Isolation, Molecular Detection, and Risk Factors of Campylobacter Infection From Companion Dogs

Abstract

Background: Campylobacter is an organism that is usually associated with diarrhea in pet animals and humans, as well as other domestic, wild, and laboratory animals. Objective: The aim of the present survey was the isolation, molecular detection, and risk factors of Campylobacter infection from companion dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz district, the South-West of Iran. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs were examined by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods from 122 companion dogs (52 diarrheic and 70 clinically healthy). Several risk factors were reviewed, including age, gender, breed, nutrition status, and lifestyle. Results: The results showed that only five samples (4.1%) were positive for Campylobacter spp. in the culture method. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 18 out of 122 dogs by the PCR, yielding an overall prevalence of 14.8%. The most prevalent species of Campylobacter among the referred dogs were C. coli (38.89%) and C. jejuni (33.33%). A lower prevalence was found for C. upsaliensis (11.11%) and C. lari (5.55%). Concurrent infections were observed in two cases of C. upsaliensis + C. lari (5.55%) and C. coli + C. lari (5.55%). No significant difference was noted between healthy (11.43%) and diarrheic (19.23%) dogs (P>0.05). Eventually, age, gender, breed, nutrition status, and lifestyle had no significant effect on Campylobacter infection (P>0.05). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of Campylobacter was moderate in the dog population of Ahvaz district, these bacteria can constitute a public health hazard because of the frequent presence of Campylobacter species in the feces.

Prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter species infection of puppies in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region, Kenya

“…According to the current study, 57.7% of the puppies tested positive for Campylobacter species. This proportion was within the reported range of 8.58 to 75.7% in studies (Giacomelli et al 2015;Leahy et al 2017;Torkan et al 2018;Ma Socorro Edden and Gil 2018;Thepault et al 2020;Gharibi et al 2020). The differences in Campylobacter species prevalence among puppies observed in these studies may be attributable to variations in study methodology, management systems, and hygiene practices.…”

Molecular Prevalence and Risk Factors of Campylobacter Infection in Puppies in the Nairobi Metropolitan Region, Kenya

“…Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected 64 Campylobacter species (24.6%, 64/260) by targeting the 16S rRNA gene specific for these microorganisms. This proportion was within the range of 8.58% to 75.7% reported in studies done in the past five years [ 15 , 31 – 33 ]. The relatively high prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species observed in this study among puppies is a cause for concern, as their feces contaminate the environment and may serve as a source of infection for humans, particularly children.…”