Campylobacter Colonization Research Articles

Comparative Effectiveness of Various Multi-Antigen Vaccines in Controlling Campylobacter jejuni in Broiler Chickens.

This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different multi-antigen vaccines, including heat-inactivated, whole lysate, and subunit (outer membrane proteins [OMPs]) C. jejuni vaccines along with the immunostimulant CpG ODN in controlling Campylobacter colonization in chickens. In the first trial, 125 μg of C. jejuni OMPs and 50 μg of CpG ODN were administered individually or in combination, either in ovo to chick embryos or subcutaneously (SC) to one-day-old chicks. In the second trial, different concentrations of C. jejuni antigens (heat-killed, whole lysate, and OMPs) were administered SC to one-day-old chicks. The results of the first trial revealed that SC immunization with the combination of CpG ODN and C. jejuni OMPs elevated interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-13 gene expression in the spleen, significantly increased serum IgM and IgY antibody levels, and reduced cecal C. jejuni counts by approximately 1.2 log10. In contrast, in ovo immunization did not elicit immune responses or confer protection against Campylobacter. The results of the second trial showed that SC immunization with C. jejuni whole lysate or 200 μg OMPs reduced C. jejuni counts by approximately 1.4 and 1.1 log10, respectively. In conclusion, C. jejuni lysate and OMPs are promising vaccine antigens for reducing Campylobacter colonization in chickens.

Role of Maternal Antibodies in the Protection of Broiler Chicks against Campylobacter Colonization in the First Weeks of Life.

Thermophilic Campylobacter species are the most common cause of bacterium-mediated diarrheal disease in humans globally. Poultry is considered the most important reservoir of human campylobacteriosis, but so far, no effective countermeasures are in place to prevent the bacterium from colonizing broiler flocks. This study investigated maternal antibodies' potential to offer protection against Campylobacter in broiler chicks via a field trial and an immunization trial. In the field trial, breeder flocks with high and low anti-Campylobacter antibody levels in the yolk were selected based on serological screening. Offspring were subsequently monitored for maternal antibodies and Campylobacter prevalence during early life. Although maternal antibodies declined rapidly in the serum of broilers, offspring from flocks with lower anti-Campylobacter antibody levels seemed to be more susceptible to colonization. In the immunization trial, breeders from a seropositive breeder flock were vaccinated with an experimental bacterin or subunit vaccine. Immunization increased antibody levels in the yolk and consequently in the offspring. Elevated maternal antibody levels were significantly associated with reduced Campylobacter susceptibility in broilers at 2 weeks old but not at 1 and 3 weeks old. Overall, the protective effect of maternal immunity should be cautiously considered in the context of Campylobacter control in broilers. Immunization of breeders may enhance resistance but is not a comprehensive solution.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Campylobacter Colonization in Broiler Farms at Selected Districts of Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Campylobacter Colonization in Broiler Farms at Selected Districts of Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

No colonization resistance to Campylobacter jejuni in broilers fed brown algal extract-supplemented diets.

Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis is the most commonly reported zoonosis within the EU, with poultry products regarded as the primary source of transmission to humans. Therefore, finding strategies to reduce Campylobacter colonization in broilers holds importance for public health. Recent studies suggest that supplementation of broiler feed with brown algal extracts, particularly laminarin, can provide beneficial effects on broiler gut health, growth performance, and gut microbiota. However, its effect on gut microbiota development and subsequent reduction of Campylobacter loads in broiler caeca during the later stages of the birds' lives remains unclear. Experimental colonization of Ross 308 broilers with two different strains of C. jejuni was conducted, with groups fed either a basal diet or the same basal diet supplemented with 725 ppm algal extract from Saccharina latissima to provide 290 ppm laminarin. Fecal samples were collected for bacterial enumeration, and caecal samples were obtained before and after the C. jejuni challenge for the determination of microbiota development. No significant differences in fecal C. jejuni concentrations between the groups fed different diets or exposed to different C. jejuni strains were observed. This suggests that both strains colonized the birds equally well and that the laminarin rich algal extract did not have any inhibitory effect on C. jejuni colonization. Notably, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed detailed data on the caecal microbiota development, likely influenced by both bird age and C. jejuni colonization, which can be valuable for further development of broiler feed formulations aimed at promoting gut health.

Strategies for Controlling Campylobacter in Poultry Production: A Comprehensive Review of Challenges and Potential Solutions

Campylobacteriosis, a major foodborne illness caused by Campylobacter, poses significant challenges in poultry production. This review examines strategies to mitigate Campylobacter prevalence and foodborne outbreaks in poultry. Antibiotic therapy is limited due to Campylobacter's antibiotic resistance. Natural alternatives, including bacteriocins, phages, probiotics, essential oils, and plant-derived compounds, show promise in combating Campylobacter and improving meat safety. Biosecurity measures and hygiene practices are crucial in preventing Campylobacter introduction and colonization. Strict protocols and cleanliness reduce contamination. Nutritional interventions and vaccination strategies enhance disease resistance and immune responses in poultry. Nanotechnology, particularly ZnO nanoparticles, exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against Campylobacter and other bacteria. Electrostatic interaction with cell walls and the production of reactive oxygen species disrupt bacterial membranes and intracellular components. A comprehensive approach integrating natural alternatives, biosecurity, nutrition, and nanotechnology is necessary for effective Campylobacter control. Continued research and adherence to hygiene practices can reduce Campylobacter contamination, improve food safety, and protect public health.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Reduces Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in Young Broiler Chickens Challenged by Oral Gavage but Not by Seeder Birds.

Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, are major food safety concerns, transmitted to humans mainly via contaminated poultry meat. In a previous study, we found that some commercial broiler farms consistently produced Campylobacter-free flocks while others consistently reared Campylobacter-colonized flocks, and significant differences in the gut microbiota compositions between the two types of farm categories were revealed. Therefore, we hypothesized that gut microbiota influences Campylobacter colonization in poultry and that the microbiota from Campylobacter-free flocks may confer colonization resistance to Campylobacter in the chicken intestine. In this study, two fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) trials were performed to test the hypothesis. Newly hatched chicks were given FMT via oral gavage of the cecal content of Campylobacter-free adult chickens (treatment groups) or PBS (control groups) before the feed consumption. Approximately two weeks after the FMT, the birds were challenged with C. jejuni either by oral gavage (trial 1) or by co-mingling with Campylobacter-colonized seeder birds (trial 2) to evaluate the potential protective effect of the FMT. Cecal contents were collected (3 times, 5 days apart) to determine the Campylobacter colonization levels via culture and microbiota compositions via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. FMT reduced cecal Campylobacter colonization significantly (log10 1.2-2.54 CFU/g) in trial 1 but not in trial 2, although FMT significantly impacted the diversity and compositions of the gut microbiota in both trials. Several genera, such as Butyricimonas, Parabacteroides, Parasutterella, Bilophila, Fournierella, Phascolarctobacterium, and Helicobacter, had increased abundance in the FMT-treated groups in both trials. Furthermore, Campylobacter abundance was found to be negatively correlated with the Escherichia and Ruminococcus_torques_group genera. These findings indicate that even though FMT with adult cecal microbiota can positively affect the subsequent development of the gut microbiota in young broilers, its inhibitory effect on Campylobacter colonization varies and appears to be influenced by the challenge models.

Reducing Campylobacter colonization in broilers by active immunization of naive broiler breeders using a bacterin and subunit vaccine

Campylobacter is the main cause of human gastroenteritis worldwide, with 50 to 80% of the cases related to consumption of poultry products. Maternal antibodies (MAB) from commercial breeder flocks may protect their progeny against infection during the first few weeks of life. We here studied the prevalence of Campylobacter antibody titers in broiler breeder flocks and to which extent immunization of broiler breeders increases maternal anti-Campylobacter titers in their progeny and protects the offspring against Campylobacter colonization. Two vaccines were used: a bacterin mix of 13 Campylobacter strains and a subunit vaccine comprising 6 immunodominant Campylobacter antigens. All sampled on-farm breeder flocks were positive for anti-Campylobacter antibodies, yet in some breeder flocks only very low titers were detected. Vaccination of SPF broiler breeder flocks with both subunit and bacterin vaccines resulted in a prolonged presence of anti-Campylobacter antibodies in the serum and intestinal mucus of chicks. These bacterin- or subunit vaccine-induced MAB conferred protection against Campylobacter colonization in chicks until 7 and 21 d of age, respectively, but only at a low challenge dose (102.5 cfu). The concentration of MAB in the mucus is probably too low to sufficiently capture Campylobacter when higher challenge doses are used. In conclusion, vaccinating broiler breeders protects their offspring against Campylobacter colonization under low pathogen exposure conditions.

Deciphering the Association between Campylobacter Colonization and Microbiota Composition in the Intestine of Commercial Broilers.

Campylobacter is a major food safety concern and is transmitted mainly via poultry meat. We previously found that some commercial broiler farms consistently produced Campylobacter-negative flocks while others were consistently Campylobacter-positive for consecutive production cycles although the farms operated under similar management practices. We hypothesized that this difference in Campylobacter colonization might be associated with the gut microbiota composition. To address this, six commercial broiler farms were selected based on their Campylobacter status (three negative and three positive) to evaluate the microbiota differences between each farm category. For each farm on each production cycle (2-3 cycles), 40 ceca collected from five-week-old broilers were processed for microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Cecal microbiota species richness, phylogenetic diversity, community structure, and composition of Campylobacter-positive farms were noticeably different from those of Campylobacter-negative farms. Rikenella, Methanocorpusculum, Barnesiella, Parasutterella, and Helicobacter were significantly more abundant among Campylobacter-positive farms. In contrast, Ruminococcaceae, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Eggerthellaceae, Lactobacillus, Monoglobus, and Blausia were more abundant in Campylobacter-negative farms. Eggerthellaceae, Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Monoglobus, and Parabacteroides were significantly negatively correlated with Campylobacter abundance. These findings suggest that specific members of cecal microbiota may influence Campylobacter colonization in commercial broilers and may be further explored to control Campylobacter in poultry.

Ferric quinate (QPLEX) inhibits the interaction of major outer membrane protein (MOMP) with the Lewis b (Leb) antigen and limits Campylobacter colonization in broilers.

Campylobacter jejuni colonizes hosts by interacting with Blood Group Antigens (BgAgs) on the surface of gastrointestinal epithelia. Genetic variations in BgAg expression affects host susceptibility to C. jejuni. Here, we show that the essential major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of C. jejuni NCTC11168 binds to the Lewis b (Leb) antigen on the gastrointestinal epithelia of host tissues and this interaction can be competitively inhibited by ferric quinate (QPLEX), a ferric chelate structurally similar to bacterial siderophores. We provide evidence that QPLEX competitively inhibits the MOMP-Leb interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that QPLEX can be used as a feed additive in broiler farming to significantly reduce C. jejuni colonization. Our results indicate that QPLEX can be a viable alternative to the preventative use of antibiotics in broiler farming to combat C. jejuni infections.

Poultry as A Source and Reservoir for Campylobacteriosis

Gastrointestinal infection due to Campylobacter has been increasing throughout the world especially in developing countries where hygienic measures are compromising. In this review we have focused on the poultry role as source and reservoir for campylobacter infection compared with other meat sources. Contamination of Campylobacter starts from the surroundings of poultry flocks leading to its colonization subsequently transfer from poultry food chain to consumers through handling of raw or improperly cooked meat. Prevalence of Campylobacter is high in those regions where poultry production or consumption is high i.e., in European countries. Campylobacter infection has spread along with development of the poultry industry in the world as poultry is the main source of spread for Campylobacter species. Traveling to those areas where Campylobacter is prevalent is major risk factor for its spread. Increase in antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter due to over use of medicines both in meat producing animals and humans is a disturbing situation for Public Health. Aim of intervention studies is to control colonization of Campylobacter at farm level that has proved to be promising outcomes in many countries. Proper biosecurity of farm and awareness programs for workers and consumers is necessary for control of infection. Proper batching, slaughtering, evisceration, packing, handling and cooking are also contributing factors to control of infection. Decreasing the over or unnecessary use of medicine is vital to avoid antimicrobial resistance in all types of bacteria. Although poultry is a major source along with some other meat for campylobacteriosis in humans but our surroundings i.e., untreated drinking water, sea food, direct contact with pets or commercial animals and some other sources that need to be studied are contributing to Campylobacter infection.

Prospective Application of Nanoencapsulated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on Broiler Chickens’ Performance and Gut Health with Efficacy against Campylobacter jejuni Colonization

Probiotics as novel antibiotics' substitutes are verified to provide barriers for hindering the colonization of enteric bacterial pathogens with nutritional benefits. For enhancement of the probiotics' effectiveness, their integration within nanomaterials is a paramount tool to support the progress of new compounds with functional features. Therefore, we addressed the impact of effective delivery of probiotics (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) loaded nanoparticles (BNPs) on performance and Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) shedding and colonization in poultry. Two hundred Ross broiler chickens were divided into four groups fed various BNP levels: BNPs I, BNPs II, BNPs III, and BNPs-free diets for 35 days. Nanoparticles delivery of probiotics within broiler diets improved growth performance as reflected by higher body weight gain and superior feed conversion ratio, especially in BNPs II- and BNPs III-fed groups. In parallel, the mRNA expression levels of digestive enzymes encoding genes (AMY2a, PNLIP, CELA1, and CCK) achieved their peaks in BNPs III-fed group (1.69, 1.49, 1.33, and 1.29-fold change, respectively) versus the control one. Notably, with increasing the levels of BNPs, the abundance of beneficial microbiota, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, was favored over harmful ones, including Clostridium species and Enterobacteriaceae. Birds fed higher levels of BNPs displayed significant improvement in the expression of barrier functions-linked genes including DEFB1, FABP-2, and MUC-2 alongside substantial reduction in cecal colonization and fecal shedding of C. jejuni. From the aforementioned positive effects of BNPs, we concluded their potential roles as growth promoters and effective preventive aids for C. jejuni infection in poultry.

A Multiomic Analysis of Chicken Serum Revealed the Modulation of Host Factors Due to Campylobacter jejuni Colonization and In-Water Supplementation of Eugenol Nanoemulsion

Campylobacter jejuni is a foodborne pathogen that causes campylobacteriosis globally, affecting ~95 million people worldwide. Most C. jejuni infections involve consuming and/or handling improperly cooked poultry meat. To better understand chicken host factors modulated by Campylobacter colonization, we explored a novel LCMS-based multiomic technology using three experimental groups: (1) negative control, (2) positive control, and (3) eugenol nanoemulsion (EGNE) treatment (supplemented with 0.125% EGNE in the water) of broiler chickens (n = 10 birds/group). Birds in groups two and three were challenged with C. jejuni on day 7, and serum samples were collected from all groups on day 14. Using this multiomic analysis, we identified 1216 analytes (275 compounds, seven inorganics, 407 lipids, and 527 proteins). The colonization of C. jejuni significantly upregulated CREG1, creatinine, and 3-[2-(3-Hydroxyphenyl) ethyl]-5-methoxyphenol and downregulated sphingosine, SP d18:1, high mobility group protein B3, phosphatidylcholines (PC) P-20:0_16:0, PC 11:0_26:1, and PC 13:0_26:2. We found that 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid significantly increased with the EGNE treatment when compared to the positive and negative controls. Additionally, the treatment increased several metabolites when compared to the negative controls. In conclusion, this study revealed several potential targets to control Campylobacter in broiler chickens.

Research Note: Analysis of immune responses in broilers after vaccination against Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter infections traced mainly to poultry products are major bacterial foodborne zoonoses. Among the many control strategies evaluated at primary poultry level to reduce these infections, vaccination could be a solution, but no effective vaccines are available to date. A better understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in protection against Campylobacter would be helpful for designing novel vaccine strategies. The present study was designed to analyze in more depth the immune responses developed in broilers in order to potentially identify which immune parameters may be important for establishing protection against Campylobacter by comparing the immune responses obtained here with those obtained in a previous study performed on vaccinated specific-pathogen-free Leghorn chickens that presented a partial reduction of Campylobacter after experimental challenge. The protection against Campylobacter colonization was evaluated at different time points over 40 d of rearing, by measuring specific IgY levels in serum and IgA antibodies in bile reflecting the systemic and mucosal humoral responses respectively and the relative expressions of 9 cecal immune marker genes (cytokines and antimicrobial peptides), which reflect the innate and cellular immune responses. Despite no reduction of Campylobacter in the cecum, a systemic immune response over time characterized by the production of specific anti-flagellin IgY was observed, in addition to upregulation of the antimicrobial peptide avian β-defensin (AvBD) 12 gene expression in the cecum of vaccinated broilers compared with the placebo group. However, the levels of specific anti-flagellin mucosal IgA antibodies in the bile as well as the relative expression of other cecal cytokines studied was underexpressed in the vaccinated group or similar in both groups.

Campylobacter Colonization and Diversity in Young Turkeys in the Context of Gastrointestinal Distress and Antimicrobial Treatment

Young turkeys are vulnerable to undifferentiated gastrointestinal distress, including "irritable and crabby syndrome" (ICS), which compromises flock performance and is typically treated with a combination of penicillin and gentamicin (P/G). However, the effects of ICS and P/G treatment on Campylobacter remain poorly understood. We investigated the impact of ICS and P/G treatment on Campylobacter levels and diversity in four flocks from three turkey farms. Cecum and jejunum samples were analyzed weekly from day of hatch to week 4-5. All four flocks became colonized with multidrug resistant (MDR) Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli by week 2-3, and two developed ICS. ICS and P/G treatment did not significantly impact total Campylobacter levels or strain genotypes but impacted species and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles. One flock was raised under antibiotic-free (ABF) conditions while another flock at the same farm was raised conventionally. The ABF flock did not develop ICS while its counterpart did. However, Campylobacter strains, AMR profiles and sequence types were generally shared between these two flocks. Our findings suggest that ICS and P/G treatment impacted Campylobacter population dynamics in commercial young turkey flocks, and that ABF flocks may become readily colonized by MDR strains from non-ABF flocks at the same farm.

Effects of synbiotic supplementation as an antibiotic growth promoter replacement on cecal Campylobacter jejuni load in broilers challenged with C. jejuni

Synbiotic supplementation alters gut microbiota via competitive exclusion, improving production performance, decreasing cecal Campylobacter jejuni load and colonization, and improving immunological responses while offering an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. This study aimed to determine effects of synbiotic supplementation as an antibiotic replacement in C. jejuni challenged broilers. 336 one-day-old broiler chicks were distributed into four treatment groups: Control, Synbiotic, Antibiotic + Challenge, and Synbiotic + Challenge, with six replicate pens per treatment. Antibiotic (Virginiamycin) and synbiotic (PoultryStar® Me) were supplemented in feed 20 mg/kg and 20 g/1000 birds/day, respectively. At 21 days of age, birds were orally inoculated with PBS or 1 × 10 8 CFU/bird C. jejuni . Feed intake and body weight were measured on a weekly basis. On 3, 7, and 14 dpi, intestinal permeability, anti- C. jejuni IgA bile concentration, C. jejuni content (ceca, ileal tissue, and liver), splenocyte MNC nitric oxide production, cecal tonsil CD4 + :CD8 + and CD4 + :CD25 + ratios, and cecal cytokine immune gene and tight junction protein expression were quantified and statistically analyzed. We found that synbiotic supplementation limited cecal C. jejuni colonization more effectively than antibiotic supplementation, upregulated tight junction protein expression, and positively altered cytokine and chemokine gene expression in response to challenge. We conclude that synbiotic supplementation decreases C. jejuni loads in broilers and beneficially modulates the immune response to C. jejuni challenge, compared to antibiotic supplementation, and that synbiotics can be applied to replace antibiotic growth promoter usage during poultry C. jejuni infection.

Antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni in commercial and smallholder farm animals in the Asante Akim North Municipality of Ghana.

Worldwide, farm animals, in particular poultry, are an important reservoir for Campylobacter spp. However, information on Campylobacter colonization in farm animals in Africa is scarce. Hence, this cross-sectional study determined antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter from both commercial and smallholder farm animals in the Asante Akim North Municipality of Ghana. Fecal samples from poultry and livestock kept by commercial and smallholder farms were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. The overall Campylobacter frequency was 20.3% (n/N = 322/1,585), and frequencies detected were similarly high in isolates from commercial (21.0%, n/N = 169/805) and smallholder (19.6%, n/N = 153/780) farms. Species isolated were C. coli (67.7%, n/N = 218/322) and C. jejuni (32.3%, n/N = 104/322). However, the frequency of C. coli was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.8-2.5) times higher than what was found for C. jejuni. Campylobacter frequencies in the rainy season was 22.2% (n/N = 258/1,160) and 15.1% (n/N = 64/425) in the dry season (prevalence ratio = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.2-1.9). About 1.7% (n/N = 6/322) of the Campylobacter isolates, all from smallholder farms, were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Multidrug resistance was observed for 4.7% (n/N = 15/322) of the Campylobacter isolates, of which 93.3% (n/N = 14/15) occurred in isolates from commercial farms. This study highlights the need for the implementation of control programs, in commercial farming but also at the smallholder farm level, to formulate clear guidelines aimed at decreasing Campylobacter contamination of meat products and reducing the use of antibiotics in the farming sector.

S2009 Chronic Diarrhea Due to Campylobacter Infection in an Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report

Introduction: Campylobacter infection is a foodborne illness transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. It is responsible for roughly 1.5 million infections annually in the U.S. Typical symptoms include acute diarrhea (< 2 weeks) that can be bloody or non-bloody, periumbilical pain, fever, and body aches. The enteritis is often self-limited in immunocompetent hosts. Subacute or chronic diarrhea can be observed in immunocompromised patients, but rarely in the immunocompetent host. Case Description/Methods: A 58-year-old male with a history of Korsakoff syndrome and anoxic brain injury was admitted with chronic diarrhea of 2 months, severe metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury. Patient had 5 to 6 episodes of large volume watery diarrhea daily. There was serum leukocytosis with 17.2 K/mcL. Fecal immunochemical test was negative for blood. Stool culture was positive for Campylobacter antigen. CT abdomen showed numerous mildly enlarged mesenteric root lymph nodes without pericolonic fat stranding (Figure). Serum and stool inflammatory markers were elevated (Table). Stool testing for other infectious agents was unremarkable. Diarrhea did not improve with fasting. Patient did have underlying chronic pancreatitis due to prior alcohol abuse, but had been abstinent for 3 years. He was not previously on pancreatic enzyme and vitamin supplementation, which was started but did not improve his symptoms. Screening for celiac disease, HIV, and viral hepatitis was also unremarkable. It was concluded that in addition to chronic pancreatic insufficiency, Campylobacter was the culprit for his chronic diarrhea, which was treated with IV azithromycin for 10 days. Patient’s diarrhea resolved after completion of antibiotics. Repeat CT abdomen showed near-complete resolution of previously seen lymphadenopathy. Discussion: Chronic diarrhea due to Campylobacter infection is rare in immunocompetent hosts. Long-term Campylobacter colonization has been described in immunocompromised hosts. Colonization, or chronic campylobacteriosis, is confirmed by persistent Campylobacter-positive feces in the setting of prolonged diarrhea. It is typically treated with oral azithromycin or ciprofloxacin for 3 days. However, our patient required an intravenous administration and longer course of treatment since his symptoms were refractory to oral antibiotics. This is an uncommon case of complicated Campylobacter infection resulting in chronic diarrhea in an immunocompetent patient.Figure 1.: Left: CT Abdomen without contrast (axial) showing mesenteric lymphadenopathy, lymph node measuring 1.2cm x 2.4cm (arrow). Right: Resolution of lymphadenopathy after completion of 10-day course of azithromycin. Table 1. - Stool and serum laboratory profile of the patient Test Result Reference Range Stool Studies Stool culture Campylobacter sp Negative WBC Positive Negative Calprotectin 447 Normal < 50 mcg/g Pancreatic Elastase 1 < 15 Normal >200 mcg/g C. Difficile PCR Negative Negative Giardia antigen Negative Negative Fecal sodium 114 N/A Fecal potassium 14.0 N/A Fecal chloride 73 N/A Fecal Osmolality 437 275-295 mOsm/kg* Fecal Osmotic Gap 34 Secretory diarrhea: < 50 mOsm/kg Osmotic diarrhea: >75 mOsm/kg Fecal Fat (Qualitative) Abnormal (positive) Normal Ova and parasites Negative Negative Serum Studies WBC 17.2 4.8-10.8 K/mcL TSH 1.5 0.55-4.78 uIU/mL ESR 62 < 20 mm/hr for men over 50 years CRP 95 0-7.5 mg/L Lipase 7 22-51 U/L HIV 1 and 2 antibody Nonreactive Nonreactive Celiac panel (tTg IgA) Negative Negative Total IgA 293 47-310 mg/dL Blood cultures Negative Negative *Stool osmolality greater than 290 and up to 600 are common because of bacterial metabolism of fecal carbohydrate during storage of the stool sample.Abbreviations: WBC: white blood cells, CRP: C-reactive protein, HIV: human immunodeficiency virus, tTg: tissue transglutaminase, IgA: Immunoglobulin A.

Longitudinal Changes in Campylobacter and the Litter Microbiome throughout the Broiler Production Cycle.

Broiler chickens are an important source of Campylobacter to humans and become colonized on the farm, but the role of the litter in the ecology of Campylobacter is still not clear. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Campylobacter and the changes in the litter microbiome throughout the broiler production cycle. Twenty-six commercial broiler flocks representing two production types (small and big broilers) were followed from 1 to 2 weeks after placement to the end of the production cycle. Composite litter samples from the broiler chicken house were collected weekly. Litter DNA was extracted and used for Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli qPCR as well as for 16S rRNA gene V4 region sequencing. Campylobacter jejuni concentration in litter significantly differed by production type and flock age. Campylobacter jejuni concentration in litter from big broilers was 2.4 log10 units higher, on average, than that of small broilers at 3 weeks of age. Sixteen amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) differentially abundant over time were detected in both production types. A negative correlation of Campylobacter with Bogoriella and Pseudogracilibacillus was observed in the litter microbiome network at 6 weeks of flock age. Dynamic Bayesian networks provided evidence of negative associations between Campylobacter and two bacterial genera, Ornithinibacillus and Oceanobacillus, at 2 and 4 weeks of flock age, respectively. In conclusion, dynamic associations between Campylobacter and the litter microbiome were observed during grow-out, suggesting a potential role of the litter microbiome in the ecology of Campylobacter colonization and persistence on farm. IMPORTANCE This study interrogated the longitudinal association between Campylobacter and broiler litter microbiome in commercial broiler flocks. The results of this investigation highlighted differences in Campylobacter dynamics in the litter throughout the broiler production cycle and between small and big broilers. Besides documenting the changing nature of the microbial networks in broiler litter during grow-out, we detected bacterial genera (Oceanobacillus and Ornithinibacillus) negatively associated with Campylobacter abundance and concentration in litter via the Bayesian network framework. These bacteria should be investigated as possible antagonists to Campylobacter colonization of the broiler environment.

The effect of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli colonization on the gut morphology, functional integrity, and microbiota composition of female turkeys

BackgroundCampylobacter (C.) species are the most common bacterial cause of foodborne diarrhea in humans. Despite colonization, most animals do not show clinical signs, making recognition of affected flocks and disruption of the infection chain before slaughter challenging. Turkeys are often cocolonized with C. jejuni and C. coli. To understand the pathogen-host-interaction in the context of two different Campylobacter species, we compared the colonization patterns and quantities in mono- and co-colonized female commercial turkeys. In three repeated experiments we investigated the impact on gut morphology, functional integrity, and microbiota composition as parameters of gut health at seven, 14, and 28 days post-inoculation.ResultsDespite successful Campylobacter colonization, clinical signs or pathological lesions were not observed. C. coli persistently colonized the distal intestinal tract and at a higher load compared to C. jejuni. Both strains were isolated from livers and spleens, occurring more frequently in C. jejuni- and co-inoculated turkeys. Especially in C. jejuni-positive animals, translocation was accompanied by local heterophil infiltration, villus blunting, and shallower crypts. Increased permeability and lower electrogenic ion transport of the cecal mucosa were also observed. A lower relative abundance of Clostridia UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillaceae was noted in all inoculated groups compared to controls.ConclusionsIn sum, C. jejuni affects gut health and may interfere with productivity in turkeys. Despite a higher cecal load, the impact of C. coli on investigated parameters was less pronounced. Interestingly, gut morphology and functional integrity were also less affected in co-inoculated animals while the C. jejuni load decreased over time, suggesting C. coli may outcompete C. jejuni. Since a microbiota shift was observed in all inoculated groups, future Campylobacter intervention strategies may involve stabilization of the gut microbiota, making it more resilient to Campylobacter colonization in the first place.

Impact of DNA Prime/Protein Boost Vaccination against Campylobacter jejuni on Immune Responses and Gut Microbiota in Chickens.

Campylobacteriosis is reported to be the leading zoonosis in Europe, and poultry is the main reservoir of Campylobacter. Despite all the efforts made, there is still no efficient vaccine to fight this bacterium directly in poultry. Recent studies have reported interactions between the chicken immune system and gut microbiota in response to Campylobacter colonisation. The present study was designed to analyse in more depth the immune responses and caecal microbiota following vaccination with a DNA prime/protein boost flagellin-based vaccine that induces some protection in specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens, as shown previously. These data may help to improve future vaccination protocols against Campylobacter in poultry. Here a vaccinated and a placebo group were challenged by C. jejuni at the age of 19 days. A partial reduction in Campylobacter loads was observed in the vaccinated group. This was accompanied by the production of specific systemic and mucosal antibodies. Transient relatively higher levels of Interleukin-10 and antimicrobial peptide avian β-defensin 10 gene expressions were observed in the vaccinated and placebo groups respectively. The analysis of caecal microbiota revealed the vaccination’s impact on its structure and composition. Specifically, levels of operational taxonomic units classified as Ruminococcaceae and Bacillaceae increased on day 40.