Studies on campylobacter in camels in Egypt

Abstract EN

A total of 683 samples was collected from (515) slaughtered camels, (136) one humped camels from population sites (Camelus dromedaries), in addition to (32) from the Zoo of two humped camels (Bacterian Camelus).

All samples were subjected to conventional bacteriological methods (CM) and indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT).

The results of bacteriological studies were isolated ; 98 (14.35 %) of Campylobacters strains ; (12.82 %) from slaughtered camels, (22.06 %) from apparently healthy camels and (6.25 %) from Zoo camels.

In the current study, Campylobacter organisms were isolated and identified biochemical to 5 species as Campylobacter fetus subspecies venere-alis and subspecies fetus ; C.

jejuni ; C.

coli ; C.

sputorum subspecies bibulous and C.

sp.

bv.

Paraurealyticus, this new strain was isolated during this study for the first time in Egypt from fecal swabs from both slaughtered and apparently healthy camels.

It produced urease test positive and H2S positive in triple sugar iron medium but didn't produce catalase test.

The application of an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) confirms the diagnosis of Campylobacter and the results revealed 141 (20.64 %) positive samples for Campylobacters as 18.83 % in slaughtered camels, 29.41 % from apparently healthy camel of population sites and 12.5 % from zoo camels.

These results confirmed the reliable efficiency and superior advantage of IFAT over CM because IFAT is a sensitive, rapid and specific test for diagnosis Campy-locaters whether dead or alive.

Serological relationship between the isolated strains, antisera against Campylobacters representing the six identified groups were prepared in rabbits and agglutination test was applied between homologues and heterologous groups.

Various degrees of cross reaction and heterogeneity were observed.

The highest was occurred between each antigen and its corresponding antisera.

The test revealed that strains of similar biochemical reaction were serologically related.

Finally, from the current study it can be concluded that more studies on campylobacteriosis in camels seemed to be important to fill the gap of knowledge concerning this important animal among Egyptian livestock.

Attention should be paid for raising camels under control measures of management and nutrition.