Arcobacter species detection in Italian composite foods

Considering that composite foods are frequently involved in the transmission of foodborne diseases and given the growing public health interest around the emerging genus Arcobacter, the aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of Arcobacter spp. carrying virulence-associated genes in composite foods, in order to contribute to outlining the specific risks posed by emerging pathogens. Overall, Arcobacter spp. were detected in 18/75 (24%) samples. Biomolecular assays revealed A. butzleri in 36/54 (67%) and Arcobacter spp. in 18/54 (33%) isolates. PCRs aimed at the nine putative virulence genes demonstrated widespread distribution of these genes among A. butzleri isolates, while Arcobacter spp. isolates harboured only ciaB, mviN and hecA genes. This study provides more information regarding the health risks associated with the consumption of composite foods, underlying their role as a potential source of human Arcobacter infection. •This is the first study to identify the presence of arcobacters in mozzarella rolls.•The study reveals the presence of arcobacters in 24% of composite foods.•Cross-contamination of composite foods could occur between different ingredients.•Arcobacter-contaminated composite foods' consumption may have health implications.