EVALUATION OF OXYRASE(R) ENRICHMENT METHOD FOR ISOLATION OF CAMPYLOBACTER-JEJUNI FROM INOCULATED FOODS

Recovery limits were evaluated for Campylobacter jejuni in an existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enrichment broth (EB) formula supp lemented with Oxyrase(R) enzyme. Cultures of Camp, jejuni were inocula ted into EB or EB containing 10% raw milk, raw oysters, crabmeat or mu shrooms. After 24 and 48 h of enrichment, Camp. jejuni was isolated on four selective agars. No significant differences in recovery rates fo r Camp. jejuni were observed in the Oxyrase(R) enrichment under normal atmosphere or in the existing FDA method under modified atmosphere. I ncrease of enrichment time from 24 to 48 h did not improve the recover y rates. However, the Oxyrase(R) enrichment was cost effective, less t ime consuming, and simpler to perform than the established method.