Presence of Arcobacter species in pet cats and dogs in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of the genus Arcobacter in cats and dogs in the Czech Republic. These animals may be carriers of the bacteria and potential sources of human infection. Oral smears were collected from animals using smear swabs and brushes. Based on previous studies, commercially available DNA kits were used for DNA isolation. Samples were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and evaluated using gel electrophoresis. Overall, 178 oral smears were tested, of which 108 were from dogs and 70 were from cats. Out of all smears, five were positive, of which four samples were from dogs and one from a cat. In all five positive cases, PCR confirmed the presence of Arcobacter butzleri. In follow-up sampling, the presence of Arcobacter butzleri was demonstrated in two samples from a dog.