Effect of Bile on Campylobacter species isolated from stool samples in Osogbo

Background: Campylobacter jejuni is a prevalent human pathogen and a major cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. In humans, C. jejuni colonises the intestinal tract, and its tolerance to bile is crucial for bacteria to survive and establish infection. Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli have the highest rate of foodborne-related clinical Campylobacteriosis. The study aims to determine the effect of bile salts, acid, and bacteriocin on campylobacter isolates obtained from stool samples. Methods: Campylobacters were identified phenotypically in this study using biochemical tests and genotypically using 16S rRNA species-specific gene amplification by PCR. The confirmed twenty-five Campylobacter isolates comprising18 C. jejuni and 7 C. coli were tested for physiological factors such as bile tolerance, bacteriocin tolerance and ability to synthesise proteolytic enzymes on a solid medium. Results: Campylobacter isolates survived at different concentrations of bile (2.1 -6.8%), low pH (7.1- 3.2) and in the presence of bacteriocin (3.8-6.8 AU/mL) with the production of proteolytic enzymes in the range of 16.2-15.2 mm. Conclusion: The ability of Campylobacter spp to survive in the presence of bacteriocin and different concentrations of acid and bile salt indicates the strains’ virulence