ARS | Publication request: Campylobacter Database Update USDA VetNet (2004-2007)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2008
Publication Date: April 15, 2008
Citation: Cray, P.J., Jackson, C.R., Pearson Gresham, C., Hall, M.C., Mcglinchey, B., Plumblee, J. 2008. Campylobacter Database Update USDA VetNet (2004-2007)[abstract]. Annual PulseNet Update Meeting, April 15-19, 2008, St. Louis, MO. 13.

Technical Abstract: At inception in March 2004, USDA VetNet collated data on Salmonella isolates obtained from the NARMS (National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System) animal arm. In December 2005, Campylobacter isolates were added to the program. The objectives of USDA VetNet are to determine PFGE patterns of Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates submitted to NARMS-Animal Arm, to compare USDA VetNet and PulseNet PFGE patterns, and to use the comparative data for surveillance and assistance with food-borne illness outbreaks as well as carriage/disease within animals. Isolates for the Campylobacter database originate from federally inspected slaughter and processing broiler plants. All methodology related to PFGE are comparable to those used for PulseNet to ensure harmonization between programs. Isolates were restricted with a single enzyme, SmaI, and resulting data were analyzed with Bionumerics. The Campylobacter database currently has 1512 isolates with named VetNet patterns, 814 of which are unique. Campylobacter coli account for 481 (32%) of the isolates and 280 (34%) of the unique PFGE patterns. The majority of the isolates, 1031(68%), are C. jejuni and represent 534 (66%) of the unique PFGE patterns. The most common pattern for C. coli (34 isolates, 7%) is DBBS16.0003 ARS while patterns DBRS16.0023 ARS and DBRS16.0049 ARS appear most frequently for C. jejuni (16 isolates each, <2%). In the future and where available, VetNet patterns matching PulseNet patterns will be noted. Additionally, in the future, VetNet will include web-based access which will enable participants to view and submit patterns.