Campylobacter, helicobacter, arcobacter, lawsonia

• A farmer of a 50-herd dairy operation reports that his cows are difficult to get "settled" and there have been several abortions at the 5th or 6th month.
• The farmer had his own bull, which he acquired about 6 months previously.
• The cows' estrous cycles were irregular, with long cycles occurring in a larger than expected number of animals.
• The farmer thought that some of his cows had been successfully bred, but they came into heat again in 2-3 months.
• The overall conception rate on the farm was only about 40%, whereas it had earlier been around 80%.
• Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, C. jejuni, C. upsaliensis, and C. fetus subsp. venerealis are potential pathogens of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Campylobacter are genital and gastrointestinal pathogens/commensals, some of which are potential pathogens of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
• Campylobacter are helminth-like, with a curved, comma, spiral, and seagull-shaped rods morphology.
• Campylobacter species and subspecies include 18 species, with pathogenic species such as C. fetus ss. fetus causing septicemia and abortion, C. fetus ss. venerealis causing venereal transmission, and C. jejuni causing diarrhea and enterocolitis.
• Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis is an obligate parasite of the bovine genital tract, with venereal transmission, and infection can lead to placenta and fetus infection, metritis, infertility, and bacteria shedding from the uterus.
• Following transmission, the bacteria colonize the female reproductive tract in an ascending manner: moving from the vagina, to the cervix, uterus, and oviducts.
• Clinical signs of bovine genital campylobacteriosis include endometritis within 2 weeks of exposure and reduced conception rate resulting in "Repeat Breeders".
• Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis has virulence, with a proteinaceous micro-capsule present, called the S-layer (surface array proteins), which makes the bacterium serum-resistant and phagocytosis-resistant through inhibition of complement binding (C3b) and blocking binding of LPS antibody.
• Control of Campylobacter infections involves meticulous hygiene in kennels and catteries.
• Arcobacter is a species of Campylobacter and is commonly found in poultry.
• Cryptosporidium is commonly found in the intestinal tracts of domestic and wild animals.
• Campylobacter is commonly found in the intestinal tracts of domestic and wild animals.
• Clinical symptoms of Helicobacter species infections include vomiting, regurgitation, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, weight loss, malaise, and poor condition.
• Serology is not reliable for Cryptosporidium diagnosis.
• Treatment for Campylobacter infections usually involves supportive care for enteritis.
• Multiplex PCR based diagnosis is an excellent method for Campylobacter diagnosis.
• H. hepaticus and H. bilis are the only documented animal pathogens in this genus and can decimate rodent research colonies and breeding facilities.
• Treatment for Cryptosporidium infections usually involves supportive care for enteritis.
• Campylobacter is a common cause of infectious food poisoning and is highly infectious with only a 500 cfu infective dose.
• Helicobacter species, including H. pylori, H. felis, “H. heilmanii”, and H. suis, can cause enteritis, gastritis, and ulcers in humans and animals.
• Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis, and Cryptosporidium meleagridis are common in dogs and cats and may be zoonotic.
• Campylobacter is transmitted orally and can cause enteric and systemic infections in humans.
• Serology is not reliable for Campylobacter diagnosis.
• Helicobacter species are identified using urease test and are treated effectively with Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) in combination with metronidazole and amoxicillin or tetracycline.
• Multiplex PCR based diagnosis is an excellent method for Cryptosporidium diagnosis.
• Campylobacter is diagnosed using selective medium such as Skirrow’s and is incubated at 42°C; microaerophilic.
• Helicobacter species associated with gastritis in dogs: H. bilis, H. felis, H. canis, H. salomonis, H. rappini, “H. heilmannii”.
• Cryptosporidium is diagnosed using selective medium such as Skirrow’s and is incubated at 42°C; microaerophilic.
• Helicobacter species are associated with gastritis in cats: H. felis, H. canis, H. pylori, “H. heilmannii”.
• Both serotypes of Fetus venerealis are prevalent in the United States and a vaccine should include both antigens.
• Antibodies (including intestinal IgA, and systemic IgG and IgM) may be protective against Fetus venerealis.
• Campylobacter species are highly infectious through oral transmission.
• Immunity to Fetus venerealis is serotype-specific (vaccination) immunity based on LPS and S-layer protein antigens 1 and 5.
• Fetus venerealis Serovars A -2 and B are based on “O” antigens and primarily inhabit the GI tract, not the genital tract.
• Gross lesions of Fetus venerealis include 60 to 90% aborted fetus from a ewe, focal hepatic necrosis, mixed infection with Chlamydia can occur, and more.