title: Optimisation of the protocol for detection of Aeromonas species in ready-to-eat salads, and its use to speciate isolates and establish their prevalence.
abstract: Aeromonas spp. are detected in more than 500 cases of gastrointestinal infection each year in England and Wales. This study aimed to identify their prevalence in ready-to-eat salads, which are a potential source of aeromonas infection. The protocol for isolation of mesophilic Aeromonas spp. from salads was optimised. Using the improved method, Aeromonas spp were isolated from 19 of 25 samples (25 g) of ready-to-eat salad products. Aeromonas organisms were counted, isolates were identified to species level, and the effect of pH on colonisation of salads was assessed. Aeromonas was present at high levels in six salads (> or = 100 cfu/g). The major species present in salads was Aeromonas caviae, but A.hydrophila and A.sobria, which have more pathogenic potential, were also isolated. It is hoped that this study will help to assess the risk to public health of aeromonas in salads.
authors.affiliation: Exeter Public Health Laboratory, Heavitree. k.l.mattick@ex.ac.uk
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Mattick
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Donovan
mesh_terms: D000333:Aeromonas / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005506:Food Contamination; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D014675:Vegetables