title: Incidence of campylobacters in the intestine of avian species in Alabama.
abstract: Avian species necropsied at the C. S. Roberts Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Auburn, Alabama, from December 1993 until May 1994 were examined for the incidence of intestinal campylobacters. Ninety-one intestinal swabs, representing 66 separate cases and 17 different avian species, were collected and placed into Cary-Blair transport medium. Selective enrichment and culture media were used for initial isolation of Campylobacter spp. Presumptive colonies were identified as Campylobacter spp. by phase-contrast microscopy and Gram stain, and they were confirmed by serological latex agglutination. Campylobacter spp. were isolated in 18 (19.7%) of the 66 cases. From the remainder of the cases, 13 (15%) yielded presumptive colonies on Campy-Cefex agar; however, they were not confirmed serologically as Campylobacter spp. Use of Cary-Blair transport medium held in refrigeration for up to 24 days did not hinder the determination of campylobacters in intestinal samples. A variety of avian species, including chicken, emu, hawk, ostrich, and parrot, harbored commensal campylobacters and therefore should be considered potential reservoirs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5416, USA.
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Oyarzabal
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Conner
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Hoerr
mesh_terms: D000407:Alabama / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases; D001717:Birds; D002167:Campylobacter / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002645:Chickens; D010856:Columbidae; D004372:Ducks; D005777:Geese; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011784:Quail; D013045:Species Specificity