Molecular Subtype Analyses of Campylobacter spp. from Arkansas and California Poultry Operations

Abstract

Campylobacter isolates from diverse samples within broiler production and processing environments were typed by using flaA short variable region DNA sequence analysis. Sixteen flocks from four different farms representing two broiler producers in Arkansas and California were analyzed. Fourteen of the flocks (87.5%) were Campylobacter-positive; two remained negative throughout the 6-week rearing period. In general, multiple clones were present within a flock. Additionally, clones found within a flock were also present on the final product, although the diversity of Campylobacter spp. on the final product appeared to be reduced relative to that observed within the flock. Comparison of clones between flocks on the same farm revealed that some clones of Campylobacter persisted in multiple flocks. Furthermore, some clones were identified across the two farms that were under the same management. In two sampling periods, environmental isolates were positive for Campylobacter prior to flock shedding. Environmental samples associated with five additional flocks were positive for Campylobacter concomitantly with recovery of Campylobacter from the birds. Analysis of the environmental isolates that were positive prior to flock shedding demonstrated that in some instances the environmental isolates possessed genotypes identical to those of isolates originating from the flock, while in other cases the environmental isolates possessed genotypes that were distantly related to isolates obtained from the flock. Analyses of environmental isolates that tested positive concurrently with the positive isolates from the flocks demonstrated varied results; in some instances the environmental isolates possessed genotypes identical to those of isolates originating from the flock, while in other cases the environmental isolates possessed genotypes that were distantly related to isolates obtained from the flock. These data suggest that the external environment may contribute to Campylobacter contamination during poultry production and processing. However, environmental contamination with Campylobacter does not appear to be the sole contributing factor.

Sources of Campylobacter Colonization in Broiler Chickens

“…In the United Kingdom (5), Sweden (7), and the Netherlands (53), studies suggest that conventionally reared broiler flocks are predominantly colonized with a limited number (generally one to two) of C. jejuni subtypes. In contrast, in other countries, such as the United States (44,47,66) and Australia (100), multiple campylobacter strains are commonly isolated from broiler flocks. This may indicate either that in some countries, conventionally reared flocks are exposed to several sources potentially containing different campylobacter strain types or that there is a single source which contains multiple strain types.…”

“…C. jejuni can be recovered from both standing water and soils. Recently, genotyping techniques have shown that at least some of these environmental isolates, particularly those from standing water, recovered before flock positivity, had the same genotypes as isolates subsequently recovered from the broiler flock (47,68). Thus, clean and intact concrete aprons can reduce the risk of carrying in contaminated material.…”

“…This would be consistent with the trafficking of campylobacters into the house by farm staff. However, positive samples from the boots of farm staff are usually only reported once the flock has become Campylobacter positive (47). Nevertheless, the risk of flock positivity increased with two or more people involved in farm management (76).…”

Drinking water as the source ofCampylobacter coliinfection in grandparent heavy breeders

“…According to different studies, infection on chicken farms could enter the flock by vertical transmission from parent flocks , or by horizontal transmission via different sources (Pearson et al, 1993;van de Giessen et al, 1998;Petersen & Wedderkopp, 2001;Hiett et al, 2002;Hansson et al, 2007). Groundwater is frequently used as drinking water in poultry farms.…”

Molecular subtyping of Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni strains isolated from different animal species in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

“…The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that Campylobacter enteritis is a multibillion-dollar disease and that the consumption of poultry meet is a primary source of human infection (10).…”