Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Thermophilic Campylobacter Species Isolated From Cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria

A study was designed to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter species isolated from cattle in Plateau state, Nigeria. From April, 2008 – March, 2009, 352 rectal swab samples were randomly taken from cattle in 18 herds in Plateau State, Nigeria and analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter species. Out of the 352 samples tested, 65 (18.5%) were identified as Campylobacter species using biochemical tests; with 52 (80%) as C. jejuni and 13 (20%) as C. coli. Of the 65 isolates, 63 (97%) were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the 18 cattle herds tested, 12 (66.7%) were positive. The results of the study also showed that the prevalence was significantly (p<0.05) higher in calves (25%) than in adults (12.2%).