Molecular Identification of Campylobacter Species Isolated from Patients with Gastroenteritis in Edirne, Turkey

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Campylobacter is a major cause of foodborne diarrheal disease, and the incidence of campylobacteriosis has significantly increased in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of the present study was to identify the species of Campylobacter isolates and to evaluate the distribution of Campylobacter infections according to various characteristics in our region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Campylobacter isolates obtained from patients at a tertiary hospital in Edirne, Turkey were included in this study. The distribution of Campylobacter infections was evaluated according to age, season, and gender. Species identification was performed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The RNA polymerase beta-subunit gene ( rpoB ) of selected samples was amplified, and DNA sequencing was performed. RESULTS: Campylobacter species were isolated from 226 (4.3%) of the 5,241 samples. One hundred and seventy-six (89.3%) of 197 samples were identified as C. jejuni and 19 (9.6%) as C. coli by multiplex PCR. Two isolates showed a band profile compatible with both C. jejuni and C. coli . DNA sequencing was performed for 21 isolates. Sixteen isolates were compatible with C. jejuni and 5 isolates were consistent with C. coli . There was no statistically significant difference in Campylobacter isolation rates according to gender and season (p>0.05). Campylobacter species were most frequently isolated from children in the age group of 0-14 years (p<0.01). This study contributes to information about the situation of Campylobacter infection and the genetic features of isolates in Turkey.