Arcobacter Isolation from Minced Beef Samples in Costa Rica

Introduction:  The presence of Arcobacter spp. in minced meat (including beef) samples has been well documented in different countries with varying frequencies. Nevertheless, the only Latin American country reporting this bacterium in minced beef samples is Mexico, with a 28.8% frequency in 2003. Previous studies in Costa Rica have demonstrated the presence of Arcobacter species in samples taken from the poultry production chain, but still there are no studies performed in bovine meat.

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of this bacterium in 120 samples of minced beef acquired from the Central Valley region of Costa Rica, as well as to describe the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates obtained.

Methods:  A total of 120 samples of minced beef were analyzed Isolation was performed using membrane filtration methodology. Genera and species were classified using PCR methodologies. The agar plate dilution method was used according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Guidelines to determine the antibiotic resistance profile

Results:  A total of 75 different Arcobacter strains were isolated from minced beef samples for a final frequency of 48.3%. After species PCR identification, the strains were classified as Arcobacter butzleri (37.3%), Arcobacter cibarius (14.7%), Arcobacter thereius (12%), and Arcobacter spp. (36%). All samples were sensitive to gentamicin, but were resistant to ampicillin, levofloxacin, nalidixic acid, and ciprofloxacin.

Significance: The results obtained in this study show that the frequency of isolation of Arcobacter in minced beef samples is high and there is a high resistance rate for common use antibiotics. This suggests that Arcobacter represents a health risk for Costa Rica and control measures should be developed in order to decrease its potential impact.