Vibrant's Gut Zoomer tests Campylobacter spp. (which stands for species), Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter upsaliensis.
Campylobacter spp.
* "spp." means multiple species within the Campylobacter genus.
* This is a broad target that indicates DNA from one or more Campylobacter species has been detected but does not specify which species.
Campylobacter jejuni
* The most common cause of Campylobacter gastroenteritis in humans worldwide.
* Responsible for approximately 80–90% of Campylobacter enteritis cases.
Campylobacter coli
* The second most common Campylobacter species causing human illness.
Campylobacter upsaliensis
* Less common than C. jejuni and C. coli.
* Considered a zoonotic organism, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Mostly commonly carried by cats and dogs.
How species identification can be useful
Although it often doesn't change immediate treatment, knowing the species can help clinicians:
* Identify the likely source of exposure
* C. jejuni: poultry, unpasteurized dairy, contaminated water
* C. coli: poultry and swine
* C. upsaliensis: dogs and cats
* Estimate the likelihood of antibiotic resistance, particularly with C. coli.
* Interpret stool PCR results. For example, if only Campylobacter spp. is detected without a species-specific match, it may represent another Campylobacter species, a low level of bacterial DNA, or residual DNA rather than an active infection.