Molecular Detection of Campylobacter Species From Broiler Flocks in Kerman

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 Department of Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.32598/ARI.81.4.3614

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the increase in poultry meat consumption and food safety concerns have made the control of foodborne illnesses essential. Campylobacter is one of the most important causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, and poultry, especially broiler chickens, are considered the main source of its transmission. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli species are transmitted through contaminated poultry meat, water, or direct contact and pose a threat to public health. Given the lack of effective measures to reduce contamination in the poultry production chain, identifying and monitoring this bacterium is necessary. Therefore, this study was designed and conducted to detect Campylobacter species using molecular methods from broiler flocks in Kerman City. 
Materials & Methods: In this study, samples were collected from the liver and spleen of 20 broiler flocks at an industrial slaughterhouse in Kerman during the winter of 2024. DNA extraction was performed using the SinaClon kit according to the standard protocol. For the detection of Campylobacter and its species, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction was performed with three specific primers, including the 16S rRNA gene for the Campylobacter genus, the mapA gene for C. jejuni, and the ceuE gene for C. coli. PCR products were electrophoresed on a 1.5% agarose gel and examined at 75 volts for 1.5 hours.
Results: In this study, out of 200 swab samples examined, 16 samples (8%) were positive for Campylobacter genus DNA in the PCR test. Among the 16 positive samples, eight samples (50%) contained C. jejuni and 10 samples (62.5%) contained C. coli. Also, two samples were simultaneously infected with both C. jejuni and C. coli. 
Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study indicate a relatively low prevalence of Campylobacter in broiler flocks in Kerman City. This lower contamination rate could be due to better management conditions on farms, differences in sampling methods, or other environmental and technical factors. Further investigations considering larger sample sizes, diverse geographical areas, and complementary diagnostic methods can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Campylobacter epidemiology in the poultry population.

Keywords

Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 81, Issue 4
July and August 2026
Pages 847-854

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