Antigenic and restriction enzyme analysis of Campylobacter spp associated with abortion in sheep.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the scope of strain variations among Campylobacter spp associated with abortion in sheep.


METHODS
To examine Campylobacter spp isolated from cases of abortion for biochemical, antigenic, and genetic differences.


METHODS
15 isolates of Campylobacter spp isolated from cases of abortion during a single lambing season.


METHODS
Isolates were examined, using biochemical tests, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of outer membrane proteins (OMP), and DNA restriction enzyme analysis (REA).


RESULTS
Eight strain variants were detected among the 15 isolates. 14 of the isolates were C jejuni, 13 of which were biotype I and 1 biotype II, and the remaining isolate was identified as C fetus subsp fetus. Five sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis OMP patterns had distinctive profiles for C fetus subsp fetus and C jejuni biogroup-II isolates and 3 variants within the C jejuni biogroup-I isolates. Examination of REA patterns of DNA from the 15 isolates digested with Cfo I indicated clear differences correlating with species and biogroups and 4 REA variants among biotype-I isolates.


CONCLUSIONS
Marked antigenic and genetic heterogeneity of Campylobacter isolates were associated with ovine abortion within a defined geographic area.


CONCLUSIONS
Representatives of differing OMP and REA profile groups should be considered for incorporation in vaccines to optimize protection in this region and possibly other geographic areas.
Delong
W J
WJ
Caine Veterinary Teaching and Research Center, Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Caldwell 83605, USA.
Jaworski
M D
MD
Ward
A C
AC
D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D002167:Campylobacter / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002168:Campylobacter fetus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D016123:Campylobacter jejuni / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D011247:Pregnancy; D015183:Restriction Mapping; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes