New methods for detection of campylobacters in stool samples in comparison to culture

J Clin Microbiol. 2011 Mar;49(3):941-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01489-10. Epub 2011 Jan 5.

Abstract

Campylobacter species, especially Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, are a major cause of human bacterial enteritis. Current detection in stools is done essentially by culture on selective and nonselective media with filtration. These methods were compared to 2 molecular biology methods, an in-house real-time PCR and a multiplex PCR named Seeplex Diarrhea ACE Detection, and 3 immunoenzymatic methods, Premier Campy, RidaScreen Campylobacter, and ImmunoCard Stat!Campy. Out of 242 stool specimens tested, 23 (9.5%) fulfilled the positivity criteria, i.e., they were positive by one or both culture methods or, in case of a negative culture, by a positive molecular method and a positive immunoenzymatic method. The striking feature of this study is the low sensitivity of culture, in the range of 60%, in contrast to immunoenzymatic and molecular tests.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Campylobacter Infections / diagnosis*
  • Campylobacter coli / genetics
  • Campylobacter coli / growth & development
  • Campylobacter coli / isolation & purification*
  • Campylobacter jejuni / genetics
  • Campylobacter jejuni / growth & development
  • Campylobacter jejuni / isolation & purification*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity