Evaluation of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis' Ability to cluster campylobacter Jejuni by Animal exposure or location

Campylobacter has emerged in the last 30 years as the most common source of gastroenteritis worldwide. Considering Campylobacter's vast ubiquity, surprisingly little is known regarding its source. Most cases are deemed sporadic and few outbreaks are recognized. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) data collected at the Unified State Laboratories: Public Health since 2002 was combined with epidemiological data containing patient county of residence and reported animal exposure. In total, 1,728 PFGE patterns were analyzed, 1,538 of these contained county of residence data and 718 included animal exposure data. This information was analyzed together and trends examined. Counties with a higher population and larger animal groups exhibited a lower PFGE pattern variation. Certain common PFGE patterns were also found to be more prevalent among different counties and animal groups. Continued analysis is needed to better understand Campylobacter infection and prevent additional cases.