In this study, presence of Arcobacter species in ground meat from cattle and sheep in Kayseri province (Turkey) were investigated. Identification of Arcobacter species in isolates of ground meat from cattle and sheep using Multiplex PCR (mPCR) techniques were carried out.

A total of 200 samples (100 cattle ground meat and 100 sheep ground meat) were examined. The samples were homogenized with distilled water and incubated in Arcobacter Enrichment Media (AZB) at 30 oC for 48 hours. After the incubation in AZB, grown suspected cultures were inoculated into agar using membrane Filtration Techniques.

Eighty-five out of 200 meat samples were isolated Arcobacter spp. positive. Of these positive samples, 79 (92.9%) A. butzleri and 6 (7.1%) A. skirrow were detected. Forty out of 100 cattle meat ground were identified with A. butzleri (40%) and only 2 (2%) with A. skirrow, whereas 39 (39%) with A. butzleri and 4 (4%) with A. skirrow in ground sheep meat samples.

In conclusion, marketed ground meat samples in Kayseri province were contaminated with Arcobacter, particularly very often with A. butzleri but less often with A. skirrowi. It was also concluded that Arcobacter species particularly A. butzleri may have a risk factor for human health with the fact that A. butzleri causes enteritis, chronic diarrhea, and septicemia in humans.