Genomic Analysis of Fluoroquinolone- and Tetracycline-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni Sequence Type 6964 in Humans and Poultry, New Zealand, 2014-2016.

In 2014, antimicrobial drug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni sequence type 6964 emerged contemporaneously in poultry from 3 supply companies in the North Island of New Zealand and as a major cause of campylobacteriosis in humans in New Zealand. This lineage, not previously identified in New Zealand, was resistant to tetracycline and fluoroquinolones. Genomic analysis revealed divergence into 2 major clades; both clades were associated with human infection, 1 with poultry companies A and B and the other with company C. Accessory genome evolution was associated with a plasmid, phage insertions, and natural transformation. We hypothesize that the tetO gene and a phage were inserted into the chromosome after conjugation, leaving a remnant plasmid that was lost from isolates from company C. The emergence and rapid spread of a resistant clone of C. jejuni in New Zealand, coupled with evolutionary change in the accessory genome, demonstrate the need for ongoing Campylobacter surveillance among poultry and humans.

Human Campylobacteriosis in Luxembourg, 2010-2013: A Case-Control Study Combined with Multilocus Sequence Typing for Source Attribution and Risk Factor Analysis.

Campylobacteriosis has increased markedly in Luxembourg during recent years. We sought to determine which Campylobacter genotypes infect humans, where they may originate from, and how they may infect humans. Multilocus sequence typing was performed on 1153 Campylobacter jejuni and 136 C. coli human strains to be attributed to three putative animal reservoirs (poultry, ruminants, pigs) and to environmental water using the asymmetric island model. A nationwide case-control study (2010-2013) for domestic campylobacteriosis was also conducted, including 367 C. jejuni and 48 C. coli cases, and 624 controls. Risk factors were investigated by Campylobacter species, and for strains attributed to different sources using a combined case-control and source attribution analysis. 282 sequence types (STs) were identified: ST-21, ST-48, ST-572, ST-50 and ST-257 were prevailing. Most cases were attributed to poultry (61.2%) and ruminants (33.3%). Consuming chicken outside the home was the dominant risk factor for both Campylobacter species. Newly identified risk factors included contact with garden soil for either species, and consuming beef specifically for C. coli. Poultry-associated campylobacteriosis was linked to poultry consumption in wintertime, and ruminant-associated campylobacteriosis to tap-water provider type. Besides confirming chicken as campylobacteriosis primary source, additional evidence was found for other reservoirs and transmission routes.

John McFadyean and the centenary of the first isolation of Campylobacter species.

Campylobacter species recently emerged as a leading cause of acute diarrhea in humans, but it is not generally known that these species were first cultured from samples from aborting ewes as far back as 1906. This took place in the United Kingdom during a study that spanned several years of epizootic abortion in cattle and sheep. The chief investigator in this major undertaking was John McFadyean, a little-known yet remarkable man who founded veterinary pathology in Britain and who made immense contributions to public health. A brief portrayal illustrates his uncompromising dedication to scientific accuracy and to his profession, often in the face of opposition.

Campylobacter, from obscurity to celebrity.

After its successful isolation from stools in the 1970s, Campylobacter jejuni has rapidly become the most commonly recognised cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in man. Reported cases of human campylobacteriosis represent only a small fraction of the actual number. In industrialised countries, the incidence of C. jejuni/Campylobacter coli infections peaks during infancy, and again in young adults aged 15-44 years. Acute self-limited gastrointestinal illness, characterised by diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps, is the most common presentation of C. jejuni/C. coli infection. The introduction of selective media has made the diagnosis of Campylobacter enteritis a simple procedure. In general, Campylobacter enteritis is a self-limiting disease which seldom requires antimicrobial therapy, although one in 1000 infections may lead to the Guillain-Barré syndrome. In industrialised countries, most infections are acquired through the handling and consumption of poultry meat. In developing countries, where the disease is confined to young children, inadequately treated water and contact with farm animals are the most important risk factors. Many infections are acquired during travel. Fluoroquinolone resistance has been reported in C. jejuni since the late 1980s in Europe and Asia, and since 1995 in the USA. The use of fluoroquinolones to treat animals used for food has accelerated this trend of resistance. In Australia, where fluoroquinolones have not been licensed for use in food production animals, C. jejuni remains susceptible to fluoroquinolones. The public health burden of Campylobacter spp. other than C. jejuni/C. coli remains unmeasured. Better diagnostic methods may reveal the true health burden of these organisms.

The Campylobacter pylori story.

The Campylobacter pylori story began before the turn of the century, with early works describing 'spirochaetes' in the gastric mucosa of animals. Culture of the organism in 1982 enabled investigators to make sense of the many previous works concerning the microbiology, biochemistry, and histology of the gastric mucosa. Whereas some physicians remain skeptical of C. pylori's pathogenic role, those who have studied the new organism believe it is a major gastrointestinal pathogen and see the possibility of curative therapy for what is now called 'acid peptic disease'.

[Who discovered Campylobacter jejuni/coli? A review of hitherto disregarded literature]. / Wer entdeckte Campylobacter jejuni/coli? Eine Zusammenfassung bisher unberücksichtigter Literaturquellen.

Non culturable spiral form bacteria were noted in 1886 by Theodor Escherich. He found them in stool specimens and large intestinal mucous associated with diarrhoea in neonates as well as in kittens. In the following years till the end of the century a number of mainly german language publications appeared, describing the occurrence of such "spirilla" in cases of "cholera-like" and "dysenteric" disease. These organisms were found mainly in the colon or associated with mucous in diarrheal stool specimens. Growth on solid medium was unsuccessful, although living bacteria could be kept in liquid culture medium for a few days. The following points suggest that the microorganisms described were probably Campylobacter ssp: typical morphology association with enteritis in neonates, infants and kittens failure to grow on solid medium despite microscopic detection and the fact that to date no other bacteria with comparable morphology have been associated with human enteric infections.