Avian wildlife reservoir of Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni, Yersinia spp., and Salmonella spp. in Norway

Salmonellae in avian wildlife in Norway from 1969 to 2000

Postmortem records of wild-living birds in Norway with laboratory-confirmed findings of salmonella infection were summarized for the period from 1969 to 2000. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 470 birds belonging to 26 species. The salmonella-positive birds included 441 small passerines, 15 gulls, 5 waterfowl, 4 birds of prey, 3 doves, and 2 crows. The bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) was by far the most frequently recorded species (54% of the cases). Salmonella enterica serover Typhimurium was recovered from all cases except from one hooded crow (Corvus corone), which yielded serovar Paratyphi-B var. Java. Variant O:4,12 comprised 96% (451 cases) of all serovar Typhimurium isolates, including all the passerines, while variant O:4,5,12 accounted for the remaining 4% (18 cases). The occurrence of salmonellae in small passerines showed a distinct seasonality, with a peak in February and March. Plasmid profile analysis of 346 isolates of serovar Typhimurium O:4,12 detected six profiles, of which two comprised 66 and 28% of the isolates, respectively. Phage typing of 52 randomly selected isolates of serovar Typhimurium O:4,12 from passerines detected four types: DT 40 (54%), U277 (35%), DT 99 (6%), and DT 110 (4%).

Validation of a polymerase chain reaction/restriction enzyme analysis method for species identification of thermophilic campylobacters isolated from domestic and wild animals

AIMS

To compare and evaluate a polymerase chain reaction/restriction enzyme analysis (PCR/REA) method with standard phenotypic tests for the identification and differentiation of the thermophilic campylobacters Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, C. lari and C. upsaliensis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-two presumptive thermophilic campylobacters from 12 different animal species were tested by a recently published PCR/REA and standard phenotypic tests. By PCR/REA, 95% of the isolates were clearly identified as either one of the four thermophilic Campylobacter species or as not belonging to this group of organisms at all. By standard phenotyping, 174 of the 182 isolates were initially identified as either C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari or C. upsaliensis. Additional genotypic tests and phenotyping showed that 52 of these identifications were either incorrect or unreliable. Of the C. jejuni isolates, 19% were identified as C. coli by initial phenotyping and 27 sheep isolates phenotyped as C. coli or C. lari were, in fact, arcobacters.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCR/REA was more reliable than standard phenotyping for the identification of thermophilic campylobacters from different animals.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Routinely used phenotypic tests often resulted in unreliable identifications, requiring additional testing. The PCR/REA, however, gave unequivocal results and was considered useful for the routine identification of thermophilic campylobacters from different animals.

Wild animals as reservoirs of infectious diseases in the UK

This review aims to illustrate the extent to which wildlife act as reservoirs of infectious agents that cause disease in domestic stock, pet and captive animals and humans. More than 40 agents are described. In the case of some of these, e.g. Cryptosporidium spp., Escherichia coli O157 and malignant catarrhal fever, the current evidence is that wildlife either does not act as a reservoir or is of limited importance. However, in the case of many important diseases, including bovine tuberculosis, Weil's disease, Lyme disease, avian influenza, duck virus enteritis and louping ill, wild animals are considered to be the principal source of infection. Wildlife may be involved in the epidemiology of other major diseases, such as neosporosis, Johne's disease, mucosal disease and foot and mouth disease, but further studies are needed. The UK would benefit from a more positive approach to the study of wildlife and the infections they harbour.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp in selected birds captured on California dairies

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp in wild birds commonly found on California dairies.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

ANIMALS

7 selected species of birds were captured on 9 dairies in Kings and Tulare counties, California.

PROCEDURE

Birds were captured (using traps and nets) and euthanatized, and the entire gastrointestinal tract was removed. Contents of the gastrointestinal tract were subjected to culture for Salmonella spp.

RESULTS

892 birds were captured, and Salmonella spp were isolated from 22 birds. The prevalence by dairy ranged from 0.7 to 16.7%, whereas the prevalence by bird species ranged from 1.2 to 3.2%. Cowbirds and English sparrows had the highest prevalence of Salmonella organisms. Five serotypes of Salmonella organisms were isolated, including Meleagridis, Montevideo, Muenster, Typhimurium, and an untyped serotype.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

On the basis of our findings, birds that commonly inhabit California dairies harbor Salmonella organisms. However, because of the low prevalence of Salmonella organisms in birds and the Salmonella serotypes isolated, birds are not important reservoirs of Salmonella organisms on California dairies.

Thermophilic campylobacters in surface water: a potential risk of campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter lari is one of the most frequently occurring acute gastroenteritis diseases in humans. An important risk factor is untreated drinking water. Thermotolerant campylobacters were isolated from Bø River water using 100-ml filtrate samples. Campylobacters were isolated from 32 of 60 samples (53.3%). Of the 75 strains isolated, 47 (62.7%) were detected using the enrichment procedure and 28 (37.2%) by direct plating of the filter. Campylobacter coli was the dominating species (44%) followed by Campylobacter jejuni (34.6%) and Campylobacter lari (14.7%). Five isolates (6.7%) could not be classified. Campylobacter were isolated without the occurrence of fecal coliforms indicating that fecal coliforms cannot be used as index bacteria to predict the occurrence of campylobacters. Case-control studies have indicated untreated drinking water and barbecuing as important risk factors, and waterborne campylobacteriosis has been caused by the three species isolated. The virulence factors of isolated environmental strains are not fully known. It was concluded that it is hazardous to use untreated surface water for drinking. Special efforts should be taken to avoid contamination of agricultural products from irrigation.

Survival of clinical and poultry-derived isolates of Campylobacter jejuni at a low temperature (4 degrees C)

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, and contamination of poultry has been implicated in illness. The bacteria are fastidious in terms of their temperature requirements, being unable to grow below ca. 31 degrees C, but have been found to be physiologically active at lower temperatures and to tolerate exposure to low temperatures in a strain-dependent manner. In this study, 19 field isolates of C. jejuni (10 of clinical and 9 of poultry origin) were studied for their ability to tolerate prolonged exposure to low temperature (4 degrees C). Although substantial variability was found among different strains, clinical isolates tended to be significantly more likely to remain viable following cold exposure than poultry-derived strains. In contrast, the relative degree of tolerance of the bacteria to freezing at -20 degrees C and freeze-thawing was strain specific but independent of strain source (poultry versus clinical) and degree of cold (4 degrees C) tolerance.

Comparison of genotypes and serotypes of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from Danish wild mammals and birds and from broiler flocks and humans

The incidence of human infection with Campylobacter jejuni is increasing in most developed countries and the reason for this is largely unknown. Although poultry meat is considered to be a major source, it is evident that other reservoirs exist, possibly common to humans and poultry. Environmental sources are believed to be important reservoirs of Campylobacter infection in broiler chicken flocks. We investigated the potential importance of wildlife as a source of infection in commercial poultry flocks and in humans by comparing the serotype distributions, fla types, and macrorestriction profiles (MRPs) of C. jejuni isolates from different sources. The serotype distribution in wildlife was significantly different from the known distributions in broilers and humans. Considerable sero- and genotype diversity was found within the wildlife collection, although two major groups of isolates within serotype O:12 and the O:4 complex were found. Common clonal lines among wildlife, chicken, and/or human isolates were identified within serotype O:2 and the O:4 complex. However, MRPs of O:12 and O:38 strains isolated from wildlife and other sources indicated that some clonal lines propagated in a wide selection of animal species but were not detected in humans or broilers in this study. The applied typing methods successfully identified different clonal groups within a strain collection showing large genomic diversity. However, the relatively low number of wildlife strains with an inferred clonal relationship to human and chicken strains suggests that the importance of wildlife as a reservoir of infection is limited.

The isolation and characterization of Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni from domestic geese (Anser anser)

AIMS

The objectives of this study were to determine the presence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in free range domestic geese, and to characterize isolated strains using phenotyping criteria and SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty cloacal swabs from two different flocks of domestic geese were examined. All Camp. jejuni strains isolated from geese were biotyped using the Lior biotyping scheme. Twelve Camp. jejuni isolates were also tested for their susceptibility to 17 different antibacterial agents by a disc diffusion

METHOD

Fourteen of the isolates were also subjected to SDS-PAGE. All of the geese examined were found to harbour Camp. jejuni. Six geese carried more than one species of Campylobacter. All strains examined were susceptible to various antibiotics but resistant to penicillin G and cephalothin. Eleven strains (92%) were resistant to sodium cefuroxime, and eight (67%) were resistant to cloxacillin, ampicillin and colistin sulphate. Three strains (25%) were resistant to tetracycline, and one strain was resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and kanamycin. Nine strains were subtyped as Camp. jejuni subsp. jejuni biotype II and the remaining ones as biotype I. There were 96% and 100% similarities between all the strains examined by SDS-PAGE.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that Camp. jejuni were common in the intestinal tract of domestic geese.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Geese should be considered as potential reservoirs for human and animal campylobacteriosis. The antibiotic resistance data from this study also showed that fluoroquinolone resistance, which appears to be a problem in poultry isolates in some countries, is not yet a problem in these geese.

Isolation and characterization of Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni from macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus) in the subantarctic region

On Bird Island, South Georgia, albatrosses (n = 140), penguins (n = 100), and fur seals (n = 206) were sampled for Campylobacter jejuni. C. jejuni subsp. jejuni was recovered from three macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus). These isolates, the first reported for the subantarctic region, showed low genetic diversity and high similarity to Northern Hemisphere C. jejuni isolates, possibly suggesting recent introduction to the area.

Detection of small numbers of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli cells in environmental water, sewage, and food samples by a seminested PCR assay

A rapid and sensitive assay was developed for detection of small numbers of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli cells in environmental water, sewage, and food samples. Water and sewage samples were filtered, and the filters were enriched overnight in a nonselective medium. The enrichment cultures were prepared for PCR by a rapid and simple procedure consisting of centrifugation, proteinase K treatment, and boiling. A seminested PCR based on specific amplification of the intergenic sequence between the two Campylobacter flagellin genes, flaA and flaB, was performed, and the PCR products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. The assay allowed us to detect 3 to 15 CFU of C. jejuni per 100 ml in water samples containing a background flora consisting of up to 8, 700 heterotrophic organisms per ml and 10,000 CFU of coliform bacteria per 100 ml. Dilution of the enriched cultures 1:10 with sterile broth prior to the PCR was sometimes necessary to obtain positive results. The assay was also conducted with food samples analyzed with or without overnight enrichment. As few as </=3 CFU per g of food could be detected with samples subjected to overnight enrichment, while variable results were obtained for samples analyzed without prior enrichment. This rapid and sensitive nested PCR assay provides a useful tool for specific detection of C. jejuni or C. coli in drinking water, as well as environmental water, sewage, and food samples containing high levels of background organisms.

Enteropathogenic bacteria in migrating birds arriving in Sweden

Birds have been thought to play a role in transmitting infectious agents like influenza, Borrelia and Salmonella. To investigate the role of migrating birds in the dispersal of enteropathogenic bacteria, stool samples from 151 wild birds (50 gulls and 101 passerines) just entering Sweden from their winter grounds were analysed for Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and EHEC O157:H7. The thermophilic isolated enteropathogens found were further analysed by antibiograms. Among the 50 gulls examined, we found 2 isolates of Salmonella typhimurium with multiple antibiotic resistance. Three isolates of C. jejuni were found in the 101 stool samples from passerines. We did not isolate EHEC O157:H7 in any of the bird stools examined.

Intestinal carriage of campylobacters, salmonellas, yersinias and listerias in pigeons in the city of Barcelona

The faecal bacterial flora of pigeons, which may be the source of infectious diseases in man, was studied in the city of Barcelona. Four hundred cloacal specimens were examined for Campylobacter jejuni, Camp. coli, Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. and Listeria spp., over a 12 month period. Campylobacter jejuni was the most frequently isolated micro-organism, found in 105 pigeons (26.2%), with a greater incidence in the districts of the city with a high density of pigeons and without seasonal variation. Salmonella spp. were isolated from six specimens (1.5%) and Yersinia intermedia was isolated from only one pigeon.

Salmonella contamination of the environment and its incidence in wild birds

In 1984-1991, the incidence of salmonellas was studied in wild birds from various sites in the Czech Republic. On an agricultural farm with salmonellosis in calves, salmonellae were isolated from eight birds (seven Passer domesticus, one Serinus serinus) of 31 birds examined. On various agricultural farms with no salmonellosis in farm animals, salmonellae were found in two birds (Columba livia f. domestica) of 2186 birds examined. Of 35 birds caught at a municipal waste-dump site, salmonellae were isolated from one specimen (Larus canus). No salmonellae were found in birds living in reed growths and in various military training areas (557 and 116 birds examined, respectively). In black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) from various areas with bodies of water, salmonellae were found in 4.2% of 189 adults and 19.2% of 740 non-flying young examined. S. typhimurium was the most common serotype isolated from gulls. Phage type 141 [corrected] represented 32% of 48 phage-typed strains. This study shows a relationship between the contamination of the environment with salmonellae and their incidence in wild birds.

Impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of recreational water

We evaluated the impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of water. We measured fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., and Aeromonas spp. in the gull droppings and the number of fecal coliforms in the water prior to and after attracting these birds to the beach with food. Gulls can contribute to the bacteriological degradation of recreational water.

Food-borne bacterial infections

The number of episodes of diseases caused by bacterial contamination of food has shown a real increase by about threefold in the last decade in the U.K. The numbers for 1992 are estimated to be 2 million. The causes are multifactorial and complex, and 4 representative pathogens are reviewed. The main increase in diseases due to salmonella has been caused by Salmonella enteritidis, especially from eggs. The commonest bacterial food pathogen is campylobacter, which causes an illness with specific season peaks in May and June. This may be related to the activities of birds and mammals. Both these bacteria cause common diseases that are rarely fatal. In contrast, Listeria and E. coli are ubiquitous but rarely produce disease; however, the consequences of any such illness are often dire. Procedures and techniques are available for the control of most of these diseases, but society does not seem determined to implement them.

Risk factors for sporadic Campylobacter infections: results of a case-control study in southeastern Norway

In 1989 and 1990, a case-control study designed to identify risk factors for sporadic infections with thermotolerant Campylobacter bacteria was conducted in three counties in southeastern Norway. The investigation was confined to infections which were acquired in Norway. A total of 52 bacteriologically confirmed cases and 103 controls matched by age, sex, and geographic region were interviewed. The following risk factors were found to be independently associated with illness in conditional logistic regression analysis: consumption of sausages at a barbecue (odds ratio [OR] = 7.64; P = 0.005), daily contact with a dog (OR = 4.26; P = 0.024), and eating of poultry which was brought into the house raw (frozen or refrigerated) (OR = 3.20; P = 0.024). The risk associated with consumption of sausages at a barbecue could not be attributed to cross-contamination from poultry products. By univariate analysis, consumption of poultry which was brought raw and frozen was associated with illness (OR = 2.42; P = 0.042), even though freezing substantially reduces the number of viable campylobacters. When poultry consumption was examined by country of origin, eating of poultry produced in Denmark or Sweden was strongly associated with illness (OR = 13.66; P = 0.014), whereas consumption of poultry produced in Norway was not (OR = 1.33; P = 0.41).

Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in young gulls, duration of Campylobacter infection and reinfection by contact

Two groups of three week old Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) were held to observe the carrier state with Campylobacter. All 27 birds of group I excreted Campylobacter jejuni biotype III when they were caught from their colony. Four weeks later all but one were negative, indicating that the carrier state lasts until about the seventh week of life, with self-elimination if infection with another Campylobacter species is prevented by housing in a closed environment as in this study. Only one bird became reinfected one year later when gulls from group I were brought into contact with gulls from group II, consisting of ten freshly caught gulls, four of which were infected with the same biotype of Campylobacter, indicating that there might be some kind of immunity protection against infection with the same biotype of Campylobacter spp.

Isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica serovar O8 from free-living small rodents in Japan

Yersinia species were isolated from 65 of 223 free-living small mammals trapped in 10 regions on Honshu Island in Japan. Of the 65 strains isolated, 1 was Yersinia enterocolitica serovar O3, 8 were Y. enterocolitica O5, 6 were Y. enterocolitica O8, 3 were Y. enterocolitica O9, and 1 was Yersinia pseudotuberculosis 4b. Of the six Y. enterocolitica O8 strains, five were positive for autoagglutination, Ca2+ dependence, and the 45-MDa virulence plasmid and showed high pathogenicity for mice.

Jackdaws and magpies as vectors of milkborne human Campylobacter infection

In 1990 we reported that milk bottles pecked by jackdaws and magpies were a probable source of human campylobacter infection. During April to June 1990 an extended study of campylobacter infections was carried out in the Gateshead area. Prior to the study a health education programme was undertaken in an attempt to reduce human infection. Fifty-nine cases of human infection were recorded and 52 were interviewed. Thirty were entered into a case control study which demonstrated a very strong association between consumption of pecked milk and human campylobacter infection (chi 2 = 12.6, P less than 0.0004). It was estimated that between 500 and 1000 jackdaws (Corvus monedula) were present in the area where milk bottles were pecked and 63 isolates of campylobacter were made from the bill and cloaca. Target bottles were put out in the early mornings and campylobacters were isolated from 12 of 123 pecked bottles. Typing of the campylobacters revealed a wide distribution of strains amongst birds, pecked milk and human infections. The health education programme had only limited success.

Frequency of isolation of campylobacter spp., Yersinia spp. and salmonella spp. from small mammals from two sites in Southern Britain

Small wild mammals were trapped at two sites in the United Kingdom: Skomer Island, Dyfed and a farm in Dorset. Faecal samples were collected from 43 rodents of two species on Skomer and tested for the presence of Yersinia. Samples of faeces and of material from the terminal ileum were collected from 141 animals of eight species in Dorset and tested for Campylobacter, Yersinia and Salmonella. In addition some samples of spleens from the Dorset animals were tested for Campylobacter. Four typable isolates of Campylobacter were obtained from the Dorset site, two from spleens from shrews and two from intestinal contents from a bank vole. Nineteen isolations of Yersinia were made from the Skomer animals and seventeen from animals in Dorset. No isolations of Salmonella were made from any of the animals sampled.

Bird attack on milk bottles: possible mode of transmission of Campylobacter jejuni to man

A case-control study was carried out to test the hypothesis that the rise in the rate of Campylobacter jejuni infection in the Brigend area of South Wales during May was due to the consumption or handling of milk from bottles that had been attacked by birds. 32 of 36 cases meeting the case definition were interviewed, along with 2 controls per case, matched for age, sex, and area of residence. There were strong associations between campylobacter infection and doorstep delivery of milk bottles, a history of milk bottle attack by birds, milk bottle attack by birds during the week before illness, and consumption of milk from attacked bottles during the week before illness. There was a very strong dose-response relation between frequency of bird attack and illness. Controls with a history of milk bottle attack by birds were more likely than cases to have taken preventive measures against bird attack and consumption of contaminated milk. Although few people witnessed the attacks, the likely culprits are magpies (Pica pica) and jackdaws (Corvus monedula).

[The occurrence and characterization of Campylobacter spp. in silver gulls (Larus argentatus), three-toed gulls (Rissa tridactyla) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus)]

Altogether 16 Campylobacter (C.) isolates could be recovered from 65 Herring gulls: 5 x C. laridis, 2 x C. jejuni biovar 1, 4 x C. jejuni biovar 2 and 5 x C. coli. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 15 out of 51 samples from Kittiwakes: 2 x C. jejuni biovar 1 and 13 x C. laridis. All C. coli isolates grew on agar containing 1.5% NaCl. Two Campylobacter isolates from 50 House sparrows differed from all other isolates by a distinct beta-hemolysis and other phenotypic characteristics and could not be associated with a certain Campylobacter species. Epidemiological aspects and the possible role of the examined birds as a source of infection for man and domestic animals are discussed.

Species and biotype distribution of thermotolerant campylobacters in animal reservoirs in southern Chile

The prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacters in mammals and birds from Southern Chile was determined. Campylobacters were isolated from 46.3% of the animals studied being C. jejuni biotipe 1 the most frequent (25.7%) followed by C. coli (17.4%) and C. jejuni biotipe 2 (3.2%).

Small rodents and other mammals associated with mountain meadows as reservoirs of Giardia spp. and Campylobacter spp

Sixty-five percent (469 of 722) of the fecal samples collected from small rodents in the central Washington Cascade mountains were positive for Giardia spp. Trapping studies showed that microtines of the genus Microtus were heavily infected with the parasite. Morphologically the cysts and trophozoites were of the Giardia duodenalis type. Small-rodent populations appear to maintain their infection throughout the year. Our data suggest that there is no difference in the percentage of positive animals in areas receiving a lot of human use as opposed to animals in those areas receiving very little or no human use. Giardia spp. were also found in elk and beaver fecal samples. Campylobacter spp. were recovered infrequently from the small rodents inhabiting alpine meadows. Of 551 specimens cultured, less than 1% were positive for the bacterium, and the isolates were identified as Campylobacter coli. Water voles were susceptible to a human isolate of Campylobacter jejuni and shed the bacterium for several weeks. C. jejuni was also isolated from a bear fecal sample collected from a protected watershed. Our studies indicate that microtines and possibly other small rodents inhabiting mountain meadows have a potential to act as a reservoir for both Giardia spp. and Campylobacter spp. Because these animals may carry human pathogens, they should be included in animal surveys designed to assess the health risks associated with mountain watersheds.

Isolation of Campylobacter spp. from pigeon feces by a combined enrichment-filtration technique

A technique combining enrichment in Preston enrichment broth and direct filtration onto chocolate agar was used to isolate Campylobacter species from pigeon feces. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 106 of 200 samples tested; 105 strains were isolated by enrichment-filtration, and 84 strains were isolated by direct plating. Most of the strains grew after 48 h at 37 degrees C.

Yersinia enterocolitica and related species isolated from wildlife in New York State

Fecal specimens for Yersinia screening were obtained from a variety of wild mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates throughout New York State. One specimen from each of 1,426 animals was examined. A total of 148 isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica and related species were obtained from 133 (9.3%) of the animals. Y. enterocolitica was isolated from 100 (7%) of the animals tested, including 81 (10%) of 812 mammals and 19 (3.3%) of 573 birds. Y. intermedia, Y. frederiksenii, and Y. kristensenii were isolated from 39 (2.7%), 5 (0.35%), and 4 (0.28%) animals, respectively. The 81 Y. enterocolitica isolates from mammals belonged to 15 serogroups and included three pathogens: two isolates of typical serogroup 0:8, the "American strain," one from a gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and one from a porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum); and one isolate of serogroup 0:3, bacteriophage type IXb, the "Canadian strain," from a gray fox. The most prevalent serogroups recovered from mammals were 0:6,31 (16 isolates) and 0:5,27 (6 isolates). The 19 isolates of Y. enterocolitica from birds belonged to nine serogroups and included one serogroup 0:6,31 isolate from a common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) and two serogroup 0:5,27 isolates from great horned owls (Bubo virginianus).

Epidemic campylobacteriosis associated with a community water supply

In May 1983, an estimated 865 cases of epidemic gastrointestinal disease occurred in Greenville, Florida. Surveillance of pharmacy sales of antidiarrheal medicines suggested that the outbreak was confined to Greenville and its immediate vicinity. Surveys demonstrated that the gastrointestinal illness attack rates inside and outside the city limits were 56 per cent (72/128) and 9 per cent (7/77), respectively (relative risk (RR) = 6.2); consumption of city water was associated with illness (RR = 12); and as water consumption increased, the attack rate also increased (p less than 0.001). Four adults were hospitalized and one outbreak-related case of Guillain-Barre' syndrome was identified. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from specimens from 11 ill persons; serologic studies showed the development of Campylobacter-specific antibodies. Fecal coliforms were found in water samples, but Campylobacter was not recovered from water. The city water plant, a deep well system, had numerous deficiencies including an unlicensed operator, a failure of chlorination, and open-top treatment towers. Birds were observed perching on the open-top treatment tower. Of 38 birds trapped seven weeks later, 37 per cent harbored C. jejuni; however, plasmid and serotyping studies showed that strains were not the same as the common strain from ill persons. This outbreak suggests that water systems that are unprotected from contact with birds may become contaminated and a source of outbreaks of human campylobacteriosis.

Survival of thermotolerant campylobacters in water

Three bacterial strains, classified as Campylobacter jejuni biotype 1, Campylobacter coli, and NARTG (nalidixic-acid-resistant thermophilic Campylobacters), were tested for survival in water specimens kept at 4, 12, and 20°C. Five different water milieus were compared: sterile physiological saline, chlorinated tap water, dechlorinated tap water, polluted river water, and sterile filtered river water. With few exceptions, all organisms survived better at 4°C than at 12 or 20°C, regardless of the water milieu. Briefest survival was detected at 20°C; no viable Campylobacters could be demonstrated after more than 2 days at this temperature. Of the 5 waiter milieus tested, the highest mean survival time for all strains was obtained with dechlorinated tap water. In this medium, all 3 strains remained viable for 15 days at 4°C, 10 days at 12°C, and 2 days ait 20°C. Briefest survival was obtained in chlorinated tap water. Even residual amounts of Cl₂ drastically reduced the survival of all strains tested. Only small variations in viability were detected for 2 of the strains tested after sterile filtration of a water source with a dense bacterial population. The results are discussed in relation to waterborne outbreaks of campylobacteriosis.

Occurrence of Campylobacter jejuni and Giardia species in muskrat (Ondatra zibethica)

A total of 189 muskrat fecal samples were surveyed for Campylobacter and Giardia species. Campylobacter jejuni was recovered from 47.5% of these samples, and Giardia species were detected in 82.5%. These findings indicate that muskrat may be of importance to the health both of humans and of domestic animals.

Serotyping of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter laridis from domestic and wild animals

By using 50 unabsorbed antisera, we were able to serotype 272 (65.7%) of 414 thermotolerant campylobacters from wild and domestic animals, on the basis of heat-stable antigens identified by means of passive hemagglutination. Forty-two serotypes were recognized. The pattern of serotypes detected in the various animal species was compared to human clinical isolates by using the Czekanowski index (proportional similarity index). The highest degree of similarity to the clinical isolates was observed for the poultry isolates, followed by strains from wild birds, flies, and pigs (in order of decreasing similarity). The serotypes recovered most frequently from poultry (LAU 1 and LAU 2) were also most prevalent in Norwegian patients. In contrast, serotype LAU 35/44, the predominant porcine serotype, was never recovered from human clinical specimens. Flies captured in chicken farms and in piggeries harbored serotypes which were also commonly seen in chickens and pigs, respectively. Nine of the strains included in this study could not be ascribed to any defined species. All of these were resistant to nalidixic acid and did not produce H2S.

Occurrence of Yersinia enterocolitica in wild-living birds and Japanese serows

Yersinia spp. were isolated from 34 of 500 birds representing nine species. The highest isolation rate, 5 of 21 (23.8%), was found in blue magpies (Cyanopia cyanus), followed by pheasants (Phasianus colchicus tohkaidi), 5 of 33 (15.2%); gray starlings (Sturnus cineraceus), 6 of 57 (10.5%); tree sparrows (Passer montanus), 1 of 14 (7.1%); bulbuls (Hypsipetes amaurotis), 4 of 57 (7.0%); crows (Corvus levailantii or Corvus corone), 7 of 117 (6.0%); eastern turtledoves (Streptopelia orientalis), 4 of 118 (3.4%); Chinese bamboo pheasants (Bumbusicola thoracica thoracica), 1 of 36 (2.8%); and domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), 1 of 47 (2.1%). The isolates were identified as Yersinia enterocolitica O:3, O:4, O:4,32, O:5A, O:6,30, O:7,8, and O:14, Yersinia frederiksenii, Yersinia intermedia, and Yersinia kristensenii. Yersinia spp. were isolated from 35 of 157 wild-living Japanese serows (Capricornis cripus). The isolates were identified as Y. enterocolitica O:4, O:4,32, O:5A, O:7, O:7,8, O:9, O:14, O:18, and O:34, Y. frederiksenii, Y. intermedia, and Y. kristensenii.

Serotyping and biotyping of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from sporadic cases and outbreaks in Norway

Of 172 thermophilic campylobacters isolated from human cases of gastroenteritis in Norway, 149 (86.6%) were classified as Campylobacter jejuni, whereas 23 isolates (13.4%) belonged to Campylobacter coli. C. jejuni biotype 1 comprised 66.3% and C. jejuni biotype 2 comprised 20.3% of the total number. Using 50 unabsorbed antisera, we were able to serotype 109 (80.1%) of 136 campylobacters on the basis of heat-stable antigens identified by means of passive hemagglutination. The typable strains fell into 36 different serotypes. A large proportion of the strains were isolated from travellers returning from abroad, a state of affairs which may have influenced the serotype and biotype distribution. Two family outbreaks were found to be caused by a bio-serotype common to all diseased members of the particular families. A third family outbreak and an outbreak among employees at a poultry processing plant each involved two distinct strains.

Growth and survival characteristics of Campylobacter jejuni in liquid egg

Growth and survival of four Campylobacter jejuni strains in yolk, in liquid whole egg and in white during aerobic storage at 37, 20 and 4 degrees C was followed. In 48 h at 37 degrees C the cell counts of C. jejuni increased by about 3 log10 units in yolk and 1.60-3.35(10) log units in liquid whole egg. The growth of C. jejuni was slightly better in yolk than in liquid whole egg. At 20 degrees C during 48 h the cell counts decreased by about 0.5-1.5 log10 units in yolk and in liquid whole egg. At 4 degrees C the decrease in cell counts after 21 days ranged from 1 to 2 log10 units, except for one strain, KH3, which could not be detected after 14 days storage in yolk. In liquid whole egg the cell counts of this strain also decreased considerably during storage. In white the number of inoculated C. jejuni cells decreased rapidly. The killing effect of white was shown to be temperature-dependent; at 37 and 20 degrees C no positive samples were detected after 24 h and at 4 degrees C no positive samples were found after 48 h.

Epidemiological aspects of enteritis due to Campylobacter spp. in Norway

Data pertaining to 249 patients with stool cultures positive for thermophilic campylobacters are presented. Campylobacters were isolated from about 3% of all cases of acute enteritis and occupied second place in the bacterial etiology of this syndrome following Salmonella spp. Concomitant isolation of salmonellae or shigellae or both was achieved in 40 (16.1%) of the patients infected with campylobacters. The results suggest a bimodal age distribution with highest rates in young adults aged 20 to 29 years and children below 10 years of age. A majority of the campylobacters were isolated from travellers returning from abroad, and, to a lesser extent, from immigrants, particularly from Asia. Immigrants accounted for 45.2% of the patients below 10 years of age. The number of cases increased during the warmer months of the year. Travelling habits could, at least in part, explain the observed seasonality, age distribution, and geographical origin of infection. Eight outbreaks of Campylobacter enteritis were detected, five of which were family outbreaks, whereas three involved people from different families.