Isolation and characterization of Campylobacter spp. from domestic animals and poultry in south of Iran.

This research examined fecal samples from domestic animals and poultry in Southern Iran to identify the presence of different types of Campylobacter spp., with results indicating a significant presence especially among poultry.

Research Process

• The research involved collecting and analyzing fecal samples from 455 domestic animals and poultry including cows, horses, camels, and various types of poultry in the southern part of Iran.
• The purpose was to identify and categorize the presence of different bacteria strains of the species Campylobacter spp.

Findings

• Among all samples, the highest rate of Campylobacter presence was found in poultry at 35%, followed by horses at 27% and cows at 21%.
• Campylobacter was least found in samples from camels.
• Out of 85 isolated strains of Campylobacter, 76 were classified as being catalase positive, indicating an ability to thrive in an oxygen-rich environment.
• The most regularly occurring catalase positive Campylobacter was Campylobacter jejuni, with this strain found in all sources investigated except for camels.
• Biotypes, or groups of organisms that share common physical and genetic characteristics, were also identified among the identified Campylobacter.
• The most frequent biotypes found were Campylobacter lari biotype I, followed by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.
• Less frequently found biotypes were Campylobacter jejuni biotype II and untypable Campylobacter.

Conclusion and Implications

• The researchers concluded that, except for camels, domestic animals and poultry in the study area serve as carriers for Campylobacter.
• This may pose a health risk to humans living in the area, as they may get infected through contact with feces from domestic animals or poultry. This implies a need for stronger public health efforts to manage and limit potential transmission of the bacterial strain to humans.