Prevalence, seasonality and antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. isolates of retail broiler meat in Iran

Abstract

Campylobacter species, are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The main route of transmission is generally believed to be via undercooked meat and meat products. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, seasonality and antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. isolates of retail broiler meat in Mashhad, Iran. From January 2013 through December 2013, 360 broiler meat samples were purchased in Mashhad, Iran. Identification of a presumptive Campylobacter species was performed using the cultural method and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method. Overall, 227 samples (63.1%) were positive for Campylobacter. The most prevalent Campylobacter spp. isolated was Campylobacter jejuni (88.1%). There was a significant seasonal prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler meat in Mashhad, Iran (P < 0.0001). The highest isolation rate was also in summer (78.9%). The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 93.4% of the isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. Resistances to tetracycline (87.2%) and ciprofloxacin (79.3%) were the most common resistances. The findings of this study showed a relatively high prevalence of Campylobacter contamination and antimicrobial resistance in broiler meats in Mashhad, Iran. To the authors' knowledge this is the first study on the seasonal prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. isolated from broiler meat in Iran.