Diversities and similarities in PFGE profiles of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from migrating birds and humans

Abstract

Aims: To genetically sub-type Campylobacter jejuni strains isolated from migratory birds, and to compare these with clinical strains collected in the same area and corresponding time period, with the aim to increase our knowledge on sub-types occurring among wild birds and their possible impact on human disease. Methods and Results: We sub-typed C. jejuni strains from migrating birds (n ¼ 89) and humans (n ¼ 47), using macrorestriction profiling by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Isolates from migrant birds often exhibited sub-types with higher levels of similarity to isolates from birds of the same species or feeding guild, than to isolates from other groups of birds. Likewise, could the vast majority of sub-types found among the migrant bird isolates not be identified among sub-types from human cases 2 . Only two bird strains, one from a starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and one from a blackbird (Turdus merula), had sub-types that were similar to some of the human strain sub-types. Conclusions: Isolates from one bird species, or feeding guild, often exhibited high similarities, indicating a common transmission source for individuals, or an association between certain sub-types of C. jejuni and certain ecological guilds or phylogenetic groups of birds. Sub-types occurring among wild birds were in general distinctively different from those observed in patients. The two bird isolates that were similar to human strains were isolated from bird species that often live in close associations with human settlements. Significance and Impact of Study: Wild birds have often been mentioned as a potential route for transmission of C. jejuni to humans. Our study demonstrates that strains isolated from birds most often are different from clinical strains, but that some strain similarities occur, notably in birds strongly associated with human activities.

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

“…Furthermore, ten out of the twelve poultry C. jejuni strains tested were able to colonize chicken intestines permanently, while two strains colonized the intestines either poorly or not at all. Other reports contradict local transmission, which may support the hypothesis of association between different subtypes of C. jejuni and certain species or guilds of hosts (Broman et al 2004).…”

“…Broman et al (2002) found only a few strains from black-headed gull that had genotypic profiles identical to those from human strains. Broman et al (2004) subtyped C. jejuni strains from migrant birds by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Isolates often exhibited subtypes with higher levels of similarity to isolates from birds of the same species or feeding guild, than to isolates from other groups of birds.…”

Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Wild European Starlings at a Kansas Cattle Feedlot

“…Wild birds are known to carry and transmit over 40 diseases to humans and livestock (13,24,34,35,36,49). Recent studies have also highlighted wild birds as sources of pathogens associated with human disease (5,9,22,50). Some species of wild birds, such as European starlings, house sparrows, and rock doves, are adapted to urbanized settings and are attracted to livestock facilities (13,14,25,36).…”

“…Therefore, avian wildlife are a potential source for spreading infectious diseases to livestock year round. Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter are among pathogens that have been recognized as being carried by avian wildlife and are potentially pathogenic to humans and livestock (5,13,35,43,49,50). Mycobacterium avium subsp.…”

The Animal-Human Interface and Infectious Disease in Industrial Food Animal Production: Rethinking Biosecurity and Biocontainment

“…23 As for avian influenzas, wild birds are the natural vertebrate reservoirs of Campylobacter, and they can serve as vectors for transmission to other vertebrates. [50][51][52][53][54][55][56] Campylobacter moves among avian host species, both domesticated 57 and wild, [58][59][60] and the exchange of Campylobacter between broiler flocks and wild avians can occur in both directions. 61 There are several pathways for Campylobacter colonization of broiler flocks including in ovo vertical transmission, carryover from previous flocks, horizontal transfer from other animals (wild or domestic), and contaminated feed and water.…”