Application of a DNA-DNA hybridization method for detection of Campylobacter jejuni in chicken feces

A direct colony hybridization method was used for the detection of Campylobacter jejuni in chicken feces. The biotin-labeled DNA prepared from the whole genome DNA of C. jejuni subsp. jejuni ATCC 33560 reacted well with homologous DNA and slightly with C. coli DNA. The method with the probe was found to be sensitive enough to detect a small number (10(2) CFU/g) of C. jejuni in chicken feces which contained a large number of background flora. It was suggested that this simple and sensitive method was useful for a wide survey of C. jejuni.