BIOTYPING SCHEME FOR CAMPYLOBACTER STRAIN S

Three species of Campylobacter are recognized as enteropathogens in ch ildren under five years of age and in immunocompromised patients. Seve ral groups have tried to classify them using biochemical profiles and have found six different patterns which comprise 12 individual tests. We have designed a ''Micro Campy'' method which identifies C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari classifying them into several biotypes. Fifty two Campylobacter strains isolated from humans were studied and classified in 24 different patterns. Strains isolated from diarrhea episodes wer e seen in two specific patterns. We propose the use of this easy to pe rform method which has a reproducibility higher than 92% in biotyping Campylobacter strains.