Work

Integrated culture-based and molecular approach for the detection of three Arcobacter species in sushi and fresh vegetables

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Arcobacter spp. has been recognized as an emerging pathogen and a potential zoonotic agent, with the three species A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus, A. skirrowii causing the majority of human and animal infections. Despite its widely recognized presence in the food chain, Arcobacter spp. is not mandatorily investigated in food items and related environments, leading to epidemiological underestimation in the food chain and consequently in clinical setting. Here we describe a new approach, involving culture, real-time PCR, mPCR and MALDI-TOF, for the detection of the three above-mentioned Arcobacter species. Results indicated that the integrated approach performed with high sensitivity and efficiency, although some features of the matrices, such as pH, could influence the outcome. However, the method could be suitable for the routine analysis of different food matrices, in order to increase the diagnostic capacity of laboratories involved in monitoring zoonotic agents in the food and veterinary field.

Source: Food Microbiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2025.104843