Detection of Campylobacter spp. in Healthy Pet Rabbits and Rodents Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background: Campylobacter is a common cause of human gastroenteritis. These species can cause diarrhea, hematochezia, meningitis, septicemia and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in healthy pet rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and squirrels referred to Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. Food-producing animals are vital sources of infection in humans. While rabbit and guinea pig meat and fur consumption have increased in many countries, little is known about their role as a source of infection. Therefore, the true incidence of Campylobacter infections may be underestimated. Methods: Fecal samples from 92 rabbits, four guinea pigs, two hamsters and two squirrels were acquired and assessed for Campylobacter species by culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 26. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze qualitative data. Results: Five samples from rabbits, one sample from hamsters, and one sample from squirrels were positive for Campylobacter spp. No Campylobacter spp. were detected in guinea pigs. All the species were Campylobacter jejuni. No Campylobacter was isolated in culture. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Campylobacter spp. were detected in healthy rabbits, hamsters, and squirrels. In addition, age, gender and sexual status did not significantly affect Campylobacter infection. Furthermore, rabbits and rodents kept as pets should be considered crucial sources of human zoonotic pathogens. They can be reservoirs of Campylobacter spp. and infect people and other animals by shedding these organisms in their stools.