Detection of Salmonella enteritidis in samples of poultry products for human consumption in the Chilean Metropolitan Area

Background: Salmonella enteritidis (SE) is a frequent cause of diarrhea, al ld is transmitted mainly by SE contaminated eggs or poultry meat. The freq uency of SE contaminated eggs ol chicken meat and the risk for acquiring th is pathogen is unknown ill Chile. Aim: To measure SE contamination It eggs poultry meat and entrails offered ill retail markets in the Metropolitan Ar ea during two consecutive years (1998-1999). Material and methods: Samples were placed in sterile bags and transported to the laboratory before 4 hour s at 4 degreesC. Microbiologic detection was done using a standard procedur e and an immunodetection assay. Results: SE was found in one of 1081 egg sa mples (0.09%). The contaminated sample was offered in a supermarket under t heir own commercial name. Six percent of 1154 poultry meat samples were con taminated by SE and 2.3% by other Salmonella serotypes. Entrails had even h igher rates with 10.2% of 370 samples hal harboring SE and 2,7% other serot ypes. Total Salmonella sp. isolates and SE isolates declined during 1999 Ni ne SE phagotypes were identified, predominating types 4 and 7 Conclusions: Eggs and other-avian products are contaminated by different SE phagotypes a nd other Salmonella serotypes, implicating a risk for the consumers.