Fate of pathogens present in livestock wastes spread onto fescue plots

Fecal wastes from a variety of farmed livestock were inoculated with livestock isolates of Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts at levels representative of the levels found in naturally contaminated wastes. The wastes were subsequently spread onto a grass pasture, and the decline of each of the zoonotic agents was monitored over time. There were no significant differences among the decimal reduction times for the bacterial pathogens. The mean bacterial decimal reduction time was 1.94 days. A range of times between 8 and 31 days for a 1-log reduction in C. parvum levels was obtained, demonstrating that the protozoans were significantly more hardy than the bacteria. Oocyst recovery was more efficient from wastes with lower dry matter contents. The levels of most of the zoonotic agents had declined to below detectable levels by 64 days. However, for some waste types, 128 days was required for the complete decline of L. monocytogenes levels. We were unable to find significant differences between the rates of pathogen decline in liquid (slurry) and solid (farmyard manure) wastes, although concerns have been raised that increased slurry generation as a consequence of more intensive farming practices could lead to increased survival of zoonotic agents in the environment.     

Analyses of livestock production, waste storage, and pathogen levels and prevalences in farm manures

Survey results describing the levels and prevalences of zoonotic agents in 1,549 livestock waste samples were analyzed for significance with livestock husbandry and farm waste management practices. Statistical analyses of survey data showed that livestock groups containing calves of <3 months of age, piglets, or lambs had higher prevalences and levels of Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli O157 in their wastes. Younger calves that were still receiving milk, however, had significantly lower levels and prevalence of E. coli O157. Furthermore, when wastes contained any form of bedding, they had lowered prevalences and levels of both pathogenic Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. Livestock wastes generated by stock consuming a diet composed principally of grass were less likely to harbor E. coli O157 or Salmonella spp. Stocking density did not appear to influence either the levels or prevalences of bacterial pathogens. Significant seasonal differences in prevalences were detected in cattle wastes; Listeria spp. were more likely to be isolated in March to June, and E. coli O157 was more likely to be found in May and June. Factors such as livestock diet and age also had significant influence on the levels and prevalences of some zoonotic agents in livestock wastes. A number of the correlations identified could be used as the basis of a best-practice disposal document for farmers, thereby lowering the microbiological risks associated with applying manures of contaminated livestock to land.     

Survival of E. coli O157:H7 in organic wastes destined for land application

AIM: To determine the persistence of Escherichia coli O157 in contrasting organic wastes spread to land and to assess the potential environmental risk associated with the disposal of these wastes to land. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-seven organic wastes originating from slaughterhouses, wastewater treatment plants (raw and treated sewage), creameries and farms (bovine slurry), were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and incubated at 10 degrees C. Although pathogen numbers gradually declined in all the wastes, albeit at different rates even in the same waste type, E. coli O157:H7 was still viable in 77% of organic wastes tested after 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term storage of organic wastes led to a significant and gradual decline in E. coli O157:H7 numbers. Consequently, storage may be a useful means of reducing the pathogen load of wastes destined for land application. However, in most cases, long-term storage cannot be expected to completely eliminate E. coli O157:H7 from waste. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results indicate that current legislation may be insufficient to protect the environment from E. coli O157:H7 contamination from untreated wastes spread to land.     

Pathogen survival during livestock manure storage and following land application

This paper reports the first year results of field experiments to determine the survival times of pathogens in livestock manures during storage and following land application, using viable count methods. E. coli O157, Salmonella and Campylobacter survived in stored slurries and dirty water for up to three months, with Listeria surviving for up to three months. In contrast, all these pathogens survived for less than one month in solid manure heaps where temperatures greater than 55 degrees C were obtained. Following manure spreading to land, E. coli O157, Salmonella and Campylobacter generally survived in the soil for up to one month after application to both the sandy arable and clay loam grassland soils, whereas Listeria commonly survived for more than one month. These data are being used to develop guidelines on the management of manures to minimize the risks of pathogen transfer from animal manures to the human food chain.     

Decline of zoonotic agents in livestock waste and bedding heaps

AIMS: To measure the rates of decline of zoonotic agents introduced into heaps of spent bedding and faecal wastes generated by commercially farmed livestock and managed in a similar way to that of a working farm. METHODS AND RESULTS: Livestock isolates of Salmonella, pathogenic Listeria, Campylobacter and Escherichia coli O157 were laboratory cultured and used to inoculate 5 m3 heaps of cattle, sheep or pig wastes mixed with bedding materials. Decline of each of the infectious agents was monitored with time as was the temperature inside each heap. Temperatures of >50 degrees C were typically achieved at the core of the heaps. Pathogen decline was rapid, typically <3 days for a 1-log reduction in levels. The longest time that zoonotic agents were isolated from the heaps was 93 days. CONCLUSIONS: Movement of heaps of livestock bedding waste from animal pens to a secondary store, and storing them under conditions conducive for increased temperature is a simple and cost-effective treatment for rapidly lowering levels of zoonotic agents in solid farm wastes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrates a simple and cheap treatment that can be used to help prevent the spread of zoonotic agents through agricultural environments.     

Multiplex PCR assay for the detection and quantification of Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella serotypes in water samples

Three pathogens, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli, are leading causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Although these three bacteria are typically considered food-borne pathogens, outbreaks have been reported due to contaminated drinking water and irrigation water. The aim of this research was to develop two types of PCR assays that could detect and quantify three pathogens, Campylobacter spp., E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp., in watershed samples. In conventional PCR, three target strains were detected by multiplex PCR (m-PCR) using each specific primer pair simultaneously. Under optimized m-PCR conditions, the assay produced a 90-bp product for Campylobacter jejuni, a 150-bp product for E. coli O157:H7, and a 262-bp product for Salmonella Typhimurium, and the limitation of detection was approximately 700 copies for all three bacteria. In addition, real-time PCR was performed to quantify the three pathogens using SYBR green fluorescence. The assay was designed so that each target had a different melting temperature [C. jejuni (80.1 °C), E. coli O157:H7 (83.3 °C), and S. Typhimurium (85.9 °C)]. Therefore, this system could quantify and distinguish three pathogens simultaneously in a single reaction.     

Fate of Pathogens Present in Livestock Wastes Spread onto Fescue Plots

Fecal wastes from a variety of farmed livestock were inoculated with livestock isolates of Escherichia coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts at levels representative of the levels found in naturally contaminated wastes. The wastes were subsequently spread onto a grass pasture, and the decline of each of the zoonotic agents was monitored over time. There were no significant differences among the decimal reduction times for the bacterial pathogens. The mean bacterial decimal reduction time was 1.94 days. A range of times between 8 and 31 days for a 1-log reduction in C. parvum levels was obtained, demonstrating that the protozoans were significantly more hardy than the bacteria. Oocyst recovery was more efficient from wastes with lower dry matter contents. The levels of most of the zoonotic agents had declined to below detectable levels by 64 days. However, for some waste types, 128 days was required for the complete decline of L. monocytogenes levels. We were unable to find significant differences between the rates of pathogen decline in liquid (slurry) and solid (farmyard manure) wastes, although concerns have been raised that increased slurry generation as a consequence of more intensive farming practices could lead to increased survival of zoonotic agents in the environment.     

Development of real-time PCR and hybridization methods for detection and identification of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in pig faecal samples

AIMS: To develop a real-time (rt) PCR for species differentiation of thermophilic Campylobacter and to develop a method for assessing co-colonization of pigs by Campylobacter spp. METHODS AND RESULTS: The specificity of a developed 5' nuclease rt-PCR for species-specific identification of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter lari, Campylobacter upsaliensis and of a hipO gene nucleotide probe for detection of C. jejuni by colony-blot hybridization were determined by testing a total of 75 reference strains of Campylobacter spp. and related organisms. The rt-PCR method allowed species-specific detection of Campylobacter spp. in naturally infected pig faecal samples after an enrichment step, whereas the hybridization approach enhanced the specific isolation of C. jejuni (present in minority to C. coli) from pigs. Conclusions: The rt-PCR was specific for Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, C. lari, and C. upsaliensis and the colony-blot hybridization approach provided an effective tool for isolation of C. jejuni from pig faecal samples typically dominated by C. coli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Species differentiation between thermophilic Campylobacter is difficult by phenotypic methods and the developed rt-PCR provides an easy and fast method for such differentiation. Detection of C. jejuni by colony hybridization may increase the isolation rate of this species from pig faeces.     

Effect of length of time before incorporation on survival of pathogenic bacteria present in livestock wastes applied to agricultural soil

In response to reports that the contamination of food can occur during the on-farm primary phase of food production, we report data that describes a possible cost-effective intervention measure. The effect of time before soil incorporation of livestock wastes spread to land on the rate of decline of zoonotic agents present in the waste was investigated. Fresh livestock wastes were inoculated with laboratory-cultured Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli O157 before they were spread onto soil. Incorporation of the spread wastes was either immediate, delayed for 1 week, or did not occur at all. Bacterial decline was monitored over time and found to be significantly more rapid for all waste types when they were left on the soil surface. There were no significant differences in initial bacterial decline rates when wastes were spread in summer or winter. Our results indicate that not incorporating contaminated livestock wastes into soil is a potential intervention measure that may help to limit the spread of zoonotic agents further up the food chain. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to current advice for livestock waste disposal.     

Frequency of Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolation from stool specimens

During a 6-month period, 7252 faeces specimens were examined for Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7. Forty-nine specimens (0.7%) from 19 patients yielded this organism. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was the third most frequently isolated bacterial pathogen, following Campylobacter jejuni and (or) Salmonella sp. Although regional variation between laboratories determined whether Campylobacter jejuni or Salmonella was the primary bacterial pathogen isolated, E. coli O157:H7 was consistently isolated more frequently than either Shigella or Yersinia enterocolitica.     

Factors influencing the presence and concentration of E. coli O157 and E. coli in farm waste on six cattle farms in North-West England

Aims:  To investigate the factors influencing the presence and burden of Escherichia coli O157 in farm wastes.
Methods and Results:  Wastes from six cattle farms were screened for the presence and concentration of E. coli O157 and E. coli on three occasions over a year and waste management data were collected. Sixty-three of 878 (7·1%) samples were positive for verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 and 664/875 (75·9%) for E. coli with detectable levels greater in fresh waste than in stored waste, pasture or dirty water.
Conclusions:  The turning/stirring of stored waste and the use of more than one store (allowing longer storage times) reduced the proportion of E. coli O157 positive samples. The presence of E. coli O157 significantly reduced from a high prevalence found in fresh faeces and stored waste to lower proportions in dirty water and pasture samples. Escherichia coli O157 was only detected on pasture when waste was spread from contaminated stores the day before sampling. A high prevalence of positive E. coli O157 samples were detected when cattle were re-housed.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  These findings help to support the importance of treating and storing farm waste, as well as providing evidence for the level of dilution of E. coli O157 from fresh waste to recently spread pastures.     

Prevalence of bacterial faecal pathogens in separated and unseparated stored pig slurry

AIMS: To examine the prevalence and diversity of bacterial faecal pathogens in unseparated slurry, separated solids and liquid fractions from a commercial pig farm. METHODS: A total of 43 stored slurry specimens originating from a fattening house over the period February-April 2002 were analysed, consisting of unseparated (n = 14) slurry, separated solids (n = 16) and separated liquid (n = 13). Specimens were examined for the presence of five bacterial pathogens including Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli O157 and Yersinia enterocolitica. Selective enrichment and plating methods were employed for detection of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. and conventional selective plating techniques for the remaining genera. Antibiogram profiles to 12 antibiotic agents were obtained for all Salmonella isolates obtained. RESULTS: Salmonella spp. were identified in all components of the slurry specimens, whereas Campylobacter spp. was only recovered from the unseparated and separated liquid fractions. In both cases, the separated liquid fraction had the highest prevalence of pathogens and the separated solid fraction had the lowest prevalence. None of the slurry specimens examined were positive for E. coli O157:H7, Shigella spp. or Y. enterocolitica. Twenty-nine isolates of Salmonella were recovered from the slurry specimens, comprising seven serovars, of which Salmonella manhattan was the most prevalent, accounting for over half [15 of 29 (51.7%)] of all Salmonella isolates. Salmonella anatum, Salm. derby, Salm. give, Salm. heidelberg, Salm. simi and Salm. stanley serovars were also recovered. All Salmonella isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid), chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, kanamycin and trimethoprim, but has variable resistance to tetracycline (100%), sulphonamides (84.6%), furazolidone (38.5%), nalidixic acid (15.4%) and streptomycin (15.4%). The majority (57.7%) of isolates displayed antibiotic resistance to at least two antibiotic agents, followed by 34.6% of isolates being resistant to three agents and the remainder (7.7%) being resistant to four antibiotics. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrated a marked reduction in the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in the solids component of separated pig slurry. The adoption of control processes such as aeration of slurry prior to its spread onto agricultural land and newer approaches to pathogen reduction should be investigated, to reduce the transmission of pathogens from pig slurry to the environment.     

Analyses of Livestock Production, Waste Storage, and Pathogen Levels and Prevalences in Farm Manures

Survey results describing the levels and prevalences of zoonotic agents in 1,549 livestock waste samples were analyzed for significance with livestock husbandry and farm waste management practices. Statistical analyses of survey data showed that livestock groups containing calves of <3 months of age, piglets, or lambs had higher prevalences and levels of Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli O157 in their wastes. Younger calves that were still receiving milk, however, had significantly lower levels and prevalence of E. coli O157. Furthermore, when wastes contained any form of bedding, they had lowered prevalences and levels of both pathogenic Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. Livestock wastes generated by stock consuming a diet composed principally of grass were less likely to harbor E. coli O157 or Salmonella spp. Stocking density did not appear to influence either the levels or prevalences of bacterial pathogens. Significant seasonal differences in prevalences were detected in cattle wastes; Listeria spp. were more likely to be isolated in March to June, and E. coli O157 was more likely to be found in May and June. Factors such as livestock diet and age also had significant influence on the levels and prevalences of some zoonotic agents in livestock wastes. A number of the correlations identified could be used as the basis of a best-practice disposal document for farmers, thereby lowering the microbiological risks associated with applying manures of contaminated livestock to land.     

Carriage of four bacterial pathogens by beef cattle in Northern Ireland at time of slaughter

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of four bacterial zoonotic pathogens in beef cattle at time of slaughter in Northern Ireland (NI), in order to assess their potential for reducing beef safety. METHODS AND RESULTS: Faeces were collected postmortem from beef cattle (n =220) at seven EU registered abattoirs. Standard enrichment culturing methods were employed, plus immunomagnetic enrichment in the case of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Campylobacter spp. were found in 52 samples (24.8%), Listeria monocytogenes in 10 (4.8%), E. coli O157:H7 in 2 (0.9%) whilst Salmonella spp. were isolated from six out of 200 samples (3.0%). Five salmonellas were Salmonella Chandans and one was Salmonella Liverpool. CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacter spp. were the most frequently isolated pathogen, despite being relatively rare in beef. Genotyping showed the campylobacters to be very diverse, indicating cattle encounter campylobacters from many sources. The remaining three pathogens, which are associated with meats, occurred at relatively low frequencies, especially E. coli O157:H7. The Salmonella serovars found rarely infect humans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The low prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in NI beef cattle was confirmed and the reasons for this merit further study. The four pathogens should have little impact on beef quality.     

Microbiological quality of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in Nunavik, Quebec: a pilot study

This pilot study was aimed at documenting the presence of fecal indicators and enteric pathogens in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) from 6 communities in Nunavik, Quebec. One to four 2?kg samples of mussels were collected at low tide in each community. Samples were investigated by enumeration methods for the fecal indicators enterococci, Escherichia coli, F-specific coliphages, Clostridium perfringens, and by molecular identification for the pathogens norovirus, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari, verocytotoxin-producing E.?coli (particularly serovar O157:H7), Shigella spp., and Yersinia enterocolitica. In 5 communities, the presence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. was also tested by microscopy and molecular methods and that of Toxoplasma gondii was tested by molecular methods. Apart from small quantities of Clostridium perfringens in 2 samples, no bacterial or viral pathogens were detected in the mussels. Toxoplasma gondii was also not detected. However, G.?duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were present in 18% and 73% of the samples investigated for these pathogens, respectively. When considering the indicators and the viral and bacterial pathogens investigated, the mussels examined were of good microbiological quality, but considering the presence of potentially zoonotic protozoa, it should be recommended that consumers cook the molluscs well before eating them.     

The effects of UVB and temperature on the survival of natural populations and pure cultures of Campylobacter jejuni, Camp. coli, Camp. lari and urease-positive thermophilic campylobacters (UPTC) in surface waters

AIMS: To determine whether diurnal and seasonal variations in campylobacters in surface waters result from the effects of temperature and u.v. radiation, and whether natural populations of Campylobacter lari and urease-positive thermophilic campylobacters (UPTC) from birds survive better in surface waters than Camp. jejuni from sewage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Natural populations of Camp. lari and UPTC in sea water, and Camp. jejuni in river water, were exposed to artificial sunlight (equivalent to a sunny day in June). Both populations became non-culturable within 30 min, with T90s of 15 min and 25 min, respectively. Cultures of Camp. jejuni became non-culturable within 40 min and those of Camp. coli, Camp. lari and UPTC, within 60 min. In darkness, survival was temperature-dependent. Natural populations took 12 h at 37 degrees C and 5 days at 4 degrees C to become non-culturable in sea water, and slightly less in river water. Cultures of Camp. lari and UPTCs survived for significantly longer than Camp. jejuni and Camp. coli. Loss of culturability for all isolates was most rapid at 37 degrees C and slowest at 4 degrees C. Newly isolated strains from sea water and river water behaved in an almost identical manner to NCTC strains. CONCLUSION: Campylobacter lari and UPTCs survive for longer in surface waters than Camp. jejuni and Camp. coli, particularly in the dark. Low Campylobacter numbers in coastal waters in the summer, especially in the afternoon, are due to the combined effects of higher temperatures and higher levels of u.v. radiation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Campylobacter lari and UPTCs from birds predominate in bathing waters in Morecambe Bay because they are better able to survive; they also originate from closer to the shore than Camp. jejuni and Camp. coli in sewage effluent, which survive poorly and die before the incoming tide reaches the shore. The predominance of Camp. jejuni in river water results from its dominance of the inputs and not from its ability to survive.     

Survival of Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli in groundwater during prolonged starvation at low temperatures

AIMS: To evaluate the survival of Campylobacter jejuni relative to that of Escherichia coli in groundwater microcosms varying in nutrient composition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Studies were conducted in groundwater and deionized water incubated for up to 470 days at 4 degrees C. Samples were taken for culturable and total cell counts, nutrient and molecular analysis. Die-off in groundwater microcosms was between 2.5 and 13 times faster for C. jejuni than for E. coli. Campylobacter jejuni had the lowest decay rate and longest culturability in microcosms with higher dissolved organic carbon (4 mg l(-1)). Escherichia coli survival was the greatest when the total dissolved nitrogen (12.0 mg l(-1)) was high. The transition of C. jejuni to the coccoid stage was independent of culturability. CONCLUSION: The differences in the duration of survival and response to water nutrient composition between the two organisms suggest that E. coli may be present in the waters much longer and respond to water composition much differently than C. jejuni. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The data from these studies would aid in the evaluation of the utility of E. coli as an indicator of C. jejuni. This study also provided new information about the effect of nutrient composition on C. jejuni viability.     

Factors affecting the pressure resistance of some Campylobacter species

AIMS: To compare pressure resistance between strains of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter lari and Campylobacter fetus, and to investigate the effect of suspending medium on pressure resistance of sensitive and more resistant strains. METHODS AND RESULTS: Six strains of C. jejuni and four each of C. coli, C. lari and C. fetus were pressure treated for 10 min at 200 and 300 MPa. Individual strains varied widely in pressure resistance but there were no significant differences between the species C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari. Campylobacter fetus was significantly more pressure sensitive than the other three species. The pressure resistance of C. jejuni cultures reached a maximum at 16-18 h on entry into stationary phase then declined to a minimum at 75 h before increasing once more. Milk was more baroprotective than water, broth or chicken slurry but did not prevent inactivation even of a resistant strain at 400 MPa. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure resistance varies considerably between species of Campylobacter and among strains within a species, and survival after a pressure challenge will be markedly influenced by culture age and food matrix. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Despite the strain variation in pressure resistance and protective effects of food, Campylobacter sp. do not present a particular problem for pressure processing.     

Eugenol stimulates lactate accumulation yet inhibits volatile fatty acid production and eliminates coliform bacteria in cattle and swine waste

AIM: To determine how eugenol affects fermentation parameters and faecal coliforms in cattle and swine waste slurries stored anaerobically. METHODS AND RESULTS: Waste slurries (faeces:urine:water, 50:35:15) were blended with and without additives and aliquoted to triplicate 1-l flasks. Faecal coliforms were eliminated in cattle and swine waste slurries within 1 or 2 days with additions of eugenol at 10.05 mm (0.15%) and 16.75 mm (0.25%). At these concentrations volatile fatty acids (VFA) were reduced ca 70 and 50% in cattle and swine waste, respectively, over 6-8 weeks. Additionally, in cattle waste, eugenol stimulated the accumulation of lactate (>180 mm) when compared with thymol treatment (20 mm lactate). In swine waste, lactate accumulation did not occur without additives; eugenol and thymol stimulated lactate accumulation to concentrations of 22 and 32 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Eugenol added to cattle waste may be more beneficial than thymol because not only does it effectively control faecal coliforms and odour (VFA production), it also stimulates lactate accumulation. This in turn, causes the pH to drop more rapidly, further inhibiting microbial activity and nutrient emissions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Plant essential oils have the potential to solve some of the environmental problems associated with consolidated animal feeding operations. Thymol and eugenol reduce fermentative activity, thus, have the potential to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and odour, and curtail transmission of pathogens in cattle and swine wastes.     

A laboratory-based survey of Campylobacter infections in Prahova County

In developing countries, as well as in many western countries, members of the genus Campylobacter are recognized as one of the most common cause of acute bacterial enteritis. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolation rates have been shown to be equal to, and sometimes higher than those of other enteric pathogens. The Microbiology Laboratory of the local Public Health Authority in Prahova County conducted a one and a half-year laboratory-based survey of Campylobacter infections in patients suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms. From a total of 3284 stool samples screened, the culture-positive ones confirmed the bacterial etiology for 551 diarrhea cases. Campylobacter was found in 345 specimens, being the most frequently isolated enteropathogen. C. jejuni outnumbered C. coli species (239 vs. 106 isolates). Salmonella isolates were the second local cause of diarrhea. The highest isolation rate of Campylobacter was found in children 5 years of age (262 strains). The prevalence of campylobacteriosis declined with age. The isolation rate of Campylobacter (10.5%), the unimodal age-specific distribution of cases, as well as the identification of polymicrobial infections among the screened population were epidemiological aspects resembling reports on campylobacteriosis in developing countries. The susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates to various antimicrobial agents, including macrolides and fluoroquinolones was also assessed. Among the screened isolates, Erythromycin retained a good activity, while an increased ciprofloxacin resistance was observed. The information gathered through this local study sustains the importance of Campylobacter in the etiology of autochthonous infectious diarrhea. A development of a national surveillance program regarding the most important foodborne pathogens would be beneficial for improving prevention and controlling measures.