title: Development of a consensus method for culture of Clostridium difficile from meat and its use in a survey of U.S. retail meats.
abstract: Three previously described methods for culture of Clostridium difficile from meats were evaluated by microbiologists with experience in C. difficile culture and identification. A consensus protocol using BHI broth enrichment followed by ethanol shock and plating to selective and non-selective media was selected for use, and all participating laboratories received hands-on training in the use of this method prior to study initiation. Retail meat products (N = 1755) were cultured for C. difficile over 12 months during 2010-2011 at 9 U.S. FoodNet sites. No C. difficile was recovered, although other clostridia were isolated.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, 1600 Clifton Rd. N.E., MS C16, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. blimbago@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Brandi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Limbago
authors.forename: Angela D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Sharon A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Duncan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: MacCannell
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: MacGowan
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jolbitado
authors.forename: Henrietta D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Hardin
authors.forename: Stephanie R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Estes
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Weese
authors.forename: J Glenn
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Songer
authors.forename: L Hannah
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Gould
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002645:Chickens; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003013:Clostridium / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000379:methods*; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics; D008460:Meat / Q000191:economics / Q000382:microbiology*; D013552:Swine; D014422:Turkeys; D014481:United States