D313 - Campylobacter jejuni

Description:

Campylobacter jejuni is a gram-negative, microaerophilic organism that colonizes in the intestinal tract of animals, and is routinely associated with diarrheal disease. The isolation rate of C.jejuni varies according to the age and environmental background of the animal. Stray or group-housed animals have the higher fecal rates. Campylobacter jejuni has been isolated from approximately 25 to 35 per cent of diarrheic cats and dogs, respectively, compared with less than 5% isolated from normal cats and dogs. Puppies and kittens appear more likely to acquire Campylobacter jejuni and have clinical disease. The fecal-oral route is the primary means of organism spread, usually via contaminated food or water supplies. Meat, especially poultry, and unpasteurized milk have been commonly incriminated.
The severity of infection is dependent on prior exposure, number and virulence of organism ingested, development of protective antibody, and presence of other enteric pathogens. When clinical illness develops, it is usually in animals younger than 6 months of age. Campylobacter-associated diarrhea has a wide clinical spectrum ranging from loose feces to bloody mucoid diarrhea. The condition usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks.

Diagnosis:

PCR can be used as a conformation test for Campylobacter infection.

Sample:

Stool sample collected in a sterile container.

Special Handling:

Store sample at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D313