A PCR ASSAY FOR THE DETECTION OF CAMPYLOBACTER-JEJUNI AND CAMPYLOBACTER-COLI IN WATER

A PCR assay has been developed for the detection of Campylobacter jeju ni and Camp. coli in water samples. The sample is filtered through a m embrane which is subjected to sonication to release the impacted cells . After removal of the filter from the cell suspension and a freeze/th aw cell lysis step, a semi-nested PCR is carried out on the filtrate u sing the primers CF02, CF03 and CF04 (Camp. jejuni fla A and fla B gen e sequences). Incorporation of a sonication stage allows removal of th e filter membrane since they have been shown to inhibit the PCR. In ex periments with spiked water samples (20 ml) a theoretical sensitivity of 10-20 campylobacter cells ml(-1) was achieved. Using a sample volum e of 100 ml this sensitivity can be increased to approximately 2 campy lobacter cells ml(-1).