Effects of sample holding time, temperature, and atmosphere on the isolation of Campylobacter jejuni from dogs.

Stool specimens were collected from 39 dogs, inoculated onto Campylobacter blood agar plates, and divided into four subsamples. Subsamples were held at 4 and 25 degrees C in room air and in a microaerobic environment and were reinoculated at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 h. C. jejuni survived at least 3 h when it was held at 4 degrees C, but less than 2 h when it was held at 25 degrees C. The holding atmosphere was not associated with a difference in isolation rates.