Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) of campylobacters to identify potential sources and vehicles of colonization in turkey farms.

A molecular investigation on potential sources and vehicles of Campylobacter infection in commercial turkey farms was carried out. C. jejuni and C. coli strains isolated from breeders, their progeny and the growing flocks reared in 2 different farms for 3 sequential production cycles were analysed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Strains isolated from environmental sources (i.e. drinking water, anteroom and in-house floor, flies, Alphitobius diaperinus), collected during the same production cycles, were also analysed. MLST was performed according to the seven-loci schemes employing the primer sets and the experimental conditions suggested by the Campylobacter PubMLST database. Genetic similarity was detected between isolates from breeders and their progeny, as well as between birds and environmental sources, such as flies, Alphitobius diaperinus and drinking water. Results of the present study suggest that these environmental sources may be involved in Campylobacter colonization of meat turkeys.