Multilocus sequence typing performed on Campylobacter coli isolates from humans, broilers, pigs and cattle...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Food Safety

Background:

• Campylobacter coli is a significant cause of bacterial gastroenteritis globally.
• Understanding the population structure of C. coli is crucial for controlling its transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if Campylobacter coli isolates from various Danish sources represent distinct populations.
• To assess the genetic diversity and population structure of C. coli in Denmark.

Main Methods:

• Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was employed.
• 160 C. coli isolates were analyzed from animal, food, and human sources in Denmark.
• Isolates were collected over a two-year period.

Main Results:

• 84 distinct sequence types (STs) were identified, with 57 being novel.
• 10% of isolates shared STs across human, poultry, and pig sources.
• Only 10% of pig isolates shared STs with human isolates, and these were also found in poultry.

Conclusions:

• The Danish C. coli population exhibits substantial genetic diversity.
• C. coli from Danish pigs appear to be a minor contributor to human campylobacteriosis.
• The genetic diversity observed is greater than in studies from other countries.