Presence Of Campylobacter Jejuni Research Articles

Campylobacter jejuni and casein hydrolysate addition: Impact on poultry in vitro cecal microbiota and metabolome.

This study investigates the impact of casein hydrolysates on the poultry ceca inoculated with Campylobacter focusing on microbial molecular preferences for different protein sources in the presence of Campylobacter jejuni. Three casein sources (intact casein (IN), casein enzyme hydrolysate (EH), and casein acid hydrolysate (AH)) were introduced to cecal contents in combination with inoculated C. jejuni in an in vitro model system incubated for 48 h at 42°C under microaerophilic conditions. Samples were collected at 0, 24, and 48 h. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified using custom dual-indexed primers, followed by sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The obtained sequencing data were then analyzed via QIIME2-2021.11. Metabolite extracts were analyzed with ultra-high-performance liquid orbitrap chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Statistical analysis of metabolites was conducted using MetaboAnalyst 5.0, while functional analysis was performed using Mummichog 2.0 with a significance threshold set at P < 0.00001. DNA sequencing and metabolomic analyses revealed that C. jejuni was most abundant in the EH group. Microbial diversity and richness improved in casein supplemented groups, with core microbial differences observed, compared to non-supplemented groups. Vitamin B-associated metabolites significantly increased in the supplemented groups, displaying distinct patterns in vitamin B6 and B9 metabolism between EH and AH groups (P < 0.05). Faecalibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium were associated with AH and EH groups, respectively. These findings suggest microbial interactions in the presence of C. jejuni and casein supplementation are influenced by microbial community preferences for casein hydrolysates impacting B vitamin production and shaping competitive dynamics within the cecal microbial community. These findings underscore the potential of nutritional interventions to modulate the poultry GIT microbiota for improved health outcomes.

Colourimetric and SERS dual-mode aptasensor using Au@Ag and magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of Campylobacter jejuni

A dual-mode aptasensor has been developed for the effective detection of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), a major cause of gastrointestinal disease worldwide. The aptasensor utilizes nanoparticles, specifically a core-shell structure consisting of gold and silver (Au@Ag NPs), along with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). When Campylobacter jejuni is introduced, “Au@Ag NPs-Aptamer-Campylobacter jejuni-Aptamer-MNPs” sandwich complexes are formed due to the high affinity of the aptamer for the bacterial surface membrane proteins. The dual-mode aptasensor can magnetically enrich the sample in just 15 min, and the presence of Campylobacter jejuni is determined by observing a color change. Additionally, the concentration of Campylobacter jejuni can be quantified using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and standard curves. This results in a wider linear range (1.8 × 101–108 CFU/mL) under optimal conditions, a lower limit of detection (6 CFU/mL), and a higher selectivity for the detection of bacteria compared to previously reported sensors. Compared with traditional microbial culture counting methods, the dual-mode aptasensor does not require Raman reporters. The physical action of magnetic enrichment, along with the application of Au@Ag NPs, improves the accuracy of the dual-mode aptasensor, offering the advantages of convenience and high sensitivity. Moreover, by utilizing different types of aptamers, this aptasensor can be modified to detect a wider range of harmful pathogens in various environments.

Genetic Diversity, Antimicrobial Resistance and Survival upon Manure Storage of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated from Dairy Cattle Farms in the Cantabric Coast of Spain

The aim of this study was the examination of the genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of C. jejuni isolates obtained from dairy farms situated in Cantabria. The presence of Campylobacter jejuni was scrutinized in dairy farms situated in the Cantabria region (Atlantic coast, North of Spain). A total of 520 samples were collected from 12 dairy farms and 62 C. jejuni isolates were achieved. Sixty-one (61) of the isolates proceeded from fresh feces and only one from the stable (soil). Characterization of the isolates was conducted by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by standardized disk diffusion test. The PFGE analysis showed a high genetic diversity. From the 62 C. jejuni isolates, 27 different PFGE types were obtained with 70% similarity. The results of the antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that 21 out of 27 strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin (78%), and 15 of them were also resistant to tetracycline (55%), whereas none of the 27 strains analyzed were resistant to erythromycin. C. jejuni was capable of surviving in livestock waste for at least 20–25 days, whereas the maximum detectable survival time on crops was of six days. This study reveals the high genetic diversity and ciprofloxacin resistance of C. jejuni in dairy cattle farms in Northern Spain, a fact that highlights the urgent need for the surveillance and control of this foodborne pathogen.

Occurrence of potentially zoonotic and cephalosporin resistant enteric bacteria among shelter dogs in the Central and South-Central Appalachia

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance and presence of zoonotic enteropathogens in shelter dogs pose a public health risk to shelter workers and potential adopters alike. In this study we investigated the prevalence of zoonotic bacterial pathogens and cephalosporin resistant (CefR) enteric bacteria in the feces of apparently healthy shelter dogs in the Cumberland Gap Region (CGR) in the US states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.ResultsFecal samples of 59 dogs from 10 shelters in the CGR of Central and South-Central Appalachia were screened for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella and CefR enteric bacteria. C. jejuni, C. perfringens were detected by PCR based assays. Culture and PCR were used for Salmonella detection. Of 59 dogs, fecal samples from 14 (23.7%) and 8 (13.6%) dogs tested positive for cpa and hipO genes of C. perfringens and C. jejuni, respectively. Salmonella was not detected in any of the tested samples by PCR or culture. CefR enteric bacteria were isolated on MacConkey agar supplemented with ceftiofur followed by identification using MALDI-TOF. Fecal samples from 16 dogs (27.1%) yielded a total of 18 CefR enteric bacteria. Majority of CefR isolates (14/18, 77.8%) were E. coli followed by, one isolate each of Enterococcus hirae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter pittii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CefR enteric bacteria were tested for resistance against 19- or 24-antibiotic panels using broth microdilution method. Seventeen (94.4%) CefR bacteria were resistant to more than one antimicrobial agent, and 14 (77.8%) displayed multidrug resistance (MDR).ConclusionsThis study shows that shelter dogs within the CGR not only carry zoonotic bacterial pathogens, but also shed multidrug resistant enteric bacteria in their feces that may pose public health risks.

Presence of Campylobacterjejuni and C. coli in Dogs under Training for Animal-Assisted Therapies.

This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli in dogs at five dog training centers in Southern Italy. A total of 550 animals were sampled by collecting rectal swabs. The samples were processed to detect thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. by culture and molecular methods. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 135/550 (24.5–95% confidence interval) dogs. A total of 84 C. jejuni (62.2%) and 51 C. coli (37.8%) isolates were identified using conventional PCR. The dog data (age, sex, breed, and eating habits) were examined by two statistical analyses using the C. jejuni and C. coli status (positive or negative) as dependent variables. Dogs fed home-cooked food showed a higher risk of being positive for C. jejuni than dogs fed dry or canned meat for dogs (50.0%; p < 0.01). Moreover, purebred dogs had a significantly higher risk than crossbred dogs for C. coli positivity (16.4%; p < 0.01). This is the first study on the prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli in dogs frequenting dog training centers for animal-assisted therapies (AATs). Our findings emphasize the potential zoonotic risk for patients and users involved in AATs settings and highlight the need to carry out ad hoc health checks and to pay attention to the choice of the dog, as well as eating habits, in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Antibiotic Sensitivity Profiling and Virulence Potential of Campylobacter jejuni Isolates from Estuarine Water in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Campylobacter jejuni (CJ) is a zoonotic microbe and a major causative organism of diarrheal infection in humans that often has its functional characteristics inactivated in stressed conditions. The current study assessed the correlation between recovered CJ and water quality parameters and the drug sensitivity patterns of the pathogen to frontline antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Water samples (n = 244) from rivers/estuarines were collected from April–September 2016, and physicochemical conditions were recorded on-site. CJ was isolated from the samples using standard microbiological methods and subjected to sensitivity testing to 10 antibiotics. Mean CJ counts were between 1 and 5 logs (CFU/mL). Ninety-five isolates confirmed as CJ by PCR showed varying rates of resistance. Sensitivity testing showed resistance to tetracycline (100%), azithromycin (92%), clindamycin (84.2%), clarithromycin and doxycycline (80%), ciprofloxacin (77.8%), vancomycin (70.5%), erythromycin (70%), metronidazole (36.8%) and nalidixic acid (30.5%). Virulence encoding genes were detected in the majority 80/95, 84.2%) of the confirmed isolates from cdtB; 60/95 (63.2%) from cstII; 49/95 (51.6%) from cadF; 45/95 (47.4%) from clpP; 30/95 (31.6%) from htrB, and 0/95 (0%) from csrA. A multiple resistance cmeABC active efflux pump system was present in 69/95 (72.6) isolates. The presence of CJ was positively correlated with temperature (r = 0.17), pH (r = 0.02), dissolved oxygen (r = 0.31), and turbidity (r = 0.23) but negatively correlated with salinity (r = −0.39) and conductivity (r = −0.28). The detection of multidrug resistant CJ strains from estuarine water and the differential gene expressions they possess indicates a potential hazard to humans. Moreover, the negative correlation between the presence of the pathogen and physicochemical parameters such as salinity indicates possible complementary expression of stress tolerance response mechanisms by wild-type CJ strains.

Acute cardiac disease in a young patient with Campylobacter jejuni infection: a case report

Infectious myocarditis is a life-threatening condition because it can lead to arrhythmia, dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. A large number of different infectious causes have been identified as leading to myocarditis, with enteroviral infections being the most common reasons. We present a rare Austrian case of bacterial-induced myocarditis in a 19-year-old immunocompetent male without any cardiac risk factors. Four days prior to the onset of severe left thoracic pain the patient developed acute gastroenteritis. The initial electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia, strain on the right side of the heart and signs of myocardial injury. Cardiac enzyme markers creatine kinase and troponin T were elevated to maximum values of 627 U/l and 0.52 ng/ml. Stool cultures revealed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni as the only source of infection. The clinical diagnosis of bacterial-induced myocarditis was confirmed by specific radiological findings of inflammation using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In recent years, instead of performing endomyocardial biopsies, the clinical diagnosis of bacterial-induced myocarditis can be confirmed by specific radiological findings in combination with positive stool cultures for Enterobacteriaceae. Due to the increasing numbers of Campylobacter infections, myocarditis should be considered as a rare but relevant extraintestinal complication also in immunocompetent patients with Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis.

Effects of some immunosuppressive factors on campylobacteriosis outbreaks in poultry

Campylobacteria are widely distributed in domestic and wild animals. Avian species are the most common host of campylobacteria, thus an important source for human infection caused by this organism. Campylobacteriosis in animals frequently proceeds without clinical symptoms, which may be due to the different virulence of the agent, as well as to the immune status of the infected animal. In this trial we investigated the effects of the vaccine against infective bursal disease (IBD) on occurrence and clinical manifestation of campylobacteriosis in conditions of controlled experimental infection with the strain Campylobacter jejuni. The immunosuppressive effects of a live attenuated vaccine against IBD on development of clinically manifest campylobacteriosis in perorally challenged chickens were assessed. The investigation was performed on 90 chickens in experimental conditions. The presence of Campylobacter jejuni was confirmed by reisolation, while identification of the organism was performed on the basis of its morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. Specific antibody titer and humoral immune response to C. jejuni specific antibodies were monitored using the complement fixation reaction method. Clinical symptoms of the disease were observed in chickens infected with Campylobacter jejuni and vaccinated against infective bursal disease. Pathomorphological findings revealed changes in the intestines and liver, from which Campylobacter jejuni was isolated. C. jejuni specific antibodies were detected in the infected birds in the third week post infection, with titer values ranging from 1:4 to 1:16. Results of our research strongly imply an immunosuppressive effect of the IBD vaccine on development of campylobacteriosis, which is supported by the clinical and morphological findings, i.e. isolation of the agent and detection of specific antibodies. .

Can Campylobacter jejuni play a role in development of celiac disease? A hypothesis

Celiac disease (CD) is an entropathy with malabsortive condition in which an allergic reaction to the cereal grain-protein (gluten) causes small intestine mucosal injury. CD is a multifactorial disorder in which both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the disease development. Mechanisms have been described to explain the pathology of CD. T cells specific for multiple gluten peptides are found in virtually all patients. Generation of such a broad T cell response may be a prerequisite for disease development. CD is associated with multiple extraintestinal presentations, including neurological deficits. Recent studies have shown a significant correlation between anti-ganglioside antibodies and neurological disorders in patients with underlying CD. Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids which are abundant in nervous system and in other tissues including gastrointestinal tract. It is not known what triggers the release of anti-ganglioside antibodies in people with gluten sensitivity. But, the mechanism is likely to involve the intestinal immune system response to ingested gliadin, a component of wheat gluten. Studies showed that mechanisms different from gluten exposure may be implicated in antibody formation, and other environmental factors may also exist. In addition, considering the fact that genetic predisposition dysregulating mucosal immune responses in the presence of certain environmental triggers like gastrointestinal infections may be strong etiological factors for developing chronic intestinal inflammation including CD, the hypothesis raised in our mind that antiganglioside antibody formation in CD may play a role not only in development of neurological complications in celiac patients, but also in development of CD itself. As presence of Campylobacter jejuni in other diseases with antigangliosides antibody formation has been established, we propose the possible role of Campylobacter jejuni in development of CD in association with other genetic and environmental factors by the mechanism that molecular mimicry of gangliosides-like epitopes common to both lipo-polysacharide coats of certain strains of Campylobacter jejuni and gangliosides in cell structure of gastrointestinal mucosa may cause an autoimmune response and consequently lead to atrophy and degeneration of mucosa possibly by apoptosis.

Presence of Campylobacter jejuni in Various Organs One Hour, One Day, and One Week Following Oral or Intracloacal Inoculations of Broiler Chicks

Day-old broiler chicks (n=30) were obtained from a commercial hatchery and inoculated, either orally or intracloacally, with a characterized strain of Campylobacter jejuni. At 1 hr, 1 day, and 1 wk after inoculation, broilers (n = 5) from the orally and intracloacally inoculated groups along with control birds (n=4) were humanely killed by cervical dislocation. The broilers from the control and treatment groups were aseptically opened, and the thymus, spleen, liver/gallbladder, bursa of Fabricius, and ceca were aseptically removed and individually analyzed for C. jejuni. Overall, C. jejuni was isolated after oral inoculation from 13% (10/ 75), 17% (13/75), and 28% (14/50) of the 1-hr, 1-day, and 1-wk samples, respectively. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 10% (4/ 40), 8% (3/40), 10% (4/40), 25% (10/40), and 40% (16/40) of the thymus, spleen, liver/gallbladder, bursa of Fabricius, and ceca samples, respectively. Following the intracloacal route of inoculation, C. jejuni was recovered from 32% (24/75), 8% (6/75), and 16% (8/50) of the 1-hr, 1-day, and 1-wk samples, respectively. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 5% (2/40), 5% (2/40), 5% (2/40), 45% (18/40), and 40% (16/40) of the thymus, spleen, liver/gallbladder, bursa of Fabricius, and ceca samples, respectively, for all sampling periods. Campylobacter spp. were not recovered from sample sites examined from the control broilers from trial one, trial two, or trial three samples examined after 1 hr and 1 day. However, one control sample was positive from the 1-wk sampling from repetition three; therefore, those data were omitted. The rapid movement of Campylobacter to internal organs following both oral and intracloacal inoculation may be significant, particularly if it persists in these organs as reservoirs throughout the 65-wk life cycle of breeding birds.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis ofCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coliin Fresh Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Meat

Samples of fresh picked crabmeat from twelve different blue crab processing facilities were analyzed for general microbial quality and the presence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Twenty samples from each plant were analyzed for a total of 240 samples. Aerobic plate counts ranged from 7.4 x 103 to 4.6 x 108. Coliform and fecal coliform counts ranged from <0.3 to 32.8 MPN/g and <0.3 to 2.26 MPN/g, respectively. Eshcherichia coli counts ranged from <0.3 to 0.77 MPN/g. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 36 (15%) samples and Campylobacter coli was isolated from 14 (5.8%). There was no statistical correlation between general microbial quality, plant size or inspection score (sanitation) and the presence of Campylobacter species.

Helicobacter pylori increases proliferation of gastric epithelial cells.

The direct and indirect effects of helicobacter pylori on cell kinetics of gastric epithelial cell line AGS were investigated by flow cytometric analysis of Ki-67 positive cells and by MTT assay. Flow cytometric analysis of Ki-67 positivity permits detection of cells that are in S-phase, whereas the MTT assay is a colometric measure of the number of viable cells. In the absence of added stimulants, 23.06 (4.88)% mean (SD) of AGS cells were Ki-67 positive. When cells were preincubated in the presence of H pylori, there was a significant increase in Ki-67 positivity (66.20 (7.89)%, p < 0.001). This increase was not seen in cells cultured in the presence of Campylobacter jejuni (24.63 (8.11)% or Escherichia coli (21.66 (9.78)%). Pre-incubation of AGS cells with supernatants from both H pylori and mitogen activated peripheral blood lymphocytes also increased the per cent of cells that were Ki-67 positive (72.93 (8.68) and 69.96 (12.35)%; p, 0.001) respectively. Similar results were also found in MTT assay. These data show that both H pylori directly and the immune/inflammatory response to H pylori indirectly can influence the rate of epithelial cell proliferation, suggesting this bacterium may be an initiating step in gastric carcinogenesis and an important co-carcinogenic factor in H pylori positive subjects.

Carcaças de frango prontas para consumo como fonte de infecção entérica pelo Campylobacter jejuni, no Brasil

The presence of Campylobacter jejuni was investigated in stool specimens from chicken meat workers and in ready-for-market chicken carcasses from one industrial and nine non industrial slaughters in Belo Horizonte. In the latter C. jejuni was isolated from 19 (38.0%) of the 50 chicken carcasses and from 2 (13.3%) of the stool specimens obtained from 15 chicken meat workers. In the industrial slaughter it was found in only 1 (2.0%) of the 50 chicken carcasses and it was not isolated from any of the 40 stool specimens. There was a significant difference between industrial and non industrial slaughter in regard to the frequency of C. jejuni isolation from carcasses (p = 0.000002), probably due to the low hygiene conditions present in non industrial slaughters. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests, SDS gel electrophoresis and biotyping of the strains isolated from stool specimens obtained from chicken meat workers were similar to those observed in strains isolated from chicken carcasses which suggest that chicken could be the source of C. jejuni for the workers and both, chicken and workers, could be implicated in the transmission of C. jejuni infection in Belo Horizonte.

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in Eggs and Poultry Meat in New York State

The presence of Campylobacter jejuni was tested for but not isolated from any of 276 eggs sampled from 23 egg farms in New York State. The presence of C. jejuni was evaluated in broilers, kosher broilers, spent layers, Peking ducks, and turkeys. Four of five poultry dressing plants tested showed positive growth of C. jejuni on the 25-carcass samples at various stages of processing. Twenty to 100% of live birds sampled contained C. jejuni on the skin but 90 to 100% were contaminated after scalding and defeathering operations from contaminated birds and equipment. A three to four-fold increase in carcass contamination was observed after evisceration. The number of C. jejuni on the carcasses decreased after washing and chilling. The organisms did not survive the salting, rinsing, and chilling operations in a kosher processing plant. Several pieces of equipment, i.e., shackles, eviscerating troughs, and cooling tanks were contaminated with C. jejuni. This study illustrates how C. jejuni may be transmitted from the live bird to the final poultry product.

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in Turkey Carcass Processing and Further Processing of Turkey Products

Presence of Campylobacter jejuni was determined at various locations in turkey carcass processing and further processing of turkey products (wieners, ham and boneless breast). Contamination of turkey carcasses with C. jejuni, in most cases, occurred on the surface of the skin or on the surface of the abdominal cavity lining. No contamination of interior muscle tissue was observed. The percentage of turkeys containing C. jejuni upon entering the processing plant varied (50 to 100%). Large numbers of C. jejuni were killed during scalding of carcasses, but extensive recontamination occurred during mechanical defeathering. After scalding, numbers of C. jejuni peaked during evisceration, but dropped to lower levels after washing. Few or no C. jejuni were recovered from the carcasses after leaving the chill tank. No C. jejuni were detected on frozen turkey carcasses, including the drip, at the wholesale or retail level. However, Campylobacter coli was detected in the drip of a few carcasses that had been in frozen storage at the wholesale level for 2 wk and 3 months. Neither C. jejuni nor C. coli was detected on frozen turkeys at the retail level. Although, in some cases, C. jejuni were recovered from turkey meat during initial stages of further processing, no C. jejuni were recovered from heat-treated, further processed products.