RFLP analysis of flagellin (Fla) gene of Campylobacter jejuni from ovines of Kashmir, India

AbstractCampylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter jejuni is the most frequently reported foodborne illness transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Humans can be infected after ingesting undercooked poultry and other meats, raw milk, raw clams, contaminated foodstuffs etc. In the present study sheep breeding farms of Kashmir valley were screened for presence of Campylobacter jejuni, and C. coli. infection. Of the 200 samples comprising of vaginal swabs and aborted material 25(12.5%) isolates were found to be positive for Campylobacter genus, 17 (8.5%) isolates were positive for C. jejuni and 3(1.5%) for C. coli. C. jejuni and C. coli were found to harbour virulence genes like fla, cdt and cad. Amplified flagellin gene (855 bp) of all C. jujeni isolates on digestion with DdeI yielded ∼700 bp and ∼155 bp products indicating no genetic variability among isolates. The flagellin gene sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession no MG417049.Practical applicationsThe present study aimed to screen the sheep farms of Kashmir for presence of C. jejuni and C. coli infection. Food safety is of importance to the consumer, the food industry, and the economy. Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are the leading causes of bacterial foodborne illness and are considered as major public health concern. The major routes of transmission in humans are contaminated or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or dairy products, and untreated water. Screening of sheep for Campylobacteriosis in the present study is a part of work aiming to suggest control measures and intervention strategies, to minimize the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in sheep and poultry flocks of the state in particular and country in general. This would reduce the quantitative Campylobacter burden in animals and foods thereby reduce the pathogen risk to humans.