Abstract

Background: Salmonella enteritidis (SE) is a frequent cause of diarrhea, and is transmitted mainly by SE contaminated eggs or poultry meat. The frequency of SE contaminated eggs or chicken meat and the risk for acquiring this pathogen is unknown in Chile. Aim: To measure SE contamination in eggs poultry meat and entrails offered in retail markets in the Metropolitan Area during two consecutive years (1998-1999). Material and methods: Samples were placed in sterile bags and transported to the laboratory before 4 hours at 4 degrees C. Microbiologic detection was done using a standard procedure and an immunodetection assay. Results: SE was found in one of 1081 egg samples (0.09%). The contaminated sample was offered in a supermarket under their own commercial name. Six percent of 1154 poultry meat samples were contaminated by SE and 2.3% by other Salmonella serotypes. Entrails had even higher rates with 10.2% of 370 samples harboring SE and 2.7% other serotypes. Total Salmonella sp. isolates and SE isolates declined during 1999. Nine SE phagotypes were identified, predominating types 4 and 7. Conclusions: Eggs and other avian products are contaminated by different SE phagotypes and other Salmonella serotypes, implicating a risk for the consumers (Rev Méd Chile 2000; 128: 1075-83).