Antigenic and restriction enzyme analysis of Campylobacter spp associated with abortion in sheep

Abstract

Objective: To determine the scope of strain variations among Campylobacter spp associated with abortion in sheep.

Design: To examine Campylobacter spp isolated from cases of abortion for biochemical, antigenic, and genetic differences.

Sample population: 15 isolates of Campylobacter spp isolated from cases of abortion during a single lambing season.

Procedure: Isolates were examined, using biochemical tests, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of outer membrane proteins (OMP), and DNA restriction enzyme analysis (REA).

Results: Eight strain variants were detected among the 15 isolates. 14 of the isolates were C jejuni, 13 of which were biotype I and 1 biotype II, and the remaining isolate was identified as C fetus subsp fetus. Five sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis OMP patterns had distinctive profiles for C fetus subsp fetus and C jejuni biogroup-II isolates and 3 variants within the C jejuni biogroup-I isolates. Examination of REA patterns of DNA from the 15 isolates digested with Cfo I indicated clear differences correlating with species and biogroups and 4 REA variants among biotype-I isolates.

Conclusions: Marked antigenic and genetic heterogeneity of Campylobacter isolates were associated with ovine abortion within a defined geographic area.

Clinical relevance: Representatives of differing OMP and REA profile groups should be considered for incorporation in vaccines to optimize protection in this region and possibly other geographic areas.