Authors : Xue Feng, Jiang Yuan, Xu Fei, Zhang Xiao-Rong, Luan Jun, Zhu Chang-Qing and Chen Hao
Abstract: In this study, 120 cloacal samples were collected from healthy red-crowned cranes in Yancheng National Rare Bird Reservation District of China and identified by API campy test and multiplex PCR. The results shown that 21.67% (26/120) of these samples were detected to be positive in Campylobacter infection, of which 15 isolates were identified as C. jejuni. Using the transmission electron microscope, we observed the morphologic change of the Bacterial particles with negative staining. C. jejuni showing rod-shape and unipolar sheathed flagella. We found that Campylobacter infection correlated well with age of birds, which was proved by the findings that significant higher isolation rate was obtained in young red-crowned cranes, compared to adult groups. Meanwhile, antibiotics susceptibility test indicated a middle-level of drug resistance was found in these strains. The presence of flaA (100%), cdtB (100%), racR (100%), dnaJ (96.2%), cdtC (96.2%), cadF (95%), pldA (93%), cdtA (93%), ciaB (90%), ceuE (85%), wlaN (40%) and virB11 (0%). Virulence genes was detected in C. jejuni by PCR. The data described here would offer a helpful information for the prevention of Campylobacter infection of wild birds and humans.
Xue Feng, Jiang Yuan, Xu Fei, Zhang Xiao-Rong, Luan Jun, Zhu Chang-Qing and Chen Hao, 2009. Isolation and Characterization of Campylobacter from Red-Crowned Cranes in China. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 2442-2446.