The prevalence and genetic diversity of Campylobacter spp. in domestic 'backyard' poultry in Canterbury, New Zealand

Campylobacteriosis is the most commonly notified illness in New Zealand. Whilst the importance of commercial poultry in campylobacteriosis is well established, little is known about the possible role of chickens kept at home as a direct animal/faecal contact or consumption exposure pathway. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Campylobacter spp. in domestic backyard chicken flocks in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Poultry faecal samples were collected from 35 domestic 'backyard' poultry flocks from urban and rural properties around the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. A total of 291 samples were collected and tested for the presence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. and positive isolates were analysed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using both SmaI and KpnI enzymes. There was a high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. with 86% of flocks testing positive. Campylobacter jejuni alone, Campylobacter coli alone and both C. jejuni and C. coli were detected in 20 (57%), 2 (6%) and 8 (23%) of the flocks respectively. SmaI/KpnI PFGE analysis identified 50 different genotypes across the 35 flocks. Genotype diversity richness was highest on the lifestyle block and farm properties with 43 different genotypes isolated, whilst urban properties displayed the least richness with 12 genotypes isolated. Rural flocks tended to have more different genotypes in a given flock than urban flocks. Comparison of the genotypes with the PulseNet Aotearoa Campylobacter database showed that 28 of the genotypes had previously been isolated from human cases of campylobacteriosis. Many of these were also indistinguishable from Campylobacter spp. previously isolated from retail chicken. Therefore, contact with backyard poultry or their faecal material is a potential additional infection pathway outside of exposure to the established pathways associated with the consumption of Campylobacter-contaminated commercial meat or foods cross-contaminated from contaminated poultry.     

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus isolated from sheep abortions in New Zealand

AIMS: To genotype Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus isolates cultured from sheep abortions submitted to diagnostic laboratories in New Zealand during the year 2000 breeding season. To compare the types found nationally with those found in the Hawke' Bay region in 1999, and strains held in the New Zealand Reference Culture Collection, Medical Section (NZRM) from a study published in 1987.

METHODS: Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus isolates cultured by veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the year 2000 breeding season, from sheep abortions from throughout New Zealand, were typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In addition, seven freeze-dried C. fetus subsp. fetus isolates (strain numbers 2939–2945) from the NZRM, representing restriction types a–g found amongst sheep abortion isolates in a study published in 1987, were typed using PFGE.

RESULTS: In total, 293 C. fetus subsp. fetus isolates from 200 farms were obtained from veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Twenty-two distinct PFGE profiles were identified amongst the isolates. PFGE type B1 was predominant in each region of New Zealand and was identified from 66% of farms overall. Of the C. fetus subsp. fetus restriction types a–g lodged with the NZRM, 3/7 had PFGE profiles indistinguishable from profiles found in the current study. The other four restriction types had PFGE profiles that were unique but similar to those found in the current study.

CONCLUSIONS: PFGE type B1 was predominant amongst the C. fetus subsp. fetus isolates cultured from sheep abortions in each region of New Zealand in the year 2000, as was found in Hawke' Bay in 1999. The similarity between PFGE profiles of C. fetus subsp. fetus sheep abortion isolates from 1987 and 2000, and the relative prevalence of the PFGE groups, suggests that there has been no major genotypic shift in the population of C. fetus subsp. fetus implicated in sheep abortion in New Zealand during this time.     

Enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats: diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control

This report offers a consensus opinion on the diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control of the primary enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats, with an emphasis on Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli associated with granulomatous colitis in Boxers. Veterinarians are challenged when attempting to diagnose animals with suspected bacterial-associated diarrhea because well-scrutinized practice guidelines that provide objective recommendations for implementing fecal testing are lacking. This problem is compounded by similar isolation rates for putative bacterial enteropathogens in animals with and without diarrhea, and by the lack of consensus among veterinary diagnostic laboratories as to which diagnostic assays should be utilized. Most bacterial enteropathogens are associated with self-limiting diarrhea, and injudicious administration of antimicrobials could be more harmful than beneficial. Salmonella and Campylobacter are well-documented zoonoses, but antimicrobial administration is not routinely advocated in uncomplicated cases and supportive therapy is recommended. Basic practices of isolation, use of appropriate protective equipment, and proper cleaning and disinfection are the mainstays of control. Handwashing with soap and water is preferred over use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers because spores of C. difficile and C. perfringens are alcohol-resistant, but susceptible to bleach (1:10 to 1:20 dilution of regular household bleach) and accelerated hydrogen peroxide. The implementation of practice guidelines in combination with the integration of validated molecular-based testing and conventional testing is pivotal if we are to optimize the identification and management of enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats.     

Cluster Analysis of Campylobacter jejuni Genotypes Isolated from Small and Medium‐Sized Mammalian Wildlife and Bovine Livestock from Ontario Farms

Using data collected from a cross‐sectional study of 25 farms (eight beef, eight swine and nine dairy) in 2010, we assessed clustering of molecular subtypes of C. jejuni based on a Campylobacter‐specific 40 gene comparative genomic fingerprinting assay (CGF40) subtypes, using unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis. Exact logistic regression was used to determine which genes differentiate wildlife and livestock subtypes in our study population. A total of 33 bovine livestock (17 beef and 16 dairy), 26 wildlife (20 raccoon (Procyon lotor), five skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and one mouse (Peromyscus spp.) C. jejuni isolates were subtyped using CGF40. Dendrogram analysis, based on UPGMA, showed distinct branches separating bovine livestock and mammalian wildlife isolates. Furthermore, two‐dimensional multiple correspondence analysis was highly concordant with dendrogram analysis showing clear differentiation between livestock and wildlife CGF40 subtypes. Based on multilevel logistic regression models with a random intercept for farm of origin, we found that isolates in general, and raccoons more specifically, were significantly more likely to be part of the wildlife branch. Exact logistic regression conducted gene by gene revealed 15 genes that were predictive of whether an isolate was of wildlife or bovine livestock isolate origin. Both multiple correspondence analysis and exact logistic regression revealed that in most cases, the presence of a particular gene (13 of 15) was associated with an isolate being of livestock rather than wildlife origin. In conclusion, the evidence gained from dendrogram analysis, multiple correspondence analysis and exact logistic regression indicates that mammalian wildlife carry CGF40 subtypes of C. jejuni distinct from those carried by bovine livestock. Future studies focused on source attribution of C. jejuni in human infections will help determine whether wildlife transmit Campylobacter jejuni directly to humans.     

Prevalence of enteric zoonotic agents in cats less than 1 year old in central New York State

A prevalence study of several enteric zoonotic bacterial and parasitic infections was conducted in 263 fecal samples from cats that were between 1 and 12 months old, and that were in humane shelters (n = 149) or were presented to primary-care veterinarians (n = 114). Of these samples, 2 (0.8%) were positive for Campylobacter, 2 (0.8%) were positive for Salmonella, and 10 (3.8%) were positive for Cryptosporidium, confirming that these zoonotic agents are relatively rare in cats. Toxocara cati (33.0%) and Giardia (7.3%) were found more commonly. At least 1 zoonotic agent was detected in 105 samples (40.7%). Our results suggest that clinical signs such as diarrhea are not reliable predictors of whether a cat is actively shedding enteric organisms. Therefore, the decision to test a newly adopted cat should be based on the potential risks to the client rather than on the cat's clinical presentation. The high prevalence of T. cati confirms that comprehensive testing or treatment for ascarids is warranted in newly adopted kittens.     

The association between antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus and reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle

The relationship between the antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus and various indices of reproductive efficiency was studied in a cross-sectional study of 178 dairy cows from three California Dairy Herd Improvement Association herds. Blood samples were collected from the lactating cows during December 1986. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the antibody titres of the cow againstCampylobacter fetus, Haemophilus somnus andLeptospira hardjo and were classified as either negative or positive. The status of a cow as either negative or positive againstCampylobacter fetus andHaemophilus somnus represents serological evidence of natural exposure to the corresponding bacterial agents. However, the status againstLeptospira hardjo was assumed to reflect a vaccinal titre since all the cows studied had been routinely vaccinated against this organism in September 1986. The data on demographic and reproductive parameters pertained only to the current lactation of the cows and were obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement Association individual cow records of December 1986. Five indices of reproductive efficiency were used, namely the recent calving interval, the calving-to-conception interval, the calving-to-last-service interval, the number of services per conception, and the number of services since last calving. The serological status againstHaemophilus somnus, Leptospira hardjo and other covariates suggested by the results of previous studies were included in modelling the relationships of interest. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to study the adjusted relationship ofCampylobacter fetus with each measure of reproductive efficiency.Multivariate analyses revealed that the adjusted relationship forCampylobacter fetus with all five measures of reproductive efficiency was non-significant (p > 0.05). Among the covariates,Leptospira hardjo had a strong and independent relationship with recent calving interval, the unstandardized partial regression coefficient being -0.77. The possible biological mechanisms of these associations are discussed.Abbreviations BMDP biomedical computer programs - DHIA dairy herd improvement association - ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - ICR individual cow record - PSS physiological saline solution - SD standard deviation; Other abbreviations are shown in Table I     

The association between antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus and milk production efficiency in dairy cattle

The association between serological evidence of exposure toCampylobacter fectus and milk production performance was studied in 178 lactating cows from three California Dairy Herd Improvement Association herds using a cross-sectional study design in December 1986. ELISAs were used to determine the antibody titres againstCampylobacter fetus, Haemophilus somnus andLeptospira hardjo, which were classified as either negative or positive. The status of a cow as negative or positive againstC. fetus andH. somnus represents the serological evidence of natural exposure to the corresponding bacteria. However, the status againstL. hardjo was assumed to be the level of vaccinal titre against this organism since all the cows studied had been vaccinated against this agent. The data on demographic and productivity variables relating to the current lactation of the cows were obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement Association individual cow records for December 1986. Four measures of milk production efficiency for the current lactation were used. The status againstL. hardjo and other covariates suggested by previous studies were included in modelling the relationships of interest. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to study the adjusted relationship ofC. fetus with each measure of milk production efficiency.Multivariate analyses revealed that the adjusted relationships ofC. fetus with the test-day's milk production, the extended 305-day milk production and the relative value of milk production were not significant (p>0.1). However, after adjusting for possible covariates,C. fetus-positive cows had an average of 7.43% lower mature equivalent milk production thanC. fetus-negative cows (p=0.02). Among the covariates, the serological status againstL. hardjo had a strong and independent relationship with the percentage mature equivalent milk production, the unstandardized partial regression coefficient being 4.53.We conclude from this cross-sectional study that the association ofC. fetus seropositivity with one index of milk production is the first indication that latentC. fetus infection may be associated with subclinical mastitis, perhaps through a hypersensitivity reaction. However, this needs further investigation.Abbreviations BMDP Biomedical Computer Programs - DHIA California Dairy Herd Improvement Association - ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; other abbreviations are shown in Table I     

Investigation of the Role of Campylobacter Infection in Suspected Acute Polyradiculoneuritis in Dogs

Background

Acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN) is an immune‐mediated peripheral nerve disorder in dogs that shares many similarities with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in humans, in which the bacterial pathogen Campylobacter spp. now is considered to be a major triggering agent. Little information is available concerning the relationship between APN and Campylobacter spp. in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To estimate the association between Campylobacter spp. infection and APN. Associations with additional potential risk factors also were investigated, particularly consumption of raw chicken.

Animals

Twenty‐seven client‐owned dogs suffering from suspected APN and 47 healthy dogs, client‐owned or owned by staff members.

Methods

Case‐control study with incidence density‐based sampling. Fecal samples were collected from each enrolled animal to perform direct culture, DNA extraction, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Campylobacter spp. In some cases, species identification was performed by sequence analysis of the amplicon. Data were obtained from the medical records and owner questionnaires in both groups.

Results

In cases in which the fecal sample was collected within 7 days from onset of clinical signs, APN cases were 9.4 times more likely to be positive for Campylobacter spp compared to control dogs (P < 0.001). In addition, a significant association was detected between dogs affected by APN and the consumption of raw chicken (96% of APN cases; 26% of control dogs). The most common Campylobacter spp. identified was Campylobacter upsaliensis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Raw chicken consumption is a risk factor in dogs for the development of APN, which potentially is mediated by infection with Campylobacter spp.     

禽源空肠弯曲杆菌的分离鉴定及其致病性的初步研究

本研究对广东部分地区不同品种家禽空肠弯曲杆菌的流行状况进行了调查。通过菌落和菌体形态、生化特征、培养特性等生物学特性和多重PCR方法对所分离菌株进行鉴定,结果表明广东地区鸡、鸭和鹅空肠弯曲杆菌的带菌率分别为7.93%、2.46%和4.16%。从分离株中选取10株进行了致病性试验,结果表明禽源空肠弯曲杆菌对雏鸡的主要病理变化是腹泻便血,肝脏出现白色坏死灶,盲肠充血、膨大充满气泡和红色内容物。     

空肠弯曲菌致病机理研究进展

空肠弯曲菌是一种人畜共患病病原菌 ,可以引起人和动物发生多种疾病 ,并且是一种食物源性病原菌 ,被认为是引起全世界人类细菌性腹泻的主要原因 ,对空肠弯曲菌的致病机理的研究越来越多。其致病因素包括粘附、侵袭、产生毒素和分子模拟机制等四个方面 ,通过分子分子模拟机制可以引起最严重的并发症 -格林 -巴利综合征。空肠弯曲菌可以通过产生细胞紧张性肠毒素、细胞毒素和细胞致死性膨胀毒素而致病。就空肠弯曲杆菌致病机理研究现状作了概述。