Trowald-Wigh, Gunilla
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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 greater than or equal to13 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.
Published in
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
2003, volume: 35, number: 10, pages: 713-718
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS
SLU Authors
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00365540310014558
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/2477