Detection of Campylobacter spp. in water by dead‐end ultrafiltration and application at farm level

AIMS: The purposes were to evaluate the detection of low levels of Campylobacter in water by dead‐end ultrafiltration (DEUF) to determine the sensitivity and suitability for use under field condition. METHODS AND RESULTS: The DEUF technique followed by detection according to ISO 10272 was tested on artificially and naturally contaminated water. Campylobacter were detected in all samples spiked with more than 10 CFU 60 l(−1) and in four of nine samples with a concentration below 10 CFU 60 l(−1) water. Naturally contaminated water from five different broiler producers was analysed. Campylobacter were detected in four of 12 samples from ponds near the houses and in three of 24 samples from water pipes inside the broiler houses, but not in tap water sampled at the entrance of the broiler houses. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that DEUF is useful for detection of low numbers of Campylobacter in large volumes of water. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Contaminated water is an important source for transmission of Campylobacter to broilers and humans. The concentration of Campylobacter is usually low with a high level of background microbiota. This study shows the advantages of DEUF both in the laboratory and under field conditions.