Detection of Thermophilic Campylobacter from Sparrows by Multiplex PCR: The Role of Sparrows as a Source of Contamination of Broilers with Campylobacter.

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The best combination of primers and the annealing temperature of multiplex PCR for Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari were examined. The multiplex PCR was able to detect type strains of the three species. All results of identification of wild strains (30 strains of C. jejuni, 20 strains of C. coli, and 4 strains of C. lari) by the multiplex PCR coincided with those of the conventional biochemical identification tests, suggesting that the multiplex PCR can simultaneously differentiate C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari from wild strains of campylobacters easily and rapidly. Campylobacters were detected from sparrow feces by the multiplex PCR and antimicrobial sensitivities of the strains were determined to discuss the role of sparrows in contamination of broilers with C. jejuni. Three out of 13 strains of C. jejuni isolated from sparrow feces showed quinolone resistance. From the frequent use of quinolones for treatment of industrial animals like chickens, pigs, and cows, the three strains of quinolone-resistant C. jejuni in sparrows must have been originated from those industrial animals. Sparrows that have quinolone-resistant C. jejuni were considered to have contacted with industrial animals or thier feed. It may be presumed, on the contrary, that C. jejuni in sparrows could be a potential source of contamination of broilers.

Prevalence of Campylobacter subtypes in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus spp. torquatus) in the Czech Republic

“…infection was 21.6% for all tested birds, but differed significantly between ecological guilds of birds and seems to be linked to various phylogenetic factors. Chuma et al (2000) found that the C. jejuni-positive rate from sparrows was 2.6%, but they consider that the real positive rate may be higher. 252 isolates of Campylobacter spp.…”

“…Only two birds had subtypes that were similar to those of human strains. Chuma et al (2000) demonstrated that sparrows, as birds strongly associated with human activities, can also be a potential source of contamination of poultry. A study from Germany estimating the prevalence of Campylobacter in wild pheasants demonstrated that approximately 26% may be positive (Atanassova and Ring, 1999).…”

Campylobacter

“…However, a number of epidemiological studies have suggested that inadequate disinfection between chick placements, age disposition, the use of multi-unit sites, the proximity of other livestock, season and lapses in biosecurity are significant risk factors [21]. The role of other vectors such as litter beetles, house flies and wild birds have also been identified as potential transmission risks [27]. Conflicting reports have emerged on the ability of campylobacters to infect successive generations either by direct vertical transmission from hen to chick via the egg or by horizontal transmission within the hatchery environment [125,162].…”

Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Campylobacter Strains Isolated from Broilers in the Southern Part of Japan from 1995 to 1999.

“…Also, failure to grow under aerobic condition was checked. After preparing bacterial DNA with InstaGene Matrix (BioRad Laboratories, Hercules, CA), duplex PCR was also performed to identify C. jejuni and C. coli as previously described [4].…”

“…These 68 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the 96-well microplate dilution method [4] with Mueller-Hinton broth. Ampicillin (ABPC), erythromycin (EM), tetracycline (TC), nalidixic acid (NA), norfloxacin (NFLX), and ofloxacin (OFLX) were tested.…”