The prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. on bovine carcasses in Isfahan, Iran

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of foodborne pathogens, Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. on slaughtered cattle in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 203 cattle carcasses were sampled by surface section of neck meat taken immediately after slaughter and analyzed using microbiological examinations. Suspected colonies to E. coli O157:H7 were confirmed by a specific polymerase chain reaction method (PCR). The results showed that the contamination rate of samples to E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 were 42.4 and 6.4%, respectively. Seasonal distribution showed that the highest prevalence of E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 occurred in summer samples. Six carcasses carried L. monocytogenes whereas Campylobacter spp. were not detected on any carcasses. The results indicated that prevalence of E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 was high on bovine carcasses in Isfahan. This condition should be considered as a probable hazard for human health.