DNA restriction digest and ribosomal RNA gene patterns of Campylobacter jejuni: a comparison with bio-, sero-, and bacteriophage-types of United Kingdom outbreak strains.

DNA restriction endonuclease (Hae III and Hind III) total digest and 16S and 23S ribosomal (r)RNA gene patterns (ribopatterns) were determined for 18 isolates of Campylobacter jejuni from three separate outbreaks of diarrhoea in the north of England. Strains were also characterized by biotyping, serotyping and phage typing. Comparisons of the DNA patterns by visual and numerical methods revealed five distinct strain groupings with clear differences between isolates from different outbreaks as well as some heterogeneity between strains within the community outbreak and one of the school outbreaks. An excellent correlation was observed between the genomic DNA fingerprints data and the Preston bacteriophage group, both of which gave better discrimination than biotyping and serotyping alone or in combination. Only one phage group (PG 37) was not confirmed by the DNA data. DNA fingerprints therefore provide additional information of value in studying the epidemiology of outbreaks of C. jejuni.