Advances in Vaccines for Controlling Campylobacter in Poultry

Abstract

Campylobacteriosis is the most prevalent bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis affecting humans worldwide. Human cases are mainly due to Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobacter coli, and contamination is associated with the handling and/or consumption of poultry meat. In fact, poultry constitutes the main reservoir of Campylobacter, where the bacterium is found in substantial populations in the intestine following colonization. Reducing Campylobacter levels in the poultry chain would decrease the incidence of human campylobacteriosis. As primary production is a crucial step in Campylobacter poultry contamination, controlling the infection at this level could impact the subsequent links along the food chain (slaughter, retail, and consumption). This chapter gives an up-to-date overview of vaccination as an approach to reduce the prevalence and colonization of Campylobacter in poultry. In fact, the implementation of biosecurity and hygiene measures, along with various other strategies, including the treatment of drinking water; use of bacteriophages, probiotics and/or prebiotics, and bacteriocins; as well as poultry vaccination are promising ways of reducing Campylobacter colonization in poultry.