# Comparison of Media for the Detection of Campylobacter jejuni Using a Commercial RT-PCR System

## TL;DR

This study compares three enrichment media for detecting Campylobacter jejuni in poultry samples using RT-PCR and plate count methods, finding Mueller–Hinton Broth to be the most effective.

## Contribution

The study provides a direct comparison of enrichment media performance for C. jejuni detection using a commercial RT-PCR system and traditional methods.

## Key findings

- Mueller–Hinton Broth (MHB) showed the lowest detection limit and balanced precision and sensitivity.
- BFBB2x had the lowest RMSE for the BAX® system, while MHB and BPW achieved high correlations for plate counts.
- MHB is recommended for reliable quantification of C. jejuni in poultry samples.

## Abstract

The accurate quantification of Campylobacter jejuni in poultry samples is critical for ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards. This study evaluated the performance of three enrichment media—Mueller–Hinton Broth (MHB), Bolton’s Blood-Free Broth 2x (BFBB2x), and Buffered Peptone Water (BPW)—in supporting C. jejuni detection and quantification using the BAX® Q7-RT PCR system and traditional plate count methods. Results demonstrated high reliability across all media types, with BFBB2x and MHB showing the strongest correlations (R2 = 0.99) for the BAX® system. BFBB2x exhibited the lowest RMSE (0.13), while MHB balanced precision (RMSE = 0.4) with sensitivity. For plate counts, MHB and BPW achieved the highest correlations (R2 = 0.99) and precision (RMSE = 0.26), with MHB demonstrating the lowest detection limit (2.56 log10 CFU/mL) compared to BFBB2x (2.93 log10 CFU/mL) and BPW (3.31 log10 CFU/mL). The findings underscore MHB’s robustness as an enrichment medium, offering consistent performance across both molecular and culture-based methods. The current study supports MHB as the more effective medium for the reliable and precise quantification of C. jejuni in poultry-associated matrices, highlighting its utility in minimizing contamination risks and enhancing food safety. Future research should explore its applicability in diverse poultry products and production environments.