Campylobacter in the dog: a clinical and experimental study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Canine Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Campylobacter species are known enteric pathogens in various animals.
• The role of Campylobacter jejuni/coli and Campylobacter upsaliensis in canine diarrhea requires further elucidation.
• Enteric viral infections are common in dogs and may predispose them to bacterial co-infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter species in dogs with and without diarrhea.
• To determine the pathogenic potential of Campylobacter jejuni/coli and Campylobacter upsaliensis in experimental canine infections.
• To explore the relationship between Campylobacter infections and enteric viral infections in dogs.

Main Methods:

• Faecal samples from 54 diarrheic and 54 control dogs were cultured for Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia species.
• Enteric viruses were also screened in the study population.
• Experimental infections were performed using Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter upsaliensis strains.

Main Results:

• Campylobacter species were detected in 29.6% of diarrheic dogs and 24.1% of control dogs.
• Concomitant parvovirus infection was observed in 6 diarrheic dogs with positive Campylobacter cultures.
• Experimental infection with C. jejuni or C. upsaliensis caused mild clinical signs (diarrhea, soft faeces) in only a few dogs.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter jejuni/coli and Campylobacter upsaliensis are implicated as primary or secondary pathogens in canine diarrhea.
• Viral infections may predispose dogs to Campylobacter infections.
• Campylobacter species appear to be a common component of the intestinal flora in healthy dogs.