Introduction:

Rapid and precise detection of foodborne pathogens is vital for both clinical care and public health monitoring. Campylobacter, a major cause of gastrointestinal infection, remains challenging to isolate and study through conventional methods due to its fastidious growth requirements and typically low abundance in stool.

Developments in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have transformed how we identify and characterise pathogens. Culture-independent, metagenomic sequencing of stool samples now allows for direct detection of Campylobacter, offering detailed insights into strain diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence profiles. These approaches not only bypass the limitations of traditional culture but also provide high-resolution genomic data essential for outbreak tracking, infection control, and food safety efforts.

In this session, we delve into cutting-edge genomic strategies for the direct detection and analysis of Campylobacter in clinical stool samples. We will explore optimised metagenomic workflows, key experimental considerations, and robust bioinformatics tools for comprehensive profiling. The session will also address the broader implications of these technologies for improving pathogen surveillance, diagnostics, and public health response.

Learning objectives:

• Explore advanced genomic methods for direct detection and characterisation of Campylobacter from clinical samples
• Understand how metagenomic sequencing supports pathogen surveillance and clinical diagnostics
• Learn about experimental designs and bioinformatics workflows for thorough Campylobacter analysis