Molecular detection, biotyping and serotyping of Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from chicken livers in Tabriz

Introduction and purpose: Yersinia enterocolitica belongs to the family of Enterobacteriaceae and is a psychrophilic pathogen that is associated with foodborne infections. It usually causes gastroenteritis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, and septicemia. This study aimed to molecular detection, biotyping, and serotyping of Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from chicken livers in Tabriz. Materials and Methods: One hundred chicken liver samples were collected randomly from poultry slaughterhouses in Tabriz for three months. After enrichment process, the presence of Yersinia enterocolitica in studied samples was determined through culture-based methods, biochemical and molecular tests. Then the biotype and serotype of the isolates were determined. Results: 31 samples (31%) were positive for Yersinia enterocolitica by both phenotypic and molecular assays. Among positive samples, 25 (80.64%) had non-pathogenic biotype 1 A with serotype O: 5 (23 samples) and O: 8 (2 samples). 6 (19.36%) had biotype 1B and all of them had O: 3 serotype. The serotype Yersinia enterocolitica O: 9 was not found. Conclusion: the present study highlighted the significance of chicken liver as potential source of Yersinia enterocolitica infection in Tabriz city.