VIASURE Campylobacter Real Time PCR Detection Kit is designed for specific identification of Campylobacter in human stool samples from patients with signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal infection.

This test is intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of Campylobacter infection in humans in combination with clinical and epidemiological risk factors.

DNA is extracted from stool specimens, multiplied using Real Time amplification and detected using specific primers and a fluorescent reporter dye probe for Campylobacter.

The Campylobacter genus belongs to the family Campylobacteraceae. Up to date, it consists of 26 species, 2 provisional species, and 9 subspecies. The most common species of Campylobacter associated with human illness are C. jejuni and C. coli, but other species can also cause human infections.

Campylobacteriosis is the most prevalent foodborne bacterial infection increased in both developed and developing countries. Poultry is a major reservoir and source of transmission of campylobacteriosis to humans. Other risk factors include consumption of animal products and water, contact with animals, and even person-to-person transmission (fecal-oral or via fomites).

Infection with Campylobacter causes gastroenteritis characterised by fever, vomiting, headaches, and abdominal pain with watery or bloody diarrhea, for a median duration of 6 days. However, in a minority of individuals Campylobacter infection may lead to autoimmune conditions known as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS). In addition, they could be involved in extragastrointestinal manifestations, including bacteremia, lung infections, brain abscesses, meningitis, and reactive arthritis.

The Real Time PCR assays have used extensively the 16S rRNA gene for rapid detection and identification of many bacterial taxa, including Campylobacter species.