News
06.03.2018 - Microbiology
Campylobacter infections - For years ranked number one among notifiable bacterial diseases in Germany and Europe
With more than 70,000 reported cases in 2016 and similar numbers in previous years, Campylobacter enteritis is the most common bacterial notifiable disease in Germany. On a European level, Campylobacter enteritis ranks first as well. Campylobacter is one of the so-called zoonoses, meaning the pathogens can be transmitted between animals and humans. Contaminated poultry meat plays a significant role as a source of infection.
The Robert Koch Institute published current data on risk factors and sources of infection for sporadic Campylobacter infections in Germany in the Epidemiological Bulletin 44/2017. Campylobacter infections occur sporadically in 97% of reported cases and only rarely as disease outbreaks with the simultaneous occurrence of multiple cases of illness.
In the Regulation (EU) 2017/1495 amending Regulation (EU) 2073/2005, a process hygiene criterion for Campylobacter spp. with a limit of 1,000 CFU/g for slaughtered broilers was introduced after many years of negotiations. The changes are applicable from 01.01.2018.
This process hygiene criterion is intended to detect and eliminate hygiene deficiencies. By reducing the contamination rates in poultry stocks, it is also hoped to reduce the risk to consumers. This is of significant relevance to Campylobacter spp. infections, which have been the most common bacterial food poisoners in Europe for many years.
In our laboratory, we routinely conduct testing for Campylobacter spp. We provide fast and reliable results.
In our profile, you will learn more about the significance, origin, and potential contamination sources of these microorganisms in foods.