Detection of C-Botulinum Types in Honey by mPCR

Gücükoğlu A., Terzi Gülel G., ÇADIRCI Ö., Alişarlı M., Kevenk O., Uyanık T.

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, vol.79, no.4, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 79 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/1750-3841.12402
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Clostridium botulinum, infant botulism, multiplex PCR, CLOSTRIDIUM-BOTULINUM, INFANT BOTULISM, UNITED-STATES, SPORES, IDENTIFICATION, SAMPLES, FOODS, PREVALENCE, PCR
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Clostridium botulinum in honey samples using conventional methods and multiplex PCR (mPCR). A total number of 150 honey samples were randomly collected from apiaries, retail shops, weekly open bazaars, and supermarkets in Samsun, Turkey. Of 150 honey samples, 4 (2.6%) were positive for the botulinum neurotoxin gene by mPCR analysis. A total of 4 C. botulinum isolates were obtained from the mPCR positive samples, of which 3 were type A and 1 was type B. No samples were positive regarding the type E and type F neurotoxin genes. This is the first report of type A and type B spores of C. botulinum being detected and isolated in Turkey. This study revealed that some honey samples may present a potential hazard for food borne and infant botulism.