Detection of Clostridium algidicarnis in beef in Thailand and comparison of their characteristics with strains from Central Europe https://doi.org/10.12982/VIS.2027.008
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Abstract
Cold-tolerant clostridia are important, albeit largely unexplored, spoilage microorganisms of vacuum-packed beef. Studies on these bacteria mainly take place in regions with a temperate climate, with very few conducted in the tropical countries. As beef consumption in Thailand is constantly increasing, this study aimed to investigate whether these bacteria exist in meat sold in the country. Vacuum-packed beef samples (n = 40) were collected from various supermarkets in two different provinces. Overall, 40.0% of samples tested positive for clostridia by PCR and 22.5% by culture. Of these, 14 samples were positive for Clostridium algidicarnis, while the other two samples were positive for C. perfringens. No correlation was found between positive beef samples and the level of gas production in meat packs. When compared with Austrian and German strains, all tested strains (n = 10) grew well in PYGS broth at 10°C and 25°C, grew slowly at 4°C, but showed no growth at 37°C. A low sporulation rate was observed during cultivation in pure media. Similarity in the MALDI-TOF-MS spectrum between the Thai and Austrian strains was observed. Although the detection rate is considered preliminary due to the small sample size, the results show that the cold-tolerant C. algidicarnis is present in vacuum-packed beef sold in Thailand.
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