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 supplemented with Oxyrase(R) enzyme. Cultures of Camp, jejuni were inoculated into EB or EB containing 10% raw milk, raw oysters, crabmeat or mushrooms. After 24 and 48 h of enrichment, Camp. jejuni was isolated on four selective agars. No significant differences in recovery rates for Camp. jejuni were observed in the Oxyrase(R) enrichment under normal atmosphere or in the existing FDA method under modified atmosphere. Increase of enrichment time from 24 to 48 h did not improve the recovery rates. However, the Oxyrase(R) enrichment was cost effective, less time consuming, and simpler to perform than the established method.