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Frequency and spatial distribution of environmental Campylobacter spp
P E Brown1, O F Christensen, H E Clough
1Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom. p.e.brown@lancaster.ac.uk
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|November 6, 2004
Summary
This study found Campylobacter jejuni in cattle feces, water, and wildlife in a UK rural area, indicating a high risk of human exposure. The bacteria
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Food safety
- Public health
Background:
- Campylobacter spp. are common causes of human gastroenteritis.
- Exposure occurs through food and environmental pathways.
- Understanding environmental reservoirs is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and spatial distribution of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in a rural UK environment.
- To identify sources and transmission patterns of Campylobacter jejuni.
Main Methods:
- Systematic environmental sampling across a 10x10 km rural area.
- Isolation and identification of Campylobacter spp. from feces, water, and soil.
- Molecular characterization using PCR and spatial statistics.
Main Results:
- Campylobacter jejuni was prevalent in cattle feces (36%) and water (15%).
- Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter lari were also detected in various environmental samples.
- C. jejuni distribution in cattle feces showed localized transmission, with prevalence decreasing with fecal age.
Conclusions:
- The rural environment studied poses a significant risk of human exposure to Campylobacter spp., especially C. jejuni.
- Localized transmission within farms and fields is the primary driver of C. jejuni spatial patterns.
- Environmental factors like fecal age and rainfall influence C. jejuni prevalence, but large-scale transmission is limited.