Comparison of culture and PCR method in prevalence of Helicobacter pullorum isolated from chicken liver samples and determination of antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates

Helicobacter pullorum is a gram-negative and zoonotic pathogen which can cause gastroenteritis in human and poultry. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of H. pullorum in chicken liver samples using culture methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as to assess the antibiotic resistance of the isolates using the disk diffusion method in various regions of Semnan. A total of 50 packed liver samples were collected from various regions of Semnan city. By use of culture method and biochemical tests, 17 samples (34%) were found to be positive for H. pullorum. By use of PCR test which was performed in parallel with culture method and biochemical tests, 11 (22%) samples were confirmed H. pullorum. With regard to the results of antibiogram test, all of the samples were resistant to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, and the lowest resistance rate was observed against ampicillin, colistin and erythromycin with 14%. This study is the first report on prevalence and antibiotic resistance of H. pullorum in chicken liver samples in Semnan and more studies are needed in this regard. Furthermore, due to low sensitivity of biochemical tests in recognition of H. pullorum, the present study suggests that the PCR test, as a sensitive and reliable method, can be used to detect H.pullorum from chicken liver samples.