Isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 1 A from raw meat products.

A survey has been carried out for the presence of Yersinia enterocolitioca in raw meat products. One hundred and twenty raw beef, chicken and ham samples were assayed for the presence of Yersinia enterocolitica by the 4 degrees C enrichment method after 2 weeks of incubation using phosphate buffered saline. Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 1 A non agglutinable (NAG) was isolated from a sample of beef and identified by Api 20 E System and additional biochemical tests, Lipase, beta-D-Glucosidase and Pyrazinamidase. The Author related about pathogenicity of Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 1 A that may cause symptoms similar to that caused by virulent biotypes. The presence of Yersinia enterocolitica in raw meat products represents a health risk for consumers therefore was suggested to yersiniosis control and further surveillance studies on epidemiology of such emerging pathogens.