Campylobacter is the leading cause of foodborne infections in Europe, particularly associated with poultry meat. Its increasing antibiotic resistance and the lack of effective control methods have driven the need for new, safe, and sustainable solutions under a One Health approach.
AZTI has developed a natural biotechnological solution based on the use of bacteriophages specifically targeting Campylobacter. This biocontrol tool can be applied to foods, processing environments, and animal production systems. Its versatility allows integration into both pre- and post-harvest control strategies, contributing to a safer and more sustainable agri-food chain.
This biotechnological solution complements conventional hygiene measures, strengthening food safety without altering beneficial microbiota in the food, the host, or the environment, and without affecting the sensory properties of the product.
The developed solution has demonstrated high efficacy and specificity against Campylobacter, particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, both in vivo in model organisms such as Galleria mellonella and in food matrices. Preliminary results indicate a significant reduction in bacterial load, which could translate into a lower incidence of campylobacteriosis in humans.
Its effectiveness in chickens and other relevant food matrices will be evaluated within an ongoing project. These outcomes reinforce AZTI’s position as a leading organisation in the development of biotechnological tools for pathogen biocontrol in the food industry.
Sectors: Food and Health
Research lines: Food Quality and Safety
Research sublines: Food biotechnology, Minimising food safety risks