Rapid and sensitive isolation of <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> using immunomagnetic separation from patient specimens exposed to oxygen

The isolation, cultivation, and maintenance of <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. are difficult because of the microaerophilic conditions and specific medium needed. Although selective media are useful for the initial isolation of <i>Campylobacter</i>, subsequent exposure of the sample to oxygen has a detrimental effect on the positive culture rate of <i>Campylobacter</i>, significantly lowering the isolation rate from patient samples. In this study, the detection limit was improved by combining immunomagnetic separation and PCR methods to quickly detect <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> in clinical patient stool samples using antibody<i>-</i>magnetic beads. Therefore, this study is expected to improve confirmation of <i>C. jejuni</i> infection where diagnosis would previously fail with patient samples because of oxygen exposure, inappropriate diagnostic methods, and interference from other bacteria in the sample.