On the microbiological diagnostics of Campylobacter jejuni

Investigation of campylobacteriosis cases in 1983-1989 resulted in the isolation of a total of 245 antigenically identified and 23 unidentified strains from humans, animals and foods. A commonly accepted method developed in 1985 using our own experience was used for strain isolation and culturing. A variety of nutrient media in combination with different supplementary substances (antibiotics, growth factors) and additives, such as horse serum, were verified as well as filtration and Fortner's procedures. The best results were obtained when material was stored in thioglycolate transport medium accompanied by cold enrichment (24 h at 4 degrees C) and repeated inoculation into appropriate solid nutrient medium. Owing to the simple culturing of C. jejuni, the number of not elucidated diarrheas was reduced and the incidence of campylobacteriosis (approximately 12 %) is higher than that of salmonellosis and shigellosis. A total of 245 C. jejuni strains was classified using Kahlich's antigenic scheme. The incidence of serovars 1 and 2 was greater than 10 %. Five serovars (13, 17, 25, 26 and 27) were represented by only one strain. The study of campylobacteriosis also revealed the long-term excretion of C. jejuni by convalescents (71 days at most) as well as the occurrence of family outbreaks. Procedures were developed to ensure short-term and long-term (freeze-drying) preservation of isolated strains. The number of cases reported by microbiological laboratories in the framework of the Hygienic Service throughout Czechoslovakia suggest an increase in positive findings with C. jejuni as the etiological agent.