[Biochemical characterization of Campylobacter using the "Micro Campy" method].

Three species of Campylobacter are recognized as enteropathogens in children under five years of age and in immunocompromised patients. Several groups have tried to classify them using biochemical profiles and have found six different patterns which comprise 12 individual tests. We have designed a "Micro Campy" method which identifies C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari classifying them into several biotypes. Fifty two Campylobacter strains isolated from humans were studied and classified in 24 different patterns. Strains isolated from diarrhea episodes were seen in two specific patterns. We propose the use of this easy to perform method which has a reproducibility higher than 92% in biotyping Campylobacter strains.