Campylobacter jejuni enteritis transmitted from cat to man

Zur ätiologischen Bedeutung von Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni und Parvovirus für akute Enteritiden des Hundes1

Zusammenfassung

Insgesamt 179 Kot‐ und Darminhaltsproben von Hunden wurden vergleichend bakteriologisch und virologisch untersucht. Aus 108 Proben von Hunden (Einzeltiere) mit schweren Enteritiden gelang 22mal die Isolierung von C. f. subsp. jejuni und 46mal der Parvovirusnachweis. In 13 Fällen lagen beide Erreger gemeinsam vor. Bei 54 Kontrollproben gesunder Hunde konnte C. f. subsp. jejuni in 1 Fall und Parvovirus in 4 Fällen isoliert werden. 15 von 17 Hunden einer Versuchstierzucht, in der akute Gastroenteritiden aufgetreten waren, erwiesen sich ebenfalls als Träger von Campylobacter‐Keimen. Hier gelang der Parvovirusnachweis in 4 Fällen, davon 3mal gemeinsam mit C. f. subsp. jejuni. Die Ergebnisse lassen den Schluß zu, daß sowohl C. f. subsp. jejuni als auch Parvovirus eine eigenständige ätiologische Rolle bei akuten Gastroenteritiden des Hundes spielen. Der auffallend gehäufte gleichzeitige Nachweis beider Erreger bei schwer erkrankten Tieren spricht darüber hinaus für ein synergistisches Zusammenwirken.

Summary

Aetiological significance of Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni and Parvovirus for acute enteritis in dogs

A total of 179 faecal and gut contents samples from dogs (individual animals) were compared by bacteriological and virological examination. From 108 samples from dogs with severe enteritis C. f. subsp. jejuni was isolated 22 times and Parvovirus 46 times. In 13 samples both agents were found. With 54 control samples from healthy dogs C. f. subsp. jejuni was isolated in one case and Parvovirus in four. 15 of 17 dogs in a breeding kennels where acute gastroenteritis had occurred were found to be carriers of Campylobacter. Here the isolation of parvovirus succeeded in 4 cases, in three of which C. f. subsp. jejuni was also isolated. The results lead to the conclusion that both C. f. subsp. jejuni and Parvovirus play an aetiological role in acute canine gastroenteritis. The frequent simultaneous isolation of both agents in severely sick animals also suggests a synergistic effect.

Résumé

A propos de la signification étiologique de Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni et Parvovirus dans des entérites aiguës du chien

179 échantillons de matières fécales et de contenu intestinal ont été examinés en comparaison bactériologiquement et virologiquement. Sur 108 échantillons provenant de chiens atteints d'une grave entérite, il a été possible d'isoler C. F. ssp. jejuni 22 fois et de mettre en évidence un Parvovirus 46 fois. On a rencontré les deux agents dans 13 cas. C. f. ssp. jejuni a été isolé dans 1 cas et Parvovirus dans 4 cas avec 54 échantillons de contrôle de chiens en bonne sante. 15 chiens sur 17 d'un élevage d'expérience ayant présenté une atteinte de gastroentérite aiguë se sont révélés être porteurs de Campylobacter. La mise en évidence dans ce cas de Parvovirus a été possible dans 4 cas, dont 3 avec C. f. ssp. jejuni. Les résultats permettent de conclure qu'aussi bien D. v. ssp. jejuni que Parvovirus jouent un rôle étiologique indépendant lors de gastroentérites aiguës du chien. La mise en évidence fréquente et frappante des deux germes chez des animaux gravement malades parle pour une action commune synergique.

Resumen

Sobre la significación etiológica de Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni y del Parvovirus para las enteritis agudas del perro

Se examinó de forma comparada bacteriológica y virológicamente un total de 179 muestras de estiércol y contenido intestinal de perros. De 108 muestras de perros (animales individuales) con enteritis graves se logró aislar 22 veces Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni y 46 veces la identificación del Parvovirus. En 13 casos se hallaban juntos ambos agentes etiológicos. Entre 54 muestras de control de perros sanos pudo aislarse C. f. ssp. jejuni en 1 caso y Parvovirus en 4 ocasiones. 15 de 17 perros de una explotación zootécnica experimental, en la cual habían aparecido gastroenteritis agudas, también resultaron ser portadoras de gérmenes Campylobacter. Aquí se logró identificar el Parvovirus en 4 casos, 3 de ellos junto con C. f. ssp. jejuni. Los resultados obtenidos admiten el que se saque en conclusion que tanto C. J. ssp. jejuni como Parvovirus juegan un papel etiológico independiente en las gastroenteritis agudas del perro. La puesta en evidencia simultánea, sorprendentemente tan acumulada, de ambos agentes etiológicos en los animales enfermos de gravedad aboga, además de esto, a favor de un concurso sinergístico.

Development of an indirect competitive ELISA for detection of Campylobacter jejuni subsp.jejuni O:23 in foods

An indirect enzyme immunoassay for rapid detection of Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni 0:23 has been developed. Optimum concentrations of immobilized cells, polyclonal chicken IgY, and rabbit anti-IgY antibody-horseradish peroxidase conjugate were 3.1 CFU/nL, 10 microg/mL, and 8 microg/mL, respectively. Under such conditions, the detection limit reached 50 CFU/microL, limit of quantification being 480 CFU/microL. By testing 5 chromogens, viz. 1,2-benzenediamine, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, bi(4,4'-anisidine) and 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone, in horseradish peroxidase substrate, 1,2-benzenediamine or 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as H-donors in the enzyme substrate provided the highest ELISA sensitivity. The applied polyclonal antibody was specific for homogeneous antigen. The cross-reactions were observed only with one strain of C. sputorum subsp. sputorum (21.5 %) and with G+ bacterium Micrococcus luteus (6.1 %). Preliminary tests have been performed with a limited number of artificially contaminated food samples. No matrix effects on the ELISA sensitivity were observed. The results (by means of ELISA) were comparable with those given by both a standard cultivation method performed according to CSN ISO 10272 and commercially available Singlepath Campylobacter GLISA-Rapid Test.

Neonatal sepsis by Campylobacter jejuni: genetically proven transmission from a household puppy

We report a case of neonatal Campylobacter jejuni sepsis in a 3-week-old infant who acquired the infection through transmission from a recently acquired household puppy. Genotyping of Campylobacter strains obtained from puppy and child resulted in highly homogeneous findings. This represents the first genetically proven C. jejuni dog-human transmission.

Case report of an unclassified microaerophilic bacterium associated with gastroenteritis

An unusual microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium was isolated from the stools of two individuals presenting with chronic diarrhea. This bacterium resembled Campylobacter species by colonial morphology and biochemical reactions. However, microscopic examination revealed a fusiform rod with a corrugated surface, rather than a spiral rod. This is the first reported isolation of this bacterium from humans.

Gastrointestinal zoonoses

Infectious gastrointestinal diseases affect man and animals throughout the world. Certain etiologic agents (for example, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica, Cryptosporidia, Strongyloides stercoralis, Echinococcus granulosa) seem to have the potential to be transmitted from pets to people, causing severe disease in the latter. Other agents seem unlikely to be transmitted but may have the potential to be zoonoses. This article discusses proved, suspected, and possible zoonotic agents that may originate from the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats.

The occurrence and significance of Campylobacter jejuni in man and animals

Campylobacter jejuni, which is now recognized as a discrete species, is a gram negative, microaerophilic, thermophilic, nalidixic acid sensitive, hippurate positive pathogen requiring special selective media for propogation. The organism is widely distributed in avian species, experimental and companion animals and in humans. Mammalian campylobacteriosis is characterized by an enterocolitis of variable severity. The prevalence of the condition is relatively high in young individuals, in underdeveloped countries and in subjects with diarrhea. Food animals, especially poultry, are reservoirs of the organism and infection occurs following consumption of untreated surface water, unpasteurized milk, incompletely cooked meat or other contaminated food products. Close contact with infected immature companion animals is a significant cause of campylobacteriosis in children and direct intrafamilial transmission and occupational infection have been documented. Campylobacteriosis attributable to C. jejuni is a condition of emerging significance which arises principally from deficiencies in hygiene inherent in the environment and in the food chain which extends from domestic animals to the consumer.

Gastrointestinal disorders of the cat

Several areas of feline gastroenterology deserve critical attention in the near future. For example, as compared with the dog, little is known about the various causes of malabsorptive disease in the cat. So frequently, intestinal biopsy samples reveal nothing more than intestinal thickening with fibrosis and nonspecific mild cellular infiltration, and the inciting cause is never determined. It is, perhaps, wrong to be critical about the use of the bark of Berberis vulgaris and the root of Rheum in modern feline gastroenterology, since most of us occasionally use unconventional therapies. It has been rumored that I have been known to advocate the daily addition of a tablespoon of pumpkin-pie filling to the food of cats suffering from recurrent constipation and acquired megacolon. The rumors are true, and colonic evacuation is sometimes promoted with the use of this unusual bulking agent after traditional drug therapy has failed. We all have our weaknesses!

Epidemiological aspects of Campylobacter jejuni enteritis

An epidemiological study on Campylobacter jejuni enterocolitis was performed in an urban Swedish community. The study included 55 patients gathered during a six-month period. Forty-one of the 55 patients (75%) were infected outside Sweden. Campylobacter enterocolitis was rare among children within the country. Patients infected in Sweden had eaten chicken significantly more often than a corresponding control group. Seven out of nine chicken consuming campylobacter patients also had prepared the fresh chicken alone, and none of their family members became ill. Thus the preparation of food contaminated with Campylobacter seems to elevate the risk for contracting the disease. Sick household pets transmitted the campylobacter infection to two patients. Forty-six of the patients had a total of 85 close household members. Three definite secondary cases were found. There was no evidence of transmission of Campylobacter by food prepared by two cooks who were working while still being asymptomatic excreters. Clinical reinfection with Campylobacter was observed in one patient. No patients became long-term carriers of Campylobacter.

Serotyping of Campylobacter jejuni by slide agglutination based on heat-labile antigenic factors

A serotyping scheme for Campylobacter jejuni was developed based on slide agglutination of live bacteria with whole cell antisera absorbed with homologous heated and heterologous unheated cross-reactive antigens. Among 815 isolates from human and nonhuman sources, 21 serogroups were recognized. Of the 615 isolates from human cases of gastroenteritis, 529 (86%) were typable; 455 strains agglutinated in 20 single antisera, whereas 74 isolates agglutinated in various pairs of antisera, allowing subdivision of some main serogroups into subserogroups. Of the 200 isolates of C. jejuni from nonhuman sources (chicken, swine, etc.), 166 (83%) were typable, 145 cultures agglutinated in various single antisera, and 21 strains agglutinated with different pairs of antisera. Among isolates from all sources, 8 serogroups (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 11) were encountered most frequently. Serogroups 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were most common among human isolates; the majority of the chicken and all of the swine isolates belonged to the same serogroups identified from human cases. Very good serological correlation was obtained in 20 family outbreaks and 4 community outbreaks.

Campylobacter enteritis in dogs and cats: a 'new' zoonosis

The subject is introduced by a brief historical resumé and account of campylobacter enterocolitis in man. Published figures on the prevalence of campylobacters in normal dogs and cats show a wide range. It is highest (49% dogs, 45% cats) in immature animals, particularly strays or those living in kennels, and lowest (less than 1.6% dogs and cats) in adult animals living in households. Several studies have shown no significant difference between the prevalence in normal animals and those suffering from diarrhoea, but two surveys did show such a difference. It seems that while most animals are unaffected by infection with campylobacters, a few suffer an illness like that seen in man. Longitudinal studies to determine incidence--as opposed to prevalence--of infection are required. A small proportion of human infections are acquired from dogs. These are usually puppies that are themselves suffering from diarrhoea. Only four infections associated with cats (all kittens with diarrhoea) have been reported. Contact is invariably close and the victims are often small children. The application of simple hygienic measures should prevent such infections.

Intestinal colonization of neonatal animals by Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni

Neonatal mice (2.3 to 2.8 g) were inoculated intragastrically with different human isolates of Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni. At weekly intervals thereafter, mice were sacrificed and dilution plate counts were performed on segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Mice were uniformly colonized by some strains for 2 weeks, whereas other strains were being cleared at that time. One strain (BO216) persisted in some mice for 3 weeks. The greatest number of organisms (10(7)) was recovered from the cecum and large intestine. The small intestine had from 10(2) to 10(5) colony-forming units. Colonization of the stomach was not found consistently. One strain killed 13% of the infected mice. Deaths occurred between 1 and 5 days postinfection. Two other strains killed a smaller percentage of challenged animals, and two additional strains killed none. Retarded weight gain was noticed in some, but not all, of the infected mice. The intestines of neonatal rats and rabbits were colonized much the same as those of mice, whereas hamsters were resistant to colonization. Preweanling mice, up to about 6.5 to 7.0 g, could be colonized with C. fetus subsp. jejuni after intragastric challenge, but weanling mice of larger weight (9.8 g) and young adult mice (18.3 g) could not. Scanning electron photomicrographs of the lower ileum showed campylobacters in and below the dried mucous gel that lines the intestines. The use of this model for additional studies is discussed.

Milk-borne campylobacter infection

The common factor in 13 recent outbreaks of Campylobacter jejuni enteritis was the consumption of unpasteurised or incompletely pasteurised milk. C jejuni is a common commensal in the alimentary tract of milking cows, but it is not clear how the milk becomes contaminated with the organism. Pasteurisation will readily eliminate the organism from milk. In England and Wales 3% of milk retailed is still unpasteurised, and in the light of these findings it is suggested that only pasteurised milk should be sold to the public.