[Dogs as a possible source of human Campylobacter infecfions]

The aims of this study were to obtain current information on the prevalence and species representation of bacteria of the genus Campylobacter in dogs in Moravia and to evaluate the risk factors affecting their occurrence with respect to possible transmission to the human population.

Rectal swabs of dogs obtained in the routine practice of veterinarians in the South Moravian and Olomouc -regions were examined from May 2013 to December 2014. The basic tests were performed in laboratories of the State Veterinary Institute in Olomouc and the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno. To detect Campylobacter spp., the samples were cultured on mCCDA (modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar). Suspected colonies were confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS (Biotyper Microflex, Bruker) or using specific PCR which allows to distinguish between the species C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari and C. upsaliensis. A detailed history was obtained from questionnaires completed by the dog owners.

From a total of 258 rectal swabs examined, 41 samples were positive (16 %). The most frequently detected species was C. jejuni, followed by C. upsaliensis a C. coli. There was only one sample of C. lari. The evaluation of the questionnaire data showed that the frequency of Campylobacter spp. and their species representation depended on the age of the animals, the composition of feed and the clinical signs of the disease.

Young dogs on a homemade diet and with diarrhea may be considered a risk group in terms of possible transmission of Campylobacter infections from pets to humans. Households with young children are the most affected group in the Czech Republic and EU countries. As such, they should be given a high priority with respect to the basic hygiene rules if they breed dogs, especially puppies.