Comparison of Cape Town and Skirrow's <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter</Emphasis> isolation protocols in humans and broilers in Morogoro,Tanzania

Comparison of Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols used in isolation of Campylobacter in humans and broilers was carried out in a cross-sectional study in Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 176 and 158 human stool and broiler intestinal samples were collected, respectively. While human stool samples were collected from selected health centers, broiler intestinal samples were obtained from selected farms and chicken markets. Samples were inoculated and cultured in duplicate using two protocols and prevalence of Campylobacter were established. In humans, the prevalence of Campylobacter isolates was significantly higher (P < 0.001) (21.6%) with Cape Town protocol than Skirrow's method (9.1%). Similarly, a higher prevalence (P < 0.05) in broilers was recorded in Cape Town protocol (77.8%) than Skirrow's method (66.5%). There was a moderate (0.53) Kappa test of agreement between Skirrow's and Cape Town protocols for human samples and substantial agreement (0.72) for broiler samples. This demonstrates that Cape Town protocol is superior over the Skirrow's protocol in Campylobacter isolation. Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter lari were the Campylobacter spp. isolated. In humans, C. jejuni accounted for 92.1% and 87.5% of all positive samples with Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols, respectively. In broilers, C. jejuni was isolated at 91.1% and 92.5% of all species obtained with Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols, respectively. This shows that C. jejuni is the common species that may be circulating from either broilers to humans or other animals and vice versa. The present study has introduced Cape Town protocol in Tanzania for Campylobacter isolation from human and animal samples, which is expected to improve the isolation of Campylobacter species. Cape Town protocol may also be a good alternative for use in routine isolation of Campylobacter.     

The isolation and characterization of Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophages from free range and indoor poultry

Six hundred and sixty one samples – primarily fresh chicken faeces – were processed to isolate wild type Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophages, via overlay agar methods using C. jejuni NCTC 12662. The aims of this study were to isolate and purify bacteriophages and then test for their ability to lyse field strains of C. jejuni in vitro. Of all samples processed, 130 were positive for bacteriophages. A distinct difference was observed between samples from different poultry enterprises. No bacteriophages could be isolated from indoor broilers. The majority of bacteriophages were isolated from free range poultry – both broilers and egg layers. Bacteriophages were purified and then selected for characterization based on their ability to produce clear lysis on plaque assay, as opposed to turbid plaques. Two hundred and forty one C. jejuni field isolates were tested for sensitivity to the bacteriophages. Lysis was graded subjectively and any minimal lysis was excluded. Using this system, 59.0% of the C. jejuni isolates showed significant sensitivity to at least one bacteriophage. The sensitivity to individual bacteriophages ranged from 10.0% to 32.5% of the C. jejuni isolates. Five bacteriophages were examined by electron microscopy and determined to belong to the Myoviridae family. The physical size, predicted genetic composition and genome size of the bacteriophages correlated well with other reported Campylobacter bacteriophages. The reasons for the observed difference between indoor broilers and free range poultry is unknown, but are postulated to be due to differences in the Campylobacter population in birds under different rearing conditions.     

Occurrences of thermophilic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter</Emphasis> in cattle slaughtered at Morogoro municipal abattoir,Tanzania

An investigation was conducted in Morogoro municipality to assess the likelihood of slaughter cattle posing public health risk of contaminating carcasses with thermophilic Campylobacter. Butchers and meat shopkeepers were interviewed on source of slaughter cattle, method of animal and carcass transportation, carcass dressing, meat storage facilities, access to clean water and availability of food hygiene practices. Faecal samples were collected from 107 slaughter cattle and after slaughter; four different parts of dressed carcasses (i.e. from ham, neck, pelvis and thigh muscles) were also sampled. In addition 107 cattle meat samples for Campylobacter culture were collected in different meat shops. The samples were subjected to standard bacteriological examination using Skirrows protocol. It was found that cattle slaughter, dressing and meat handling in meatshops was done under unhygienic condition. Thermophilic Campylobacter prevalence in slaughter cattle was 5.6% while contamination rate of dressed carcasses and cattle meat at shops was 9.3% and 1.9%, respectively. The majority of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated were C. jejuni (88.9%) while C. coli was isolated at 11.1%. Findings of this study suggest possibility of humans acquiring zoonotic Campylobacter infections from cattle meat particularly when meat preparation and processing is not done properly. More work is required to establish the magnitude of zoonotic enteric Campylobacteriosis in humans and epidemiological role of cattle and other animals in the study area.     

Campylobacter spp. prevalence and fluoroquinolone resistance in chicken layer farms

Chicken is a major source of human campylobacteriosis. Chicken meat originates not only from broilers but also from spent layers; however, few reports have documented the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. in layers in Japan. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. in 47 layer farms in Japan. Fecal samples were collected from the youngest and oldest flocks on the farm, and Campylobacter spp. was isolated from 46/47 (97.9%) farms. Among the C. jejuni isolates, the resistance rates to ampicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin were 29.6%, 22.2%, and 19.8%, respectively. The ciprofloxacin resistance rate (7.3%) in C. jejuni isolated from old flocks was significantly (P<0.01) lower than that in young flocks (32.5%).     

Prevalence and risk factor investigation of Campylobacter species in beef cattle feces from seven large commercial feedlots in Alberta,Canada

This fecal prevalence study targeted cattle from 7 large (10 000 to > 40 000 head) commercial feedlots in Alberta as a means of establishing Campylobacter levels in cattle just prior to animals entering the food chain. Overall, 87% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 86–88] of 2776 fresh pen-floor fecal samples were culture positive for Campylobacter species, with prevalences ranging from 76% to 95% among the 7 feedlots. Campylobacter spp. prevalence was 88% (95% CI = 86–90) in the summer (n = 1376) and 86% (95% CI = 85–88) in the winter (n = 1400). In addition, 69% (95% CI = 66–71) of 1486 Campylobacter spp. positive samples were identified as Campylobacter jejuni using hippurate hydrolysis testing. Of those, 64% (95% CI = 58–70) of 277 and 70% (95% CI = 67–72) of 1209 Campylobacter isolates were identified as C. jejuni in winter and summer, respectively. After accounting for clustering within pen and feedlot, feedlot size and the number of days on feed were associated with Campylobacter spp. isolation rates. The high isolation rates of Campylobacter spp. and C. jejuni in feedlot cattle feces in this study suggest a potential role for feedlot cattle in the complex epidemiology of campylobacters in Alberta.     

Multilocus sequence typing of Campylobacter jejuni from broilers

Campylobacter jejuni isolates from a national Swedish Campylobacter monitoring in broilers were characterized by multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) in order to study the genetic diversity of this bacterial population. Isolates were initially characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). One hundred were chosen for MLST genotyping. PFGE identified 69 distinct types compared to 44 different sequence types (STs) identified with MLST. Eighteen STs had not been described previously, while the remaining 26 STs were assigned to previously known clonal complexes. The majority of isolates were of genotypes noted in broilers and in humans in earlier studies. However, three clonal complexes, ST-206 complex, ST-677 complex and ST-1034 complex, previously associated with wild bird and environmental samples, were among the genotypes found. This study shows that most of the Swedish broiler isolates were of genotypes noted as common in broilers. However, it also highlights the potential influence of environmental sources on the broiler C. jejuni genotypes.     

Virulence characterization of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from resident wild birds in Tokachi area,Japan

The prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in wild birds is a potential hazard for human and animal health. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of C. jejuni in wild birds in Tokachi area, Hokkaido, Japan and investigate their virulence in vitro. In total, 173 cloacal swabs from individual wild birds were collected for the detection of Campylobacter spp. Thirty four samples (19.7%) were positive for Campylobacter of which 94.1% (32/34 samples) were C. jejuni. Additionally, one C. coli and one C. fetus were isolated. Seven C. jejuni isolates (one from crows and the other from pigeons) had important virulence genes including all three CDT genes (cdtA, cdtB and cdtC) and flaA, flaB, ciaB and cadF, and the other isolates were lacking cdtA gene. Further studies on in vitro virulence-associated phenotypes, such as motility assay on soft agar and invasion assay in Caco-2 cells, were performed. The wild bird C. jejuni isolates adhered and invaded human cells. Although the numbers of viable intracellular bacteria of wild bird isolates were lower than a type strain NCTC11168, they persisted at 48-hr and underwent replication in host cells.     

Prevalence,quantitative load and genetic diversity of Campylobacter spp. in dairy cattle herds in Lithuania

Background

Campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic disease, and animals such as poultry, pigs and cattle may act as reservoirs for Campylobacter spp. Cattle shed Campylobacter spp. into the environment and they can act as a reservoir for human infection directly via contact with cattle or their faeces or indirectly by consumption of contaminated food. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, the quantitative load and the genetic strain diversity of Campylobacter spp. in dairy cattle of different age groups.

Results

Faecal samples of 200 dairy cattle from three farms in the central part of Lithuania were collected and examined for Campylobacter. Cattle herds of all three farms were Campylobacter spp. positive, with a prevalence ranging from 75% (farm I), 77.5% (farm II) to 83.3% (farm III). Overall, the highest prevalence was detected in calves (86.5%) and heifers (86.2%). In contrast, the lowest Campylobacter prevalence was detectable in dairy cows (60.6%). C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari and C. fetus subsp. fetus were identified in faecal samples of dairy cattle. C. upsaliensis was not detectable in any sample. The high counts of Campylobacter spp. were observed in faecal material of dairy cattle (average 4.5 log₁₀ cfu/g). The highest numbers of Campylobacter spp. were found in faecal samples from calves (average 5.3 log₁₀ cfu/g), whereas, faecal samples from cows harboured the lowest number of Campylobacter spp. (average 3.7 log₁₀ cfu/g). Genotyping by flaA PCR-RFLP analysis of selected C. jejuni isolates showed that some genotypes were present in all farms and all age groups. However, farm or age specific genotypes were also identified.

Conclusions

Future studies are needed to investigate risk factors related to the degree of colonisation in cattle. Based on that, possible measures to reduce the colonisation and subsequent shedding of Campylobacter in cattle could be established. It is important to further investigate the epidemiology of Campylobacter in the cattle population in order to assess associated risks to public health.     

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter isolates from free range domestic duck (Cairina moschata) in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from free-ranging ducks was determined in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Ninety intestinal contents from ducks were screened for thermophilic Campylobacter using Skirrow’s protocol. Of the Campylobacter jejuni isolates, 50 were tested for sensitivity to 12 antibiotics. Overall prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter was 80%. The prevalence of Campylobacter in adult ducks (91.3%) was significantly (p?<?0.05) higher than ducklings (68.2%). The isolation rate of C. jejuni (81.9%) was significantly (P?<?0.001) higher than C. coli (18.1%). All C. jejuni isolates were susceptible to streptomycin, nitrofurantoin and amikacin. Forty eight percent, 74% and 82% of isolates were resistant to cefuroxime sodium, tetracycline and ampicillin respectively. Between 20–50% of isolates were resistant to erythromycin, gentamicin, cloxacillin and amoxicillin. Norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin had lower C. jejuni resistance of 10% and 16% respectively. C. jejuni isolates from adult ducks showed significantly higher rates of resistance (p?<?0.05) to most antibiotics than did duckling isolates. High prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter in ducks could be of public health significance in Morogoro municipality. The observed multidrug resistance in this study poses a threat of transfer of antibiotic resistance to human pathogens because of the close contact between ducks and human.     

Recovery of Campylobacter and Salmonella Serovars From the Spleen,Liver and Gallbladder,and Ceca of Six-and Eight-Week-Old Commercial Broilers

Previous studies have demonstrated that when Campylobacter or Salmonella were either orally or intracloacally inoculated into day-old broiler chicks, within 1 h, these bacteria moved rapidly to the lymphoid organs. These bacteria were still present 1 wk after inoculation. Two different market-age (6 and 8 wk old) broilers were obtained from 2 commercial poultry operations and brought to the laboratory for analysis. Necropsy was limited to the removal of the spleen, liver and gallbladder (L-GB), and ceca using aseptic techniques. To reduce the possibility of cross-contamination between samples, the spleen and L-GB were aseptically removed before the ceca. Samples were individually bagged, and standard laboratory procedures for Campylobacter and Salmonella were carried out for all samples. Fifty-two 6-wk-old broilers were analyzed, and Campylobacter were found in 19 of 52 L-GB, 19 of 52 spleens, and 26 of 52 ceca. Salmonella were found in 5 of 52 L-GB, 8 of 52 spleen, and 4 of 52 ceca. Eighty 8-wk-old broilers were analyzed, and Campylobacter were found in 3 of 80 L-GB, 5 of 80 spleens, and 19 of 80 ceca. Salmonella were found in 41 of 80 L-GB, 38 of 80 spleens, and 52 of 80 ceca. The internal organs of the younger birds were more heavily contaminated with Campylobacter, whereas Salmonella was the predominant organism isolated in the older birds. All Campylobacter isolates were found to be Campylobacter jejuni. The predominant Salmonella serotype was Salmonella Typhimurium; however, 7 other serotypes were found. Overall, C. jejuni was found in 22 of 132 L-GB, 24 of 132 spleen, and 45 of 132 ceca, whereas Salmonella serovars were isolated from 46 of 132 L-GB, 46 of 132 spleen, and 56 of 132 ceca. There is no doubt that these bacteria are naturally present in these organs. The significance of these reservoirs in the internal organs of commercial broilers is yet to be determined but could play a role in the microbiology of the intestinal tract and hence the final food product.     

Prevalence,Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance of Thermophilic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylobacter</Emphasis> Isolates from Cattle,Hens, Broilers and Broiler Meat in South-eastern Italy

Eleven cattle farms, 8 layer farms, 7 broiler farms and 30 broiler meat samples were investigated in south-eastern Italy throughout 2003 to evaluate the prevalence, the molecular type and antimicrobial resistance of thermophilic Campylobacters. A total of 398 samples were analysed. One Campylobacter isolate for each positive faecal swab and three isolates per positive broiler meat sample were selected for further analysis. Multiplex PCR was performed for species-level identification and PCR-RFLP of the flagellin A gene for genotyping. Resistance to 14 antimicrobials was studied in 188 Campylobacter isolates. Prevalence of campylobacters was high both on farms (100%) and in food samples (73%). On 4/11 cattle farms and on 10/15 poultry farms more than one species was isolated. The presence of more than one genotype was found on 8/11 cattle farms, on 10/15 poultry farms and in 8/22 Campylobacter-positive food samples. High rates of resistance to quinolone were observed: 9/31 (29%) C. jejuni bovine isolates, 4/22 (18%) C. jejuni poultry isolates, and 14/26 (54%) C. coli poultry isolates. Resistance to sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim was also observed frequently: 18/26 (69%) of the avian C. coli strains, 25/31 (80%) of the C. jejuni strains isolated from poultry and 15/22 (68%) of those isolated from cattle were resistant. There was a significant difference between the rate of resistance to macrolides of C. coli and C. jejuni isolated in poultry, which amounted to 23% and 3%, respectively. This study provided data on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of thermophilic campylobacters in south-eastern Italy and confirmed that flaA-typing is an efficient tool to study the epidemiology of Campylobacter strains in short-term investigations.     

Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species in Swedish dogs and characterization of C. jejuni isolates

Background

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter species in Swedish dogs, to identify the species of the Campylobacter isolates and to genotype the C. jejuni isolates. Young and healthy dogs were targeted and the sampling was performed at 11 veterinary clinics throughout Sweden from October 2011 to October 2012. Faecal swab samples were collected and sent to the laboratory at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) for isolation of Campylobacter, speciation and genotyping.

Results

Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 67 of the 180 sampled dogs which yields an overall prevalence of 37%. The most prevalent species of Campylobacter among the participating dogs was C. upsaliensis with 52 of the 67 identified isolates. A lower prevalence was observed for C. jejuni with seven identified isolates and one isolate was identified as C. helveticus. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was carried out on the seven C. jejuni isolates and all sequence types that were found are also commonly found in humans. The dogs were divided into three age groups; 1) under 12 months, 2) 12 to 23 months and 3) 24 months and older. The highest prevalence was found in the two younger age groups. Dogs shedding C. jejuni were between 3–12 months of age while dogs shedding C. upsaliensis were found in all ages.

Conclusions

The present investigation finds that Campylobacter spp. known to cause campylobacteriosis in humans are present in Swedish dogs. The results suggest an age predisposition where dogs under 2 years of age are more likely to shed Campylobacter spp. than older dogs. The most commonly isolated species was C. upsaliensis followed by C. jejuni, which was only detected in dogs up to 12 months of age. All C. jejuni isolates identified in the present study were of the same MLST types that have previously been described both in humans and in animals. The awareness of the Campylobacter risk of healthy young dogs may be an important way to reduce the transmission from dogs to infants, young children and immunocompromised adults.     

Campylobacter spp. in Irish Feedlot Cattle: A Longitudinal Study Involving Pre‐harvest and Harvest Phases of the Food Chain

The aim of this study was to investigate faecal shedding and transmission of Campylobacter spp. in cohorts of cattle within a feedlot, to assess subsequent contamination of carcasses with this pathogen and to identify risk factors associated with faecal shedding of Campylobacter spp. A cohort of 133 heifers housed in four adjacent pens was examined over a five and a half month period, from entering the feedlot to slaughter. A parallel investigation of individual rectal faecal samples and pen environmental samples were taken at monthly intervals from November to February. The entire outer and inner surfaces of a carcass side of each animal were swabbed immediately following slaughter. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 322 (54%) of the 600 rectal faecal samples. Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli accounted for 69 and 29.7% of the isolate recovered, respectively. A total of 159 environmental samples were examined, of these Campylobacter spp. was isolated from 46 samples (29%). Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli accounted for 35 and 59% of these isolates, respectively. Campylobacter spp. was not isolated from any of the dressed carcasses. Logistic regression indicated prevalence of Campylobacter spp. faecal shedding within pens was positively correlated to the pen, the month of sampling and the Campylobacter spp. contamination status of the pen dividing bars and the water trough surface. Campylobacter spp. should be considered as a pathogen shed in the faeces of a substantial proportion of feedlot cattle. However, with good hygienic practice during harvest, a very low level of this pathogen can be achieved on dressed carcasses.     

Molecular and Statistical Analysis of Campylobacter spp. and Antimicrobial‐Resistant Campylobacter Carriage in Wildlife and Livestock from Ontario Farms

The objectives of this study were to (i) compare the carriage of Campylobacter and antimicrobial‐resistant Campylobacter among livestock and mammalian wildlife on Ontario farms, and (ii) investigate the potential sharing of Campylobacter subtypes between livestock and wildlife. Using data collected from a cross‐sectional study of 25 farms in 2010, we assessed associations, using mixed logistic regression models, between Campylobacter and antimicrobial‐resistant Campylobacter carriage and the following explanatory variables: animal species (beef, dairy, swine, raccoon, other), farm type (swine, beef, dairy), type of sample (livestock or wildlife) and Campylobacter species (jejuni, coli, other). Models included a random effect to account for clustering by farm where samples were collected. Samples were subtyped using a Campylobacter‐specific 40 gene comparative fingerprinting assay. A total of 92 livestock and 107 wildlife faecal samples were collected, and 72% and 27% tested positive for Campylobacter, respectively. Pooled faecal samples from livestock were significantly more likely to test positive for Campylobacter than wildlife samples. Relative to dairy cattle, pig samples were at significantly increased odds of testing positive for Campylobacter. The odds of isolating Campylobacter jejuni from beef cattle samples were significantly greater compared to dairy cattle and raccoon samples. Fifty unique subtypes of Campylobacter were identified, and only one subtype was found in both wildlife and livestock samples. Livestock Campylobacter isolates were significantly more likely to exhibit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) compared to wildlife Campylobacter isolates. Campylobacter jejuni was more likely to exhibit AMR when compared to C. coli. However, C. jejuni isolates were only resistant to tetracycline, and C.  coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance patterns. Based on differences in prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and resistant Campylobacter between livestock and wildlife samples, and the lack of similarity in molecular subtypes and AMR patterns, we concluded that the sharing of Campylobacter species between livestock and mammalian wildlife was uncommon.     

Antimicrobial resistances,and molecular typing of Campylobacter jejuni isolates,separated from food-producing animals and diarrhea patients in Iran

The aims of this study were to regain new epidemiology information about frequency, drug resistance rates, and typing of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) isolates, obtained from some poultry and cattle farms, slaughterhouses, and people with diarrhea. In this regard, Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of several antibiotics and the associated antibiotic resistance genes, including tetO, tetA, cmeB, and bla_OXA-61 were evaluated. The isolates were also typed, using the Fla-RFLP method. Generally, between 233 food animal samples, 80 (34.33%) C. jejuni were isolated. Moreover, 20 out of 74 (27%) human specimens suspected to infectious diarrhea were C. jejuni positive. High frequencies of resistance to tetracycline (100%), ciprofloxacin (95%), and nalidixic acid (86%), and low frequencies of resistance to florfenicol (0%), erythromycin (5%), and gentamicin (8%) were observed. Furthermore, in the tetracycline-resistant isolates, the existences of tetO, tetA, and cmeB were 86%, 23%, and 48%, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the cluster types obtained from Fla-RFLP method and antibiotic resistance pattern. The results suggested that the genomic link between Campylobacter spp. should be always evaluated in each country to provide an insight about the Campylobacter spp., spread in the region, in order to implement the health-controlling programs efficiently.     

Molecular detection of Campylobacter species and Cytolethal distending toxin isolated from chicken livers in Tabriz

Introduction and purpose: Campylobacter jejuni and coli are zoonotic bacteria commonly associated With human diarrhea and usually transmit through consumption of meat and poultry contaminated products such as heart and liver. Cytolethal distending toxin (cdt) in Campylobacter spp. is among the significant virulence factors of these bacteria in the intestine. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and presence of cdt genes among isolated bacteria. Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study, 100 chicken livers were examined. Detection, bacterial enumeration and isolation of Campylobacter spp. was done using Campylobacter selective agar media containing Campylobacter growth supplement, gram staining, catalase and oxidase production, hippurate hydrolysis and PCR molecular technique. Also the presence of cdt genes were detected using PCR assay. Results: From 100 studied liver samples, 43 were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Among them 31(72 %) samples had Campylobacter jejuni and 12 (28 %) had Campylobacter coli. All Campylobacter jejuni isolates contained cdtA ،cdtB and cdtC genes. However, all of these genes detected in 9 (75 %) of isolated coli. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that great percentages of chicken livers in Tabriz were contaminated with Campylobacter.     

Detection ofCampylobacter in 100 commercial flocks–Evaluation of plating media and filtration method

Campylobacter is a natural member of the gut microflora in many commercial broilers and as such can become a contaminant on edible surfaces during processing. Culturing gut contents or feces can be a means to determine flock status prior to live-haul. The wide variety of non-Campylobacter background bacteria in these complex samples contaminates growth media and can make it very difficult to isolateCampylobacter. Over the course of 17 months, we cultured cecal contents from 100 different broiler flocks. For the last 50 flocks, we tested 3 selective plating media with and without the additional selection of a 0.45-μm filter for detection ofCampylobacter from cecal contents. Furthermore, from the last 50 flocks we also collected and cultured carcass rinse samples. Growth media tested included: Campy–Cefex Agar, Campy–Line Agar, and RF-Campylobacter jejuni/coli agar. About half (52%) of the 100 tested flocks were positive forCampylobacter; positive flocks were detected during each month of the year. Overall, theCampylobacter status of cecal contents from one carcass was predictive of the status of a carcass rinse from the same flock. Placing a complex sample such as cecal contents onto a 0.45-μm filter laid on top of the plating medium improved the detection ofCampylobacter by eliminating non-Campylobacter background colonies. All media allowed for detection ofCampylobacter from less complex carcass rinse samples without filtering. However, Campy–Cefex agar had higher numbers of competing bacterial colonies than did Campy–Line agar or RF-Campylobacter jejuni/coli agar.     

The occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum,Campylobacter and Salmonella in newborn dairy calves in the Manawatu region of New Zealand

AIM: To determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, Campylobacter spp and Salmonella spp in faecal samples taken from newborn dairy calves on 24 dairy farms in the Manawatu region of New Zealand.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2002 calving season. Faecal samples were collected from 185 newborn calves from a convenience sample of 24 dairy farms. The samples were tested microscopically for the presence of C. parvum oocysts, and bacteriologically for the presence of Campylobacter spp and Salmonella spp.

RESULTS: Infections with C. parvum were identified in 33/156 (21.2%) calves from 10 farms. More than 10⁶ oocysts/g (OPG) faeces were detected in calves from four farms. Campylobacter spp were isolated from 58/161 (36%) calves from 18 farms; in particular, C. jejuni subsp jejuni was isolated from 11/161 (6.8%) calves from seven farms. Salmonellae were not detected.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the short and concentrated calving pattern and the long interval between calving seasons characterising most dairy farms in New Zealand, C. parvum is widespread among calves. Campylobacter spp, especially C. jejuni, rapidly colonise the intestinal tract of newborn calves.

RELEVANCE: This study provided an estimate of the ecological impact of newborn dairy calves with regard to the potentially zoonotic enteric pathogens most frequently isolated from human gastrointestinal infections in New Zealand.     

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in ranch mink at pelting: Cultural, serological, and histological evidence of infection

This survey of 500 mink on three Wisconsin ranches at pelting gives an estimate of the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in the feces of clinically normal animals. On ranches 1 and 2, which used wet feed, C. jejuni was isolated by colon content culture from 7% and 32% of mink one year, and 43% and 13% the next year; the 200 bile samples tested were culture-negative. On ranch 3, which fed a pelleted ration, the organism was never isolated. Among culture-positive mink tested, 22 of 55 had bacterial agglutination serum titers to homologous and/or heterologous Campylobacter isolates from the ranch of origin. Four of 23 culture-negative animals tested had titers. No histological evidence of inflammatory changes in the lower ileum and/or colon was found, although Campylobacter-like organisms were rarely seen in silver-stained sections from both culture-negative and culture-positive animals. We conclude that the presence of C. jejuni in the mink gut does not necessarily indicate a role in gastrointestinal disease.     

Molecular epidemiology of Campylobacter isolates from broiler slaughterhouses in Tripoli,North of Lebanon

ABSTRACT

1. The real burden of Campylobacter spp. in Lebanon is still unknown. The aims of this study were to unravel the epidemiology of Campylobacter spp. in broilers at slaughterhouses in Tripoli, North of Lebanon and to characterise their antibiotic resistance profiles.

2. From May to November 2015, sampling was performed through five repeated surveys from 15 slaughterhouses that sold chicken directly to Lebanese customers. Isolates were subjected to pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and flaA-restriction fragment length polymorphism (flaA-RFLP).

3. All investigated slaughterhouses were found to be positive for Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter coli was the predominant species (38 isolates) followed by C. jejuni (eight isolates). A noticeable level of resistance was detected among isolates against ciprofloxacin (97% of C. coli and 87.5% of C. jejuni), amoxicillin (89% of C. coli and 75% of C. jejuni), gentamicin (79% of C. coli and 50% of C. jejuni), and co-amoxiclav (24% of C. coli and 25% of C. jejuni). Erythromycin and ertapenem resistance were observed only in C. coli with the following percentages 74% and 13% respectively, but not in C. jejuni. PFGE and flaA-RFLP using DdeI as restriction enzyme divided the strains into 27 and 25 types respectively.

4. The high observed genetic diversity of Campylobacter spp. revealed the complexity of the spread of this genus in broilers. This study highlighted the pressing need to monitor antibiotic resistance and to ensure food safety from ‘farm to fork’ in Lebanon.