Search for Campylobacter species in the public water supply of a large urban community.

A survey of the water distribution network of a large urban community was performed during a one year period. In addition to standard indicator bacteria, Campylobacter species were looked for after filtration of 500 ml water samples by enrichment of the original filter followed by subculture on a Skirrow's medium as well as a direct filtration procedure on a non selective agar. All steps were performed at 37 degrees C. Specimens collected at the springs (206), treatment stations (206) and at different points along the network (479) were tested. Fourteen strains of Campylobacter were isolated. They were cephalothin resistant and hippurate negative but they did not grow at 42 degrees C. None of them was part of the enteropathogenic Campylobacters. All except one were found in untreated water; in 11 cases among 13 tested, standard indicator bacteria were positive. We conclude that there is a low incidence of Campylobacter species in the water supply tested, that they are sensitive to chlorination and that testing standard indicator bacteria is an effective indicator for Campylobacter species.