products are vital sources of nutrition, but are also associated with foodborne illnesses worldwide.O157:H7 is a pathogenic strain known to cause severe conditions, such as hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and diarrhea. This strain is particularly dangerous due to its very low infectious dose and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated meat. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence ofO157:H7 infection in chicken liver samples sold in butcher shops and supermarkets in Tripoli, Libya, and to highlight the associated public health risk. METHODS: A total of 175 chicken liver samples were collected and analyzed. The presence ofwas determined using classical culture techniques and the analytical profile index 20E system. The specific strain ofO157:H7 was confirmed using a latex agglutination test with specific antisera. RESULTS: Of the 175 samples, 81 (46.3%) were positive forstrains. Of these positive samples, 14 (17.3%) were confirmed to beO157:H7. CONCLUSION: Chicken liver may serve as a significant vehicle forO157:H7 transmission, posing a considerable public health risk. The findings underscore the need for effective control and preventive measures to ensure the safety of meat and meat products throughout the entire meat supply chain.