In the scope of the project, digital PCR (dPCR) was added to the implemented molecular tests, allowing the absolute quantification of target DNA molecules. We improved the quantification of campylobacters with the real-time PCR method (qPCR) even below the critical limit of 500–1000 CFU/g of skin; therefore, it is suitable for the routine quantification of campylobacters in samples of the broiler neck skin. We have implemented the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for the typing of campylobacters, which is currently the most contemporary method for the epidemiological monitoring of campylobacters and other microbial pathogens, and demonstrated its advantages (greater discriminatory power, phylogenetic relevance) compared with conventional genotyping methods such as PFGE and MLST.
F.21 Development of new health/diagnostic methods/procedures