title: Isolation and identification of thermophilic Campylobacter species in faecal samples from Swedish dogs.
abstract: To investigate the role of Swedish dogs as potential reservoirs of thermophilic Campylobacter species, faecal samples were analysed from 91 dogs in 2001. The majority of dogs (n = 84) were healthy family dogs. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 51 of the 91 dogs (56%). A significant difference in isolation rates was observed between younger and older dogs: 76% of the younger dogs (5-12 months) were positive, compared with 39% of dogs > or = 13 months (p < 0.01). Two different selective media, Preston and CAT, were used for isolation of Campylobacter species. 104 Campylobacter isolates were identified to species level using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis techniques. Campylobacter upsaliensis predominated and was isolated from 39 dogs, C. jejuni from 10, C. coli from 2, C. helveticus from 2 and C. lari from 1 dog. Four dogs had mixed flora with 2 different Campylobacter species. These data clearly show that younger dogs in particular frequently shed thermophilic Campylobacter spp, which could be of impact for public health. To establish the zoonotic potential of canine Campylobacter isolates, both human and canine isolates have to be further characterized and compared.
authors: Swedish Zoonosis Center, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden. Eva.Olsson@sva.se
authors: Eva Olsson
authors: EO
authors: Engvall
authors: Boel
authors: B
authors: Brändstrom
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Andersson
authors: Viveca
authors: V
authors: Båverud
authors: Gunilla
authors: G
authors: Trowald-Wigh
authors: Lena
authors: L
authors: Englund
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002167:Campylobacter / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D004285:Dogs; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D015183:Restriction Mapping / Q000662:veterinary; D013548:Sweden; D015047:Zoonoses
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial