DIFFUSION OF THERMOPHILIC CAMPYLOBACTER IN THE PESARO-URBINO AREA (ITALY) FROM 1985 TO 1992

The results of research on the spreading of campylobacter in the Pesar o-Urbino area carried out from 1985 to 1992 are presented. Materials o f different origin were examined: 822 samples of human faeces, 533 ani mal rectal swabs, 192 samples of domestic sewage, 48 of river water, 9 6 of sea water and 632 of various types of food. Two hundred and nine strains of campylobacter were isolated (9%), most of which were Campyl obacter jejuni (80%), with particular frequency in food products (chic ken carcass 45.7%, ground meat and sausage 18.1%) and in river water ( 31.3%). In contrast, the samples of sea water and dairy cheese product s were always negative. It may be concluded that the spreading of camp ylobacter in the Pesaro-Urbino area is mainly associated with food pro ducts of animal origin. Therefore, better controls in the processing o f these products may be necessary.