IN ANIMALS continued
• Rarely, extraintestinal manifestations of disease are reported in dogs, including cholangiohepatitis/cholangitis and abortion. 8 A study from Melbourne University suggested a link between Campylobacter infection and acute polyradiculoneuritis (APN) in dogs, with affected dogs 9.4 times more likely to be shedding Campylobacter (as determined by faecal culture) than matched control dogs, 9 however the findings of this study have been contested. 10
• Uncomplicated campylobacteriosis tends to be mild and self- limiting. Supportive treatment may be required in some cases, however antimicrobial treatment is generally not required in dogs and cats. Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials has been demonstrated in some Campylobacter isolates. 8
Computer-generated recreation of a cluster of Campylobacter bacteria based upon scanning electron microscopic imagery (Public Health Image Library, CDC)
• Risk factors associated with increased prevalence and shedding: 7,8 - Age: young animals (less than 6 months of age) are more frequently infected than older animals. - Population density: dogs and cats housed in higher population density environments (shelters, catteries etc.) have higher prevalence of Campylobacter . - Diet: feeding of raw meat diets. - Outdoor access: in cats, outdoor access is associated with greater prevalence of shedding. - Presence of pre-existing or concurrent intestinal diseases, including the presence of other pathogens, protozoa and helminth parasites. CLINICAL DISEASE • The role of Campylobacter in gastroenteritis in dogs and cats is unclear, with conflicting results in the published literature. These discordant findings likely relate to differences in the infecting species and host factors such as age, stress, or co-infection. Mild, self-limiting gastroenteritis is the most frequently reported sign, however asymptomatic carriage of Campylobacter is common (43% in dogs). 5
Raw chicken is frequently contaminated with Campylobacter
DIAGNOSIS • Species-specific assays to identify potentially pathogenic and zoonotic C. jejuni or other relevant
Campylobacter spp. should be considered. Population level research of both healthy dogs and cats, and those with diarrhoea, is required to assess the range of species present and their role in clinical or zoonotic disease. • Shedding may be intermittent and transient, however persistent infection and shedding has been reported. Shedding of host adapted C. upsalensis in dogs is more protracted and consistent than C. jejuni .
TRANSMISSION
• Humans can be infected via faecal-oral transmission through: - handling of human grade meat contaminated with Campylobacter . - handling and feeding raw pet food diets and treats, including handling of bowls and food preparation materials. - direct contact with pets or faeces or indirect contact with materials contaminated by faeces.
CONTENTS
Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines 25
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