Student Case Presentation
A Survey of Common Diagnostic Tests, Preferred Sample Submissions, and Frequency of Identification of Bovine Reproductive Campylobacteriosis from Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in the US
| Date/Time: |
8/27/2026 Poster 10
|
| Presenter: |
Alex Webster |
| Veterinary School: |
IA |
Abstract:
Campylobacter spp. have been described as an important cause of reproductive failure in cattle. Due to widespread vaccination and the adoption of artificial insemination, its relative importance as a reproductive pathogen is debated. The objective of this project was to survey veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDL) to determine the most common methods of pathogen detection, diagnostic samples utilized, and the number of positive tests. An email with an online survey link was sent to 27 VDLs across the United States. This convenience sample selected VDLs based on their geographical location and bovine related caseload. Twenty (74.1%) complete surveys were returned. Most VDLs surveyed differentiate between Campylobacter fetus ssp. venerealis (CFV), Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus (CFF), and Campylobacter jejuni (CJ), while six VDLs do not differentiate between subspecies. Culture was the most common diagnostic test performed, reported by 19/20 VDLs. Other tests reported included PCR, dark field microscopy, MALDI-TOF MS, and whole genome sequencing. However, these latter tests were less frequently utilized. Regarding sample submission, the most diagnostic samples recommended by VDLs were whole fetus, followed by fetal stomach contents, and the placenta. Fourteen VDLs recommended a commercially available transport media for sample collection, while three produced media in-house. Over a four-year period, 5% (4/80) of all PCR tests and 0.31% (333/108,118) of cultures were positive for Campylobacter spp. Differences between beef versus dairy testing were significantly influenced by VDL geographical location, and most laboratories indicated that testing requests were for abortion diagnostics or regulatory purposes. While the survey results indicate that there is a low prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in US cattle operations, it remains an important pathogen to consider in reproductive failure and regulatory medicine.
Submitted by: Alex Webster, Third-year Veterinary Student at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Terry Engelken, Iowa State University College
