Molecular biological studies

Detection of microorganisms

• Salmonella spp.
  Salmonella belong to the food-borne zoonotic pathogens. Simultaneously with the adoption of the Zoonoses Directive 2003/99/EC, the Control Regulation (EC) No. 2160/2003 was adopted, which provides for a systematic control of Salmonella. Although this has reduced salmonellosis in recent years, salmonella is still one of the most important pathogens of food-associated diseases. Contaminated foods of animal origin (poultry, meat, eggs) account for the majority of Salmonella illnesses, but transmissions from plant foods (sprouts, tomatoes, herbal tea) have also been reported.
  
  Consignments of meat and eggs of certain categories to Sweden and Finland need certain guarantees regarding salmonella according to Regulation (EC) No. 1688/2005. We will be happy to advise you on this regulation and carry out the necessary tests and assessments for you.

• Listeria monocytogenes
  Listeria monocytogenes is a classical zoonotic pathogen. Therefore, especially food of animal origin can be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Lack of hygiene can also lead to transmission to food of plant origin. Especially in immunocompromised individuals and infants, Listeria monocytogenes can lead to severe listerosis, which can be fatal.

• Enterohemorraghic and enteroaggregative E. coli
  Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC; also known as verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC)) belong to the Escherichia coli species. They are characterized by carrying special pathogenicity factors called shigatoxins (stx1/stx2).
  
  Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are a human pathogenic subgroup of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). EHEC infections can be transmitted primarily through raw or undercooked meat and raw milk. Contamination of other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can occur through smear infections.
  
  The examination of "BAD 8" includes the highly pathogenic EHEC serogroups O45, O111, O26, O103, O145, O121, O104, as well as O157.
  
  In addition, we can offer detection of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC).

• Campylobacter spp.
  
  Bacteria of the Campylobacter genus, like Salmonella or Listeria, belong to the zoonotic pathogens. The infection rate of poultry is about 50%. The strains C. jejuni and C. coli can cause an inflammatory diarrheal disease (Campylobacter enteritis) in humans. Together with Salmonella, C. jejuni is one of the most common bacterial diarrheal pathogens.
  
  In Campylobacter enteritis outbreaks with suspected food information, meat or meat products were most commonly reported, followed by milk or dairy products (Infectious Epidemiology Yearbook of Notifiable Diseases for 2016, Robert Koch Institute).

• Shigella spp.
  Shigella belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and is the causative agent of shigellosis (shigella dysentery)

• Yersinia enterocolitica
  There are three genera of Yersinia that can cause disease in humans. In food, Yersinia enterocolitica is of primary importance. This pathogen is responsible for most yersinioses and is transmitted through contaminated meat, milk or water. The main source is considered to be raw or inadequately heated pork, as pigs are considered the main reservoir of Yersinia enterocolitica.

• Clostridium estertheticum
  Clostridium estertheticum is a psychrophilic, obligate anaerobic bacterium that finds optimal growth conditions in vacuum-packed foods of animal origin. This bacterium is the cause of so-called "blown pack spoilage". In this case, gas formation causes the packaging to swell. Although the bacterium is unlikely to pose a health risk, Clostridium estertheticum plays a major role as a spoilage pathogen in the food industry.

For the pathogenic germs Salmonella, Listeria and STEC/EHEC we can offer a release test (rapid test). This test is especially suitable for customers who want to examine their goods before commissioning. Please contact us!