Campylobacter spp in enteric lesions in cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Microbiology
• Bovine Health

Background:

• Campylobacters are known enteric pathogens in various animals.
• Understanding Campylobacter prevalence and pathogenicity in cattle is crucial for herd health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify Campylobacter species in cattle intestinal mucosa.
• To correlate Campylobacter isolation with observed pathological changes.
• To discuss the potential of isolated species to cause enteric lesions.

Main Methods:

• Post-mortem examination of 47 cattle.
• Isolation and identification of Campylobacter species from intestinal mucosa.
• Histopathological examination of intestinal tissues.

Main Results:

• Campylobacters were isolated from 16 of 47 cattle (34%).
• Identified species included Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni (7 isolates), Campylobacter fetus subsp. intestinalis (8 isolates), and Campylobacter fecalis (1 isolate).
• Microscopic intestinal lesions were observed in all positive cases, though gross changes were not always apparent.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni and intestinalis are prevalent in cattle intestinal mucosa.
• Histopathological changes in the intestine are consistently associated with Campylobacter presence.
• The isolated Campylobacter species have the potential to induce enteric disease in cattle.