77 (2) 92-96

Title: 
PCR detection of Campylobacter species in feces from dogs
Author(s): 
H. MOYAERT, L. CEELEN, J. DEWULF, F. HAESEBROUCK, F. PASMANS
Abstract: 

The presence of Campylobacter DNA was studied by means of PCR in fecal samples from 37 dogs sufferingfrom acute or chronic diarrhea and 50 dogs without clinical signs. In total, 47% of the fecal sampleswere positive for Campylobacter DNA, with C. upsaliensis being the predominant species, followed by C.coli, C. jejuni and C. mucosalis. C. helveticus, C. lari, C. hyointestinalis, C. sputorum, C. fetus and C. lanienaeDNAwas not detected in any of the samples. No significant difference was noted between the healthy dogsand the diarrheic dogs. Dogs younger than 12 months old were significantly more often infected withCampylobacter species than older dogs. Although a pathogenic role cannot be excluded, the detection ofthese organisms in fecal samples is not diagnostic for Campylobacter-associated disease in dogs. However,because of their frequent presence in dog feces, Campylobacter species may constitute a public healthhazard.

Full text: 
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