Investigation of campylobacter infection in lovebirds in Shahrekord, Iran by PCR

Pet birds may carry human infectious agents and some of these can be transmitted to people. Campylobacter bacteria are the most common bacteria that cause gastroenteritis worldwide. Considering people's interests to keep pet birds and the potential ability of pet birds to transmit Campylobacter to humans, the present study was conducted to evaluate Campylobacter infection in Shahrekord lovebirds by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Altogether 120 samples of lovebird faeces were collected from different areas of Shahrekord, Iran and evaluated for detection of Campylobacter by bacteriological and PCR methods. Campylobacter was isolated from 1.7% (2 out of 120) of samples. Campylobacter isolates showed high level of antibiotic resistance. The results of our study suggest that lovebird ownership can be a menace to people's health by Campylobacter infection. We hope that the results of this study lead to improvements in the understanding probable danger of pet bird ownership and programs against zoonoses.