CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL MICROBIOTA PRESENT IN BILE AND GALLBLADDER EPITHELIUM OF CATTLE

Abstract

Pathogenic microorganisms can reside transiently or permanently in the gallbladder of cattle. Thus, during slaughter, more attention should be given to the gastrointestinal tract, especially to the accessory organ, the gallbladder. The main aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial microbiota present in bile and gallbladder epithelium of cattle slaughtered in a slaughtering plant under sanitary conditions. Thirty gallbladders intact were collected and researched in bile and epithelium the presence of Aerobic Mesophilic Heterotrophic Bacteria (AMHB), Staphylococcus spp., total Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus spp. and Salmonella spp. The frequency of isolation of the microorganism mentioned above were, respectively: 23.02%, 14.39%, 13.67%, 24.46%, 0% and 24.46%. Concerning both environments of the gallbladder, the frequency of isolation of the microorganisms in the epithelium was 64.03%, and in the bile 35.97%, with no statistical difference, but with significant difference between the population averages. In antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Staphylococcus strains from both bile and gallbladder epithelium showed sensitivity to the antimicrobials: penicillin G, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol and gentamicin. The observation that gallbladder supports a high frequency of microorganisms brings us to the possible fact that cattle might be a persistent carrier of pathogens of great importance to public health.