Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Insecta, Coleoptera) in a single house of a broiler production facility as a potential source of pathogenic bacteria for broilers and humans

• Published in: Letters in applied microbiology Vol. 74; no. 6; pp. 883 - 892
• Main Authors: Tamburro, M., Sammarco, M.L., Trematerra, P., Colacci, M., Ripabelli, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01-06-2022
• Subjects: Alphitobius diaperinus; Animals; Beetles; Biosecurity; Campylobacter; Chickens - microbiology; Coleoptera; Coleoptera - microbiology; E coli; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli - genetics; food safety; Humans; Microbiota; Microorganisms; poultry farming; Poultry production; Salmonella; Salmonella enterica - genetics; Sanitation; Staphylococcus; Tenebrionidae; Water; food safety; Salmonella; Escherichia coli; Alphitobius diaperinus; poultry farming; Tenebrionidae; Staphylococcus; Campylobacter
• ISSN: 0266-8254; 1472-765X
• DOI: 10.1111/lam.13679

Pest infestation in any stage can lead to a quality reduction in the finished products. This study aimed to detect Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Staphylococcus aureus in Alphitobius diaperinus adults, and in samples from broiler swabs, administered water and feed collected in a single house from a broiler production facility in central Italy. Three samplings were carried out, each collecting ninety adult beetles for microbial detection in the external, faecal and internal content; ten cloacal swab samples; and one sample of both administered feed and water. Microbiological cultures and biochemical identification were performed on suspected cultures and confirmed by species‐specific PCRs. A. diaperinus was abundantly found near the windows, under the manger and in the corners of the facility. Salmonella enterica serovar Cholerasuis was found at the external surface of the beetles, while Staphylococcus xylosus and E. coli were in the faecal content. The latter micro‐organism together with Staphylococcus lentus, S. xylosus and other staphylococcal species were detected in the internal microbiota. E. coli and Campylobacter spp. were observed in cloacal swabs, and S. xylosus in one feed sample. The study findings support evidence for Salmonella spp. and E. coli, and remark that adherence to sanitation rules and biosecurity procedures are required.
Significance and Impact of Study: The lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus is of concern in poultry farm due to its damaging replication capability both in the litter and breeding facilities. Furthermore, it potentially acts as a reservoir of bacterial pathogens causing serious diseases in poultry, which can be further transmitted to humans. This study evaluated the role of A. diaperinus in the carriage of various bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp., underlining that could be involved in the spread within poultry environment, thus likely in the transmission to humans.