Abstract
The aim of the current study is to assess the prevalence of Campylobacter infection in broiler chickens, raised in intensive production conditions, and to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of recovered Campylobacter isolates. A total of 590 cloacal swab samples were taken from 13 broiler chicken flocks in the North East of Tunisia. All samples were tested for the presence of thermophilic Campylobacter by culture and PCR, targeting the mapA and ceuE genes, respectively. Susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs was tested against 8 antibiotics. Prevalence of Campylobacter infection, relationship with geographic origins and seasons, antimicrobial resistance rates and patterns were analyzed. Total prevalence of Campylobacter infection in broiler flocks was in the range of 22.4%, with a predominance of C. jejuni (68.9%), followed by C. coli (31.1%). Positive association was highlighted between the infection level and the season (P < 0.001), but no link was emphasized considering the geographic origin. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed very high resistance rates detected against macrolide, tetracycline, quinolones, and chloramphenicol, ranging from 88.6% to 100%. Lower resistance prevalence was noticed for β-lactams (47% and 61.4%) and gentamicin (12.9%). 17 R-type patterns were observed, and a common pattern was found in 30.3% of isolates. This study provides updates and novel data on the prevalence and the AMR of broiler campylobacters in Tunisia, revealing the occurrence of high resistance to several antibiotics and emphasizing the requirement of better surveillance and careful regulation of antimicrobials use.
Highlights
Campylobacteriosis is a major food-borne zoonosis with global distribution [1]
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed very high resistance rates detected against macrolide, tetracycline, quinolones, and chloramphenicol, ranging from 88.6% to 100%
In the EU, it has been estimated that 50 to 80% of human cases of campylobacteriosis may be attributed to the chicken reservoir, whereas the handling, preparation, and consumption of contaminated broiler meat may account for BioMed Research International to 30% of cases [10]
Summary
Campylobacteriosis is a major food-borne zoonosis with global distribution [1]. In last decade, the number of human campylobacteriosis cases has increased in both industrialized and developed countries, with 96 million cases of gastroenteritis and 21 thousand deaths per year, worldwide [2,3,4]. In the EU, it has been estimated that 50 to 80% of human cases of campylobacteriosis may be attributed to the chicken reservoir, whereas the handling, preparation, and consumption of contaminated broiler meat may account for BioMed Research International to 30% of cases [10]. The majority of human Campylobacter infections results in a self-limiting gastroenteritis illness and does not require specific treatment. In addition to the campylobacteriosis morbidity and the risk to develop long term sequelae (e.g., Guillian Barre’ syndrome (GBS) and reactive arthritis), the development of resistance to antimicrobial drugs by Campylobacter strains constitutes an important concern. The development of effective mitigation strategies for Campylobacter reduction in broiler, as well as the successful use of antimicrobial treatment, requires a good understanding of the epidemiological status of Campylobacter infection in flocks, in order to decrease the prevalence of this infection and likely antimicrobial resistance. The aim of the present study is to assess thermophilic Campylobacter prevalence in broiler flocks in North East of Tunisia and to determine antimicrobial resistance rates and patterns of recovered Campylobacter strains
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
