title: Occurrence and strain diversity of Arcobacter species isolated from healthy Belgian pigs.
abstract: In this study, Arcobacter species were isolated from clinically healthy porkers and sows on four unrelated pig farms, using a quantitative isolation protocol. Isolates were identified by m-PCR, and fingerprints were distinguished by modified ERIC-PCR. The prevalence of Arcobacter in pigs ranged from 16 to 85%. Arcobacter excretion ranged from 0 to 10(4) CFUg(-1) feces. Arcobacter butzleri was the most frequently occurring species, but simultaneous shedding of two or three species occurred. Large heterogeneity among the Arcobacter species was detected in pigs and on the farms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van Driessche
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Houf
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vangroenweghe
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nollet
authors.forename: Lieven
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Zutter
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vandamme
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Hoof
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020640:Arcobacter / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001530:Belgium; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial