Burden and epidemiology of Campylobacter species in acute enteritis cases in Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter spp. is a significant etiological agent of bacterial gastroenteritis globally. In Burkina Faso (BFA), the actual impact of this pathogen on gastroenteritis is considerably underestimated, primarily due to inadequate surveillance systems. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the proportion of Campylobacter species responsible for acute gastroenteritis among patients of all ages in urban and rural areas of BFA, using molecular biology techniques. STUDY DESIGN & METHODS: Between 2018 and 2021, faecal specimens were obtained from 1,295 individuals presenting with acute gastroenteritis. These samples underwent screening for the Campylobacter coli/jejuni/lari complex utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Subsequently, positive samples were subjected to species-level differentiation through the application of species-specific primers. RESULTS: Campylobacter spp. was detected in 25.0% (324/1,295) of the samples analysed. The majority of positive samples (95%, 308/324) were obtained from children under 5 years of age. Species identification was performed on a subset of 114 isolates, revealing 51 Campylobacter jejuni, 10 Campylobacter coli, and 53 Campylobacter isolates that remained unspeciated. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals a significant prevalence of Campylobacter species among patients with acute gastroenteritis, with a particularly high incidence observed in children under 5 years of age. Based on these findings, the implementation of routine Campylobacter surveillance in public health laboratories is strongly recommended to better monitor and address this health concern.

Hygiene performance rating at farm level - an auditing scheme for evaluation of biosecurity measures' effect on prevalence of Campylobacter from selected broiler producers.

BACKGROUND: Preventing pathogens from entering the broiler premises is the main biosecurity measure at farm level. In conventional broiler production, chickens are kept indoors during the entire production period. Pathogens can enter the broiler-producing unit from sources such as water, equipment, personnel, insects, and rodents. The possible routes must be controlled, and corrective measures applied when necessary. The objective of this study was to (1) develop a hygiene protocol and test the scheme on 30 farms, and (2) compare the results to their Campylobacter-colonised status. A Hygiene Performance Rating protocol at farm level (HPR-F) was developed to systematically review the production to identify risk areas to biosecurity. The HPR-F consists of 13 categories with related questions. For each question, a score was given from 1 to 3, where 1 meant "acceptable", 2 was "potential for improvements", and 3 was "not acceptable". Scores for each question were multiplied with weight factors for hygienic impact and economic consequences describing whether the necessary improvement depends on a significant investment or is a cheap quick-fix and calculated into a percentage where 100% is perfect hygiene. The 30 farms in the study were selected from one county in Norway. The Campylobacter-results for each of the 30 farms in 2019-2021 were given according to rules in the Norwegian Action Plan against Campylobacter faecal sampling on-farm 3-6 days prior to slaughter. RESULTS: The overall results from the HPR-F showed that the general hygiene level was high in all farms. The mean total hygiene score was 82% and varied from 70 to 92%. The category Handling dead chicken had the highest hygiene score (93%), and Ventilation had the lowest score (55%). The HPR-F results were compared to the Campylobacter-status for the 30 farms: Campylobacter-negative flocks had slightly higher total scores than Campylobacter-positive flocks (P = 0.19). Among others, the category Outdoor area (vegetation close to the premises' walls) was identified as the most stable factor in relation to be colonised with Campylobacter. CONCLUSIONS: The HPR-F tested in this research trial provides a tool for veterinarians, advisors, and poultry farmers to improve biosecurity at farm level and enhance the preventive animal health initiatives.

Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia in a leukemic child: a nearly missed diagnosis.

Globally, Campylobacter spp. are responsible for most cases of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in humans and although rare, extraintestinal Campylobacter infections have been described. A 2-yearold neutropenic girl with underlying precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with a 3-day history of diarrhea. Her stool culture yielded no enteric bacterial pathogens. However, when her blood culture was flagged as positive for bacterial growth, no colonies could be observed on routine bacteriological isolation media. Nonetheless, gram-negative bacilli with seagull and spiral morphologies were seen when the surface of the isolation media used to subculture her blood was Gram-stained. Bacterial colonies were only visible when a subculture was attempted on a Campylobacter blood-free selective agar medium. The organism was identified as Campylobacter jejuni by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Since the organism was erythromycin-resistant and the patient's age precluded the use of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic regimen consisting of piperacillin-tazobactam and gentamicin was commenced. Her C. jejuni bacteremia resolved following eight days of antibiotic therapy.

Diametral influence of deoxynivalenol (DON) and deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) on the growth of Campylobacter jejuni with consequences on the bacterial transcriptome.

BACKGROUND: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a type B trichothecene mycotoxin that is commonly found in cereals and grains worldwide. The presence of this fungal secondary-metabolite raises public-health concerns at both the agriculture and food industry level. Recently, we have shown that DON has a negative impact on gut integrity, a feature also noticed for Campylobacter (C.) jejuni. We further demonstrated that DON increased the load of C. jejuni in the gut and inner organs. In contrast, feeding the less toxic DON metabolite deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) to broilers reduced the Campylobacter load in vivo. Consequently, it can be hypothesized that DON and DOM-1 have a direct effect on the growth profile of C. jejuni. The aim of the present study was to further resolve the nature of this interaction in vitro by co-incubation and RNA-sequencing. RESULTS: The co-incubation of C. jejuni with DON resulted in significantly higher bacterial growth rates from 30 h of incubation onwards. On the contrary, the co-incubation of C. jejuni with DOM-1 reduced the CFU counts, indicating that this DON metabolite might contribute to reduce the burden of C. jejuni in birds, altogether confirming in vivo data. Furthermore, the transcriptomic profile of C. jejuni following incubation with either DON or DOM-1 differed. Co-incubation of C. jejuni with DON significantly increased the expression of multiple genes which are critical for Campylobacter growth, particularly members of the Flagella gene family, frr (ribosome-recycling factor), PBP2 futA-like (Fe3+ periplasmic binding family) and PotA (ATP-binding subunit). Flagella are responsible for motility, biofilm formation and host colonization, which may explain the high Campylobacter load in the gut of DON-fed broiler chickens. On the contrary, DOM-1 downregulated the Flagella gene family and upregulated ribosomal proteins. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the adaptive mechanisms involved in the transcriptional response of C. jejuni to DON and its metabolite DOM-1, based on the following effects: (a) ribosomal proteins; (b) flagellar proteins; (c) engagement of different metabolic pathways. The results provide insight into the response of an important intestinal microbial pathogen against DON and lead to a better understanding of the luminal or environmental acclimation mechanisms in chickens.

Using Online Surveys for Routine Campylobacter Case Investigations in Colorado, September 2020-December 2021.

CONTEXT: Routine case investigations are critical for enteric disease control and surveillance. Given limited resources and staffing, public health agencies are exploring more efficient case investigation methods. OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe the advantages and disadvantages of using online surveys to supplement routine enteric disease case investigations. DESIGN: We evaluated routine Campylobacter interview data collected via telephone vs online by interviewers with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. SETTING AND PARTICIPATION: Colorado laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter cases reported from September 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We calculated modality preference, response rates, and data quality (missing and unknown answers) and compared demographics (age, gender, and urban vs rural) by modality. Estimated staff time savings and investigation timeliness were compared. RESULTS: Modality preference was split among the 966 contacted Campylobacter cases (46% telephone, 50% online, and 4% refusal). Among online respondents, 57% completed the survey for an overall 63% response rate. Females and those 18 to 44 years of age were most likely to select (55%, 60%) and complete (57%, 66%) the online survey, while those under 18 and over 65 years of age were least likely to select (47%, 45%) or complete (53%, 46%). Those who identified as non-Hispanic Black were most likely to select online (62%), whereas those who identified as mixed-race non-Hispanic and non-Hispanic White had the highest completion (78%, 60%). Modality preference was comparable by geography; however, rural residents had higher completion rates (61%). Data quality and completeness were comparable between modalities. Completing the 274 online surveys via telephone would have taken an estimated 78 hours of additional staff time. CONCLUSIONS: Online surveys can increase public health efficiency and capacity while maintaining data quality. However, use should be limited to high-burden, low-resource pathogens due to reduced response rates. Understanding implementation best practices and conducting regular evaluation are critical for optimization.

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli infection, determinants and antimicrobial resistance patterns among under-five children with diarrhea in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Children with under-five year age disproportionally affected with foodborne illness. Campylobacteriosis is the most common foodborne disease next to Norovirus infection. Macrolides are commonly prescribed as the first line of treatment for Campylobacter gastroenteritis, with fluoroquinolone and tetracycline as secondary options. However, resistance to these alternatives has been reported in various regions worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, associated risk-factors and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli among under-five children with diarrhea. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2022 to April 2023. The study sites were selected using a random sampling technique, while the study subjects were included using a convenient sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were inoculated onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar and incubated for 48 hours. The suspected colonies were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry to confirm the species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a disc diffusion technique. All potential covariates (independent variables) were analyzed one by one using bivariate logistic regression model to identify candidate variables with P value < 0.25. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to identify potential associated factors using the candidate variables. A p value ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was statistically significant. RESULT: Among the 428 samples, 7.0% (CI: 4.5-9.3) were confirmed Campylobacter species. The prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli among under-five children was 5.1% (CI: 3.0-7.0) and 1.9% (CI: 0.7-3.3), respectively. C. jejuni (73.3%) was dominant over C. coli (26.7%). The resident, contact with domestic animals, and parents/guardians education level were significantly associated with campylobacteriosis among under-five children. One-third of the Campylobacter isolates (33.3%, 10/30) were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline whereas 10.0% (3/30) were resistant to erythromycin. Furthermore, 3.3% (1/30) of the Campylobacter were found to be multidrug-resistant. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Campylobacter species was 7.0%. The resistance rate of Campylobacter species of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline-resistance strains was 33.3%. Peri-urban residence, contact with domestic animals, and low parental educational statuses were significantly associated factors with increased risk of Campylobacter infection. Continuous surveillance on antimicrobial resistance and health education of personal and environmental hygiene should be implemented in the community.

Five centuries of genome evolution and multi-host adaptation of Campylobacter jejuni in Brazil.

Consumption of raw, undercooked or contaminated animal food products is a frequent cause of Campylobacter jejuni infection. Brazil is the world's third largest producer and a major exporter of chicken meat, yet population-level genomic investigations of C. jejuni in the country remain scarce. Analysis of 221 C. jejuni genomes from Brazil shows that the overall core and accessory genomic features of C. jejuni are influenced by the identity of the human or animal source. Of the 60 sequence types detected, ST353 is the most prevalent and consists of samples from chicken and human sources. Notably, we identified the presence of diverse bla genes from the OXA-61 and OXA-184 families that confer beta-lactam resistance as well as the operon cmeABCR related to multidrug efflux pump, which contributes to resistance against tetracyclines, macrolides and quinolones. Based on limited data, we estimated the most recent common ancestor of ST353 to the late 1500s, coinciding with the time the Portuguese first arrived in Brazil and introduced domesticated chickens into the country. We identified at least two instances of ancestral chicken-to-human infections in ST353. The evolution of C. jejuni in Brazil was driven by the confluence of clinically relevant genetic elements, multi-host adaptation and clonal population growth that coincided with major socio-economic changes in poultry farming.

Oral curcumin ameliorates acute murine campylobacteriosis.

Introduction: Human infections with the food-borne enteropathogen Campylobacter jejuni are responsible for increasing incidences of acute campylobacteriosis cases worldwide. Since antibiotic treatment is usually not indicated and the severity of the enteritis directly correlates with the risk of developing serious autoimmune disease later-on, novel antibiotics-independent intervention strategies with non-toxic compounds to ameliorate and even prevent campylobacteriosis are utmost wanted. Given its known pleiotropic health-promoting properties, curcumin constitutes such a promising candidate molecule. In our actual preclinical placebo-controlled intervention trial, we tested the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects of oral curcumin pretreatment during acute experimental campylobacteriosis. Methods: Therefore, secondary abiotic IL-10-/- mice were challenged with synthetic curcumin via the drinking water starting a week prior oral C. jejuni infection. To assess anti-pathogenic, clinical, immune-modulatory, and functional effects of curcumin prophylaxis, gastrointestinal C. jejuni bacteria were cultured, clinical signs and colonic histopathological changes quantitated, pro-inflammatory immune cell responses determined by in situ immunohistochemistry and intestinal, extra-intestinal and systemic pro-inflammatory mediator measurements, and finally, intestinal epithelial barrier function tested by electrophysiological resistance analysis of colonic ex vivo biopsies in the Ussing chamber. Results and discussion: Whereas placebo counterparts were suffering from severe enterocolitis characterized by wasting symptoms and bloody diarrhea on day 6 post-infection, curcumin pretreated mice, however, were clinically far less compromised and displayed less severe microscopic inflammatory sequelae such as histopathological changes and epithelial cell apoptosis in the colon. In addition, curcumin pretreatment could mitigate pro-inflammatory innate and adaptive immune responses in the intestinal tract and importantly, rescue colonic epithelial barrier integrity upon C. jejuni infection. Remarkably, the disease-mitigating effects of exogenous curcumin was also observed in organs beyond the infected intestines and strikingly, even systemically given basal hepatic, renal, and serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators measured in curcumin pretreated mice on day 6 post-infection. In conclusion, the anti-Campylobacter and disease-mitigating including anti-inflammatory effects upon oral curcumin application observed here highlight the polyphenolic compound as a promising antibiotics-independent option for the prevention from severe acute campylobacteriosis and its potential post-infectious complications.

Campylobacter occurrence and antimicrobial resistance profile in under five-year-old diarrheal children, backyard farm animals, and companion pets.

Campylobacteriosis disproportionately affects children under five in low-income countries. However, epidemiological and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) information at the children-animal interface is lacking. We hypothesized that Campylobacter is a major cause of enteritis in children in Ethiopia, and contact with animals is a potential source of transmission. The objective of the study was to determine Campylobacter occurrence and its AMR in children under five with diarrhea, backyard farm animals, and companion pets. Stool from 303 children and feces from 711 animals were sampled. Campylobacter was isolated through membrane filtration on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar plates under microaerobic incubation, and the technique showed to be feasible for use in regions lacking organized laboratories. Typical isolates were characterized with MALDI-TOF MS and multiplex PCR. Of 303 children, 20% (n = 59) were infected, with a higher proportion in the 6 to 11-month age group. Campylobacter occurred in 64% (n = 14) of dogs and 44% (n = 112) of poultry. Campylobacter jejuni was present in both a child and animal species in 15% (n = 23) of 149 households positive for Campylobacter. MICs using the gradient strip diffusion test of 128 isolates displayed resistance rates of 20% to ciprofloxacin and 11% to doxycycline. MICs of ciprofloxacin and doxycycline varied between C. coli and C. jejuni, with higher resistance in C. coli and poultry isolates. Campylobacter infection in children and its prevalent excretion from backyard poultry and dogs is a understudied concern. The co-occurrence of C. jejuni in animals and children suggest household-level transmission As resistance to ciprofloxacin and doxycycline was observed, therapy of severe campylobacteriosis should consider susceptibility testing. Findings from this study can support evidence-based diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment, and further investigations on the spread of AMR mechanisms for informed One Health intervention.

Assessment of probiotic Bacillus velezensis supplementation to reduce Campylobacter jejuni colonization in chickens.

Campylobacter jejuni continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. Poultry are recognized as the main reservoir for this foodborne pathogen. Implementing measures to decrease C. jejuni colonization on farms has been regarded as the most effective strategy to control the incidence of campylobacteriosis. The probiotics supplementation has been regarded as an attractive approach against C. jejuni in chickens. Here the inhibitory effects of one probiotic B. velezensis isolate CAU277 against C. jejuni was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antimicrobial activity showed that the supernatant of B. velezensis exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effects on Campylobacter strains compared to other bacterial species. When co-cultured with B. velezensis, the growth of C. jejuni reduced significantly from 7.46 log10 CFU/mL (24 h) to 1.02 log10 CFU/mL (48 h). Further, the antimicrobial activity of B. velezensis against C. jejuni remained stable under a broad range of temperature, pH, and protease treatments. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that oral administration of B. velezensis significantly reduced the colonization of C. jejuni by 2.0 log10 CFU/g of feces in chicken cecum at 15 d postinoculation. In addition, the supplementary of B. velezensis significantly increased microbial species richness and diversity in chicken ileum, especially enhanced the bacterial population of Alistipes and Christensenellaceae, and decreased the existence of Lachnoclostridium. Our study presents that B. velezensis possesses antimicrobial activities against C. jejuni and promotes microbiota diversity in chicken intestines. These findings indicate a potential to develop an effective probiotic additive to control C. jejuni infection in chicken.

[A case of recurrent Campylobacter fetus meningitis, occurring two months after the |initial infection was successfully treated].

A 43-year-old man was admitted to our department due to fever and headache. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed bacterial meningitis. Campylobacter species were isolated from blood cultures on the third day of admission. The patient was treated with meropenem (MEPM) and discharged on the 17th day. However, he experienced a recurrence of meningitis and was readmitted on the 68th day, initiating MEPM therapy. Campylobacter fetus was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid cultures on the 74th day. MEPM was continued until the 81st day, followed by one month of minocycline (MINO) therapy. The patient had an uneventful recovery without further recurrence. This case highlights the potential for recurrence of Campylobacter fetus meningitis approximately two months after the resolution of the initial infection. In addition to carbapenem therapy for at least two weeks, the adjunctive administration of MINO may be beneficial.

Descriptive epidemiology of spotty liver disease in Australian cage-free brown egg layer chicken flocks with a scratch area.

Spotty Liver Disease (SLD), caused by Campylobacter hepaticus or C. bilis infection in adult female chickens continues to emerge as a major disease problem in cage-free production systems. Free range production has become the predominant system in Australian egg production and SLD is widespread in these farms. Previous studies have identified having a scratch area as a key determinant for SLD occurrence. An Australia-wide survey of egg production flocks with scratch areas was conducted regarding SLD including 48 individual flocks. Descriptive information on the facilities and flock management practices was reported. The incidence of SLD, age of first outbreak, initial mortality rate, duration of elevated mortality, and magnitude and duration of any associated egg production decline are described. Recurrence of SLD in the same flock was also reported and discussed. Therapies applied were recorded and assessed across SLD severity and duration. SLD occurred in 66.7% of layer flocks whose facility included a scratch area. Recurrent SLD outbreaks occurred in 31% of flocks experiencing SLD. Antibiotic medication reduced duration of mortality and egg production decline. Antibiotic therapy was associated with reduced duration of mortality and a less severe and shorter duration of egg production drops compared to untreated flocks. PCR detection of C. hepaticus in cloacal swabs and house dust samples and a serological ELISA test were compared and evaluated as diagnostic aids or as possible predictors of SLD outbreaks. The ELISA showed substantial agreement with detection of C. hepaticus in cloacal swabs by PCR. Examining composite house dust samples by PCR for C. hepaticus DNA appeared to be the most convenient and cost-effective aid to diagnosis and as a putative predictor for SLD outbreaks.

Phenotypic, genotypic and proteomic variations between poor and robust colonizing Campylobacter jejuni strains.

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the major causes of bacterial gastrointestinal disease in humans worldwide. This foodborne pathogen colonizes the intestinal tracts of chickens, and consumption of chicken and poultry products is identified as a common route of transmission. We analyzed two C. jejuni strains after oral challenge with 105 CFU/ml of C. jejuni per chick; one strain was a robust colonizer (A74/C) and the other a poor colonizer (A74/O). We also found extensive phenotypic differences in growth rate, biofilm production, and in vitro adherence, invasion, intracellular survival, and transcytosis. Strains A74/C and A74/O were genotypically similar with respect to their whole genome alignment, core genome, and ribosomal MLST, MLST, flaA, porA, and PFGE typing. The global proteomes of the two congenic strains were quantitatively analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and 618 and 453 proteins were identified from A74/C and A74/O isolates, respectively. Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses showed that carbon metabolism and motility proteins were distinctively overexpressed in strain A74/C. The robust colonizer also exhibited a unique proteome profile characterized by significantly increased expression of proteins linked to adhesion, invasion, chemotaxis, energy, protein synthesis, heat shock proteins, iron regulation, two-component regulatory systems, and multidrug efflux pump. Our study underlines phenotypic, genotypic, and proteomic variations of the poor and robust colonizing C. jejuni strains, suggesting that several factors may contribute to mediating the different colonization potentials of the isogenic isolates.

Evaluation of the prevalence of Aeromonas spp., Campylobacter spp., and Clostridioides difficile in immunocompromised children with diarrhea.

AIM: Diarrhea is a common disease in immunocompromised patients and can be associated with greater morbidity and even mortality. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the prevalence of Aeromonas spp., Campylobacter spp., and C. difficile among immunocompromised children. METHODS: This study was conducted on 130 stool samples from patients with diarrhea who had defects in the immune system and were referred to Hazrat Masoumeh Children's Hospital in Qom. Demographic information, clinical symptoms, immune status, and duration of chemotherapy were also recorded for each child. DNAs were extracted from the stool, and then direct PCR assays were done by specific primers for the detection of Aeromonas spp., Campylobacter spp., and toxigenic C. difficile, including tcdA/B and cdtA/B genes. Co-infection in patients was also evaluated. RESULTS: 60.8% and 39.2% were male and female, respectively, with a m ± SD age of 56.72 ± 40.49 months. Most cases of immunocompromised states were related to Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (77.7%) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (14.6%). 93.1% of patients were undergoing chemotherapy during the study. Among patients, most clinical symptoms were related to bloody diarrhea (98.5%) and fever (92.3%). Based on PCR, 14.6, 9.2, and 1.5% were positive for Aeromonas spp., C. difficile, and C. jejuni, respectively. Among the C. difficile-positive cases, the tcdA gene was only detected in one patient. In total, three co-infections were identified, which included Aeromonas spp./C. difficile (tcdA+), C. jejuni/C. difficile, and C. jejuni/Aeromonas spp. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Iran to investigate the simultaneous prevalence of some pathogens in immunocompromised children with diarrhea. Because Aeromonas spp., Campylobacter spp., and C. difficile are not routinely detected in some laboratories, infections caused by them are underappreciated in the clinic. Our results showed that these pathogens are present in our region and can cause gastroenteritis in children, especially those with underlying diseases. Therefore, increasing the level of hygiene in some areas and controlling bacterial diarrheal diseases should be given more attention by health officials.

Antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion promotes intestinal colonization by Campylobacter jejuni in mice.

BACKGROUND: To establish a method to induce Campylobacter jejuni colonization in the intestines of C57BL/6 mice through antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion. RESULTS: Fifty-four female C57BL/6 mice were divided into the normal, control, and experimental groups. The experimental group was administered intragastric cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium (50 mg/mL) for 2 days; then, the experimental and control mice were intragastrically administered 200 µL C. jejuni, which was repeated once more after 2 days. Animal feces were collected, and the HipO gene of C. jejuni was detected using TaqMan qPCR from day 1 to day 14 after modeling completion. Immunofluorescence was used to detect intestinal C. jejuni colonization on day 14, and pathological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, 16S rDNA analyses of the intestinal contents were conducted on day 14. In the experimental group, C. jejuni was detected in the feces from days 1 to 14 on TaqMan qPCR, and immunofluorescence-labeled C. jejuni were visibly discernable in the intestinal lumen. The intestinal mucosa was generally intact and showed no significant inflammatory-cell infiltration. Diversity analysis of the colonic microbiota showed significant inter-group differences. In the experimental group, the composition of the colonic microbiota differed from that in the other 2 groups at the phylum level, and was characterized by a higher proportion of Bacteroidetes and a lower proportion of Firmicutes. CONCLUSIONS: Microbiome depletion induced by cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium could promote long-term colonization of C. jejuni in the intestines of mice.

Campylobacteriosis and Control Strategies against Campylobacters in Poultry Farms.

Campylobacteriosis is a significant foodborne illness caused by Campylobacter bacteria. It is one of the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis worldwide, with poultry being a major reservoir and source of infection in humans. In poultry farms, Campylobacters colonize the intestinal tract of chickens and contaminate meat during processing. Vaccines under development against Campylobacters in poultry showed partial or no protection against their cecal colonization. Therefore, this review will elaborate on campylobacteriosis and emphasize the control strategies and recent vaccine trials against Campylobacters in poultry farms. The epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Campylobacter infection, along with specific mention of poultry Campylobacter contamination events in Malaysia, will also be discussed.

Prevalence and characterization of aminoglycoside resistance gene aph(2")-If-carrying Campylobacter jejuni.

Campylobacter jejuni is recognized as a significant foodborne pathogen, and recent studies have indicated a rising trend of aminoglycosides resistance gene aph(2″)-If among C. jejuni isolates from food-producing animals in China. However, systematic information about aph(2″)-If-positive C. jejuni from food-producing animals and other sources worldwide based on whole-genome analysis remains a knowledge gap. In this study, we aimed to analyze the worldwide distribution, genetic environment and phylogenetic tree of aph(2″)-If by utilizing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data obtained, coupled with information in the GenBank database. A total of 160C. jejuni isolates in the GenBank database and 14C. jejuni isolates in our laboratory carrying aph(2″)-If gene were performed for further analysis. WGS analysis revealed the global distribution of aph(2″)-If among C. jejuni from 6 countries. Multilocus Sequence Typing(MLST) results indicated that 70 STs were involved in the dissemination of aph(2″)-If, with ST10086 being the predominant ST. Whole-genome Multilocus Sequence Typing(wg-MLST) analysis according to times, countries, and origins of C. jejuni isolation further demonstrated a close relationship between aph(2″)-If carrying C. jejuni isolates from farm and food. The findings also revealed the existence of 32 distinct types of genetic environments surrounding aph(2″)-If among these isolates. Notably, Type 30, characterized by the arrangement ISsag10-deoD-ant(9)-hp-hp-aph(2″)-If, emerged as the predominant genetic environment. In conclusion, our analysis provides the inaugural perspective on the worldwide distribution of aph(2″)-If. This resistance gene demonstrates horizontal transferability and regional diffusion in a clonal pattern. The close association observed among aph(2″)-If-positive C. jejuni strains isolated from poultry, food, and clinical environments underscores the potential for zoonotic transmission from these isolates.

Epidemiological and molecular investigations of sequential outbreaks of Campylobacter jejuni infecting adults and schoolchildren in southeastern China, 2021-2022.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate cases of five Campylobacter jejuni outbreaks and describe laboratory characteristics of these infections. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing and conventional methods were combined to thoroughly investigate the outbreaks, and data of contemporaneous sporadic cases was included for comparison. RESULTS: Seven sequence types (STs) of C. jejuni caused 83 cases, including ST9079 which recurred across 2 years. Trace-back investigation could not identify any food items of infection but detected identical campylobacters from food contacts. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled genetic closeness between outbreak strains and some concurrent sporadic strains, indicating local campylobacteriosis may not be wholly sporadic but rather a series of linked cases. Virulence genes disclosed species/case-specific signatures to differentiate outbreaks from truly non-outbreak strains. Resistance to fluoroquinolones and/or macrolides was prevalent (90.8%, 108/119), with a noteworthy portion exhibiting multidrug resistance (31.1%, 37/119). Five types of plasmids were harbored among outbreak isolates, of which one plasmid harboring anti-stress and resistant genes was rarely found in C. jejuni. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported sequential outbreak of C. jejuni in China. Our observations help to define the genomic landscape and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Campylobacter, emphasizing the need for a broader 'One Health' perspective to combat the threats posed by campylobacteriosis.

Campylobacter jejuni virulence factors: update on emerging issues and trends.

Campylobacter jejuni is a very common cause of gastroenteritis, and is frequently transmitted to humans through contaminated food products or water. Importantly, C. jejuni infections have a range of short- and long-term sequelae such as irritable bowel syndrome and Guillain Barre syndrome. C. jejuni triggers disease by employing a range of molecular strategies which enable it to colonise the gut, invade the epithelium, persist intracellularly and avoid detection by the host immune response. The objective of this review is to explore and summarise recent advances in the understanding of the C. jejuni molecular factors involved in colonisation, invasion of cells, collective quorum sensing-mediated behaviours and persistence. Understanding the mechanisms that underpin the pathogenicity of C. jejuni will enable future development of effective preventative approaches and vaccines against this pathogen.

Developing a selective culturing approach for Campylobacter hepaticus.

Campylobacter hepaticus, the causative agent of Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) is an important disease in cage-free egg producing chickens causing mortality and production drops. C. hepaticus is a slow growing Campylobacter easily overgrown by fecal bacteria. It is currently only reliably isolatable from bile samples. A selective media for isolation from feces or environment would assist diagnosis and impact assessment. Growth of five Australian C. hepaticus isolates was studied using Horse blood agar (HBA), sheep blood agar (SBA), Bolton, Preston and Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) base media. Blood and/or bile were added to Bolton, Preston and BHI medias. C. jejuni was used as a positive control. Plates were incubated in duplicate under microaerophilic conditions at 42°C for 10 days and examined at days 3-5 and 7-10 of incubation. Each isolate was examined for sensitivity to 14 antimicrobials using HBA sensitivity plates. Growth was inhibited by BHI and by added bile, while blood improved growth. Further replicates using SBA, HBA, Bolton and Preston media showed best growth on Bolton agar with blood. All five C. hepaticus isolates were resistant to trimethoprim and vancomycin, while four were also resistant to rifampicin and bacitracin. Media based upon Bolton plus blood supplemented with vancomycin and trimethoprim might be used as the most appropriate media for selective growth of C. hepaticus. The addition of bile to media for C. hepaticus isolation and growth will inhibit growth and is not advised.