Evaluation of detection methods for Arcobacter infections in diarrhea specimens among children under six years in Arak City

In recent years, the presence of large amount of research isolating and detecting Arcobacter spp. from animals and humans with diarrhea and from food samples highlights the importance of Arcobacter spp. as emerging food-borne pathogens worldwide. Recently, independent studies have been conducted, making significant progress in the understanding of the classification and pathogenicity of this group of microorganisms. However, the incidence of Arcobacter infection is likely to be underestimated mainly due to the limitations in current detection and identification methods. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of staining method (Gram stain using 1% fuchsinein direct smear) versus PCR as the gold standard.
A total of 150 stool samples were collected from under 6 years of age children with diarrhea from clinical centers of Arak. Direct smears of samples were stained with a modified gram staining method (1% fuchsin for 5 minutes with heat). Concurrently, PCR amplification method was performed for all DNA samples.
Arcobacter spp. was isolated by PCR from 28 out of 150 stool samples. Direct staining method identified 79 samples as Campylobacter-like organisms with a sensitivity and specificity values of 100 and 65.50%, respectively.
Detection of Campylobacter-like organisms by 1% fuchsin is simple, inexpensive, and fast with high sensitivity and specificity. Laboratories with limited resources can employ modified gram staining method to detect Campylobacteriaceae infection in early stages.