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

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.