Involvement of Campylobacter Species in Spotty Liver Disease-like Lesions in Broiler Chickens Detected at Meat Inspections in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan

Spotty liver disease (SLD) affects free-range laying hens, leading to mortality and reduced egg production. <i>Campylobacter</i> species, including <i>Campylobacter hepaticus</i>, have been associated with SLD cases worldwide. However, the cause of SLD-like lesions found in broilers in Japan still remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. in broiler SLD by conducting microbiological, molecular biological, serological, histopathological, and immunohistopathological examinations using specimens of liver, bile, cecum, and serum from SLD-like and non-SLD chickens. <i>C. jejuni</i> was predominantly isolated and detected in approximately 40% of both non-SLD livers and SLD-like livers, with no significant difference between them. However, <i>C. hepaticus</i> was neither isolated nor detected in this study. Gross and histopathology revealed multifocal necrotizing hepatitis, suppurative granulomatous hepatitis, and cholangiohepatitis. Hepatitis stages are classified as no hepatitis, subclinical, acute, and chronic hepatitis. <i>C. jejuni</i> was more frequently present in acute-stage SLD-like livers, and high IgG antibody levels were noted in both subclinical and SLD-like-affected chickens, indicating <i>C. jejuni</i> infection. Immunohistochemical examination also supported these findings. The findings suggest that <i>C. hepaticus</i> was not involved in SLD-like in broilers in Japan, but <i>C. jejuni</i> translocation from the intestines to the liver may be a contributing factor.