Occurrence and multidrug resistance of Campylobacter spp. at duck farms and associated environmental and anthropogenic risk factors in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND: The alarming rise in multi-drug resistant (MDR) zoonotic pathogens, including Campylobacter spp., has been threatening the health sector globally. In Bangladesh, despite rapid growth in poultry sector little is known about the potential risks of zoonotic pathogens in homestead duck flocks. The aim of this study was to understand the occurrence, species diversity, and multi-drug resistance in Campylobacter spp., and identify the associated risk factors in duck farms in Bangladesh. METHODS: The study involved 20 duck farms at 6 sub-districts of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Monthly occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in potential sources at the farms during February-September, 2018, was detected by culture and PCR-based methods. Campylobacter isolates were examined for resistance to different antimicrobials. Risk factors, concerning climatic and environmental disposition, farm management, and anthropogenic practices, of Campylobacter infection were estimated by participatory epidemiological tools. RESULTS: Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. was detected in overall 36.90% (155/420) samples, more frequently in drinking water (60%, 30/50), followed by cloacal swab (37.50%, 75/200), egg surface swab (35%, 35/100) and soil of the duck resting places (30%, 15/50) but was not detected in feed samples (n = 20). PCR assays distinguished the majority (61.30%, 95/155) of the isolates as C. coli, while the rest (38.70%, 60/155) were C. jejuni. Notably, 41.7% (25/60) and 31.6% (30/95) strains of C. jejuni and C. coli, respectively, were observed to be MDR. The dynamics of Campylobacter spp., distinctly showing higher abundance during summer and late-monsoon, correlated significantly with temperature, humidity, and rainfall, while sunshine hours had a negative influence. Anthropogenic management-related factors, including, inadequate hygiene practices, use of untreated river water, wet duck shed, flock age (1-6 months), and unscrupulous use of antimicrobials were identified to enhance the risk of MDR Campylobacter infection. CONCLUSION: The present study clearly demonstrates that duck farms contribute to the enhanced occurrence and spread of potentially pathogenic and MDR C. coli and C. jejuni strains and the bacterial dynamics are governed by a combined interaction of environmental and anthropogenic factors. A long-term holistic research at the environment-animal-human interface would be integral to divulge health risk reduction approaches tackling the spread of Campylobacter spp. from duck farms.

Peracetic acid reduces Campylobacter spp. numbers and total viable counts on broiler breast muscle and drumstick skins during modified atmosphere package storage.

Constant high case numbers of human campylobacteriosis over the last few years show the necessity of efficient strategies to reduce the number of diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of peracetic acid (PAA) as spray application to reduce Campylobacter spp. on chicken meat. For this, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 25 Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli isolates were determined. All tested isolates had MICs ranging between 2 to 8 ppm PAA, while MBCs were 1- to 4-fold higher than the MIC. An additional time-kill test, using strain C. jejuni DSM 4688, revealed that after an incubation time of 2 h in medium, supplemented with 1-fold the MIC (4 ppm) of PAA, no surviving C. jejuni cells were detectable. For evaluation of a spraying treatment, C. jejuni DSM 4688 (108 cfu/mL) inoculated chicken drumsticks and native skin-on breast fillets were treated for 30 s with PAA of 1,200 ppm concentration. Samples were packaged in modified atmosphere packages and stored at 4°C until further analysis. On day 1, 6, and 12, the fillets were used for microbial (total viable count), sensory, and physicochemical (color, pH, electrical conductivity) analysis and meat samples for myoglobin redox forms and antioxidant activity were taken. A significant reduction of the total viable counts was seen on day 6 and 12 in comparison to the water control and to the untreated fillets, respectively. Campylobacter jejuni counts on the drumsticks were significantly reduced by PAA application on day 6 and 12 in comparison to the water treatment. Except on day 12, where PAA-treated fillets showed a slightly higher percentage of oxymyoglobin, no significant differences could be found in the sensory and physicochemical measurements as well as in myoglobin and antioxidant activity. Spray application of 1,200 ppm PAA to Campylobacter-contaminated chicken samples led to a significant reduction up to 1.1 log10 of Campylobacter spp. counts without influencing chemical and sensory meat quality parameters.

Bacteriemia por Campylobacter coli asociada a inmunosupresión / Campylobacter coli bacteremia linked immunosuppression

La infección por Campylobacter spp. constituye una de las principales causas de enteritis bacteriana en los seres humanos. Mientras que Campylobacter fetus puede causar infecciones sistémicas tales como celulitis, osteomielitis, artritis, pericarditis y endocarditis, Campylobacter coli y Campylobacter jejuni producen por lo general infecciones gastrointestinales y raramente bacteriemia, excepto en individuos de edad avanzada o inmunodeprimidos. A continuación, exponemos el caso de un varón de 26 años afectado por la inmunodeficiencia XLA, que presentó un cuadro de fiebre de 2 semanas de evolución, con dolor e inflamación en el tobillo izquierdo postintervención quirúrgica y 5-6 deposiciones diarias de heces líquidas. La exploración y la analítica inicial evidenciaron un proceso infeccioso. Se procedió a la realización de coprocultivo y hemocultivo, constatándose bacteriemia por Campylobacter coli (AU)

Campylobacter spp. infection is considered as main bacterial enteritis causes in humans. Among Campylobacter spp., Campylobacter fetus can be a cause of systemic infections such as cellulitis, osteomyelitis, arthritis, pericarditis and endocarditis. However, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni predominantly induce gastrointestinal infections and rarely cause bacteremia except in elderly and immunodeficient individuals. The case is presented of a 26 year-old male affected by XLA immunodeficiency, who had a clinical profile of 2 weeks evolution with fever, ankle left postintervention surgical and 5-6 daily liquid bowel movements without pathological products. Initial exploration and analytical showed an infectious process. We proceeded to carry out complementary, stool culture and blood culture tests where it was found Campylobacter coli bacteremia (AU)

Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and eradication regimens.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter spp. are zoonotic pathogens, however, knowledge about their presence and antimicrobial resistance in nonhuman primates is limited. Our animal facility purchased cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from various Asian countries: China, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. METHODS: Colonization by Campylobacter spp. was investigated in 238 of the monkeys from 2009 to 2012 and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out for these isolates. Furthermore, we eradicated these pathogens from these monkeys. RESULTS: Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 47 monkeys from three specific countries: China, Cambodia, and Indonesia, with respective isolation rates of 15%, 36%, and 67%. Two monkeys, which were each infected with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, showed clinical symptoms of diarrhea and bloody feces. In total, 41 isolates of C. coli and 17 isolates of C. jejuni were detected. Antimicrobial susceptibility varied: in the monkeys from China, erythromycin (ERY)-, tetracycline (TET)-, and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. coli, in the monkeys from Cambodia, amoxicillin-intermediate, TET- and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. coli and amoxicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. jejuni, and in the monkeys from Indonesia, ciprofloxacin-resistant C. coli and TET- and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. jejuni were common (>75%). Multiresistant isolates of C. coli were found in monkeys from all countries and multiresistant isolates of C. jejuni were found in monkeys from Indonesia. The eradication rate with azithromycin was comparable to that with gentamicin (GEN) by oral administration, and was higher than those with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) and chloramphenicol (CHL). CONCLUSION: From the perspective of zoonosis, we should acknowledge multiresistant Campylobacter spp. isolated from the monkeys as a serious warning.

Adherence Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Strains to HEp-2 Cells by Mannan Oligosaccharides and a High-Molecular-Weight Component of Cranberry Extract.

Campylobacter infections are a leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States and are a major cause of diarrheal disease throughout the world. Colonization and subsequent infection and invasion of Campylobacter require that the bacteria adhere to the surface of host cells. Agents that inhibit adherence could be used prophylactically to reduce Campylobacter carriage and infection. Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) have been used as a feed supplement in livestock animals to improve performance and to replace growth-promoting antibiotics. However, MOS and other nondigestible oligosaccharides may also prevent pathogen colonization by inhibiting adherence in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, plant extracts, including those derived from cranberries, have been shown to have antiadherence activity against pathogens. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of MOS and cranberry fractions to serve as antiadherence agents against strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Adherence experiments were performed using HEp-2 cells. Significant reductions in adherence of C. jejuni 29438, C. jejuni 700819, C. jejuni 3329, and C. coli 43485 were observed in the presence of MOS (up to 40 mg/ml) and with a high-molecular-weight fraction of cranberry extract (up to 3 mg/ml). However, none of the tested materials reduced adherence of C. coli BAA-1061. No additive effect in adherence inhibition was observed for an MOS-cranberry blend. These results suggest that both components, MOS and cranberry, could be used to reduce Campylobacter colonization and carriage in livestock animals and potentially limit human exposure to this pathogen.

Marinade with thyme and orange oils reduces Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli on inoculated broiler breast fillets and whole wings.

Essential oils have been reported to possess antimicrobial properties and therefore have potential usage as natural antimicrobials in food. In a previous study, thyme orange essential oil combination (TOC) used at the 0.5% level as a dip application on chicken cut-up parts had a significant antibacterial effect against Salmonella and Campylobacter. A study was designed to evaluate the effect of salt-phosphate marinade solution containing 0.5% TOC to 1) reduce Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter coli numbers on broiler breast fillets and whole wings marinated by vacuum tumbling, and 2) reduce cross-contamination of both pathogens between inoculated and uninoculated parts during marination. A total of 52 skinless breast fillets and 52 whole wings were used for the 2 replications. For each replication, each cut-up part was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups: treatment 1: uninoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 2: inoculated parts marinated without TOC; treatment 3: uninoculated parts marinated with TOC; treatment 4: inoculated parts marinated with TOC; and control: nonmarinated inoculated parts. Samples were dipped in an inoculum containing a mixture of Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli. The treatment samples were marinated by vacuum tumbling. All samples were immediately evaluated to determine Salmonella Enteritidis and C. coli numbers. Results indicated that TOC at the 0.5% level in the marinade solution applied by vacuum tumbling significantly reduced (P < 0.05) numbers of viable Salmonella Enteritidis by 2.6 and 2.3 log cfu/mL on broiler breast fillets and C. coli by 3.6 and 3.1 log cfu/mL on whole wings. Cross-contamination was observed as the uninoculated chicken parts marinated with inoculated parts were positive. However, the number of bacterial cells recovered from the TOC treated samples were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the numbers recovered from the untreated samples. Marination with a salt phosphate formulation containing 0.5% TOC successfully reduced Salmonella and Campylobacter numbers on poultry products.

Detection of CDT toxin genes in Campylobacter spp. strains isolated from broiler carcasses and vegetables in São Paulo, Brazil

Campylobacteriosis is a worldwide distributed zoonosis. One of the main virulence factors related to Campylobacter spp. in animals and humans is the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), encoded by three adjacent genes (cdtA, cdtB, cdtC). The occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in samples of vegetables has not been reported in Brazil yet, and has seldom been described in the international literature. The detection of CDT in these strains has not been reported, either. The objectives of the present study were to determine the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. strains carrying virulence factors in samples of poultry and vegetables (lettuce and spinach) from different points of sale, thus verifying if vegetables are as an important vehicle for potentially virulent Campylobacter spp. strains as poultry. Twenty four strains were identified as Campylobacter jejuni by phenotypic and genotypic methods: 22 from broiler carcasses and two from lettuce samples. Three strains were identified as Campylobacter coli: two from broiler carcasses and one from lettuce. The presence of the cdt genes were detected in 20/24 (83.3%) C. jejuni strains, and 3/3 (100%) C. coli strains. The isolation of Campylobacter spp. strains with the cdt gene cluster in lettuce samples points to a new possible source of contamination, which could have an impact in the vegetable production chain and risk to public health. Results show that potentially virulent C. jejuni and C. coli strains remain viable in samples of broiler carcasses and vegetables at the points of sale.

Inhibitory effect of high-dosage zinc oxide dietary supplementation on Campylobacter coli excretion in weaned piglets.

AIMS: This study investigated the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) on Campylobacter coli by in vivo and in vitro assays. METHODS AND RESULTS: By in vitro growth inhibition assays, a high susceptibility of Camp. coli against ZnO could be observed. At concentrations ≥ 2.6 mmol l(-1) ZnO, a decline in cell numbers occurred. Quantitative real-time PCR assays demonstrated an up-regulation of the main oxidative stress gene (katA) in response to ZnO treatment. The expression level of katA was increased by fivefold after ZnO treatment. An experiment was carried out in pigs to elucidate the impact of ZnO as feed supplement on Camp. coli faecal excretion. Feeding a high-dosage ZnO concentration (3100 mg kg(-1) ) to piglets significantly reduced the faecal excretion of Camp. coli by up to 1 log CFU g(-1) as compared to animals receiving a low (40 mg kg(-1) ) or medium (100 mg kg(-1) ) ZnO diet. CONCLUSION: In vitro assays showed a high susceptibility of Camp. coli against ZnO. Adding high levels of ZnO to the diet of weaned piglets reduced Camp. coli excretion significantly. There is evidence for the induction of an oxidative stress response by ZnO supplementation in Camp. coli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Supplementation of a high-dosage ZnO diet to piglets can reduce the Camp. coli load, potentially leading to a lower contamination risk of meat during slaughter.

Improvement of modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar by supplementation with a high concentration of polymyxin B for detection of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli in chicken carcass rinses.

Modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) was improved by supplementation with a high concentration of polymyxin B. The ability of the supplemented medium to isolate Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli from chicken carcass rinses was compared to that of Campy-Cefex agar and mCCDA. Modification of mCCDA with increased polymyxin B yielded a significantly (P < 0.05) higher isolation rate and greater selectivity than those achieved using Campy-Cefex agar and mCCDA.

Actividad inhibitoria de extractos y aceites esenciales de especies condimentarias, alimenticias y medicinales contra Campylobacter jejuni / Inhibitory activity of extracts and essential oils of species seasoning, nutritional and medicinal against Campylobacter jejuni

Los agentes químicos son los métodos de conservación más usados, pero no cumplen con el concepto de natural o seguro demandado por los consumidores, ya que algunos presentan cierta toxicidad. Por eso la industria busca antimicrobianos naturales para la conservación de alimentos. El propósito fue evaluar la actividad contra Campylobacter jejuni ATCC 33291 y dos aislamientos clínicos (C. jejuni UVG 62-1773-6 y C. coli UVG 62-1769-9) de extractos diclorometánico (ED), metanólico (EM) y aceite esencial (AE) de Cornutia grandifolia, Eryngium foetidum, Fernaldia pandurata, Lippia alba L. chiapasensis, L. graveolens, Ocimum micranthum, Pimienta dioica, Piper auritum, P.jacquemontianum, Psidiumguajava y Tagetes lucida.

Longitudinal on-farm study of the development of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter coli from pigs before and after danofloxacin and tylosin treatments.

Effects of danofloxacin or consecutive fluoroquinolone and macrolide treatments on resistance development in Campylobacter have remained uncharacterised. Therefore we analysed the development of resistance in porcine Campylobacter coli before and after danofloxacin and tylosin treatments at a farrowing farm. Danofloxacin-treated (n=12, group A) and control pigs (n=15, group B) were subsequently treated with tylosin and sampled longitudinally. C. coli were isolated and susceptibilities to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin were assessed, isolates were genotyped with PFGE and resistance-related mutations were identified. Isolates from the danofloxacin-treated pigs had more frequently non-wild type MICs (above the epidemiological cut-off value (ECOFF)) for ciprofloxacin (P<0.001) and erythromycin (P<0.05) than those isolated before danofloxacin or those from the controls. Subsequent tylosin treatment increased proportion of isolates with non-wild type MICs for erythromycin in both groups A and B (P<0.01) and, interestingly, proportion of isolates with non-wild type MICs for ciprofloxacin in group B (P<0.001) with high MICs (128 µg/ml). PFGE analysis revealed treatments selecting predominant genotypes with variable resistance patterns and decreasing initial diversity of genotypes. The most common genotype had mainly high MICs for ciprofloxacin among danofloxacin-treated pigs but wild type MICs (below the ECOFF) among the controls housed in the same pens. This suggests that the non-wild type isolate was rarely transmitted or outcompeting wild type genotype in the control pigs without selection pressure. Isolates exhibiting non-wild type MICs for ciprofloxacin harboured the C257T (Thr-86-Ile) mutation in the gyrA gene. In conclusion, a high dose of danofloxacin used at the farm did not prevent emergence of isolates with high MICs for ciprofloxacin. After subsequent tylosin treatment isolates had even higher MICs for ciprofloxacin and erythromycin than before the treatment. Therefore, controlled use of antimicrobials in food animal production is essential.

Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.

UNLABELLED: Campylobacter spp. is recognized as one of the most common cause of food-borne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. Campylobacter infection causes campylobacteriosis, which can range from asymptomatic to dysentery-type illnesses with severe complications, such as Guillian-Barre syndrome. Epidemiological studies have revealed that consumption of poultry products is an important risk factor of this disease. Adherence and cytotoxic activity of the bacteria to host mucosal surfaces have been proposed to be critical steps in pathogenesis. Innovative tools for controlling Campylobacter, such as natural products from plants, represent good alternatives for use in foods or as therapeutic agents. In this study, 28 edible or medicinal plants species were analyzed for their bactericidal effects on the growth of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli. The extracts of Acacia farnesiana, Artemisia ludoviciana, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Cynara scolymus were the most effective against these microorganisms at minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 0.3, 0.5, 0.4, and 2.0 mg/mL, respectively. No effect on growth was detected with lower concentrations of extract (25%, 50%, or 75% of the MBC) added to the media. The effect of each extract (75% of the MBC) on adherence and cytotoxicity of C. jejuni and C. coli was evaluated in Vero cells. Adherence of Campylobacter to Vero cells was significantly affected by all the extracts. Cytotoxic activity of bacterial cultures was inhibited by A. farnesiana and A. ludoviciana. These plant extracts are potential candidates to be studied for controlling Campylobacter contamination in foods and the diseases associated with this microorganism. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Innovative tools for controlling Campylobacter, such as natural products from plants, represent good alternatives for use in foods or as therapeutic agents. The extracts of Acacia farnesiana, Artemisia ludoviciana, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Cynara scolymus were the most effective against these microorganisms. Adherence and cytotoxic activity of the bacteria to host mucosal surfaces which are critical steps in pathogenesis were decreased by these extracts. Our results point to these plants as potential candidates for the control of Campylobacter contamination in foods, the treatment of the diseases associated with this microorganism, and as feed supplements to reduce on-farm prevalence of Campylobacter.

Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter coli selected by tylosin treatment at a pig farm.

Limited knowledge is available regarding the dynamics of macrolide resistance under farm conditions with natural Campylobacter populations. We examined the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter coli at a large pig farm. Faeces were sampled from untreated sows and piglets (n=57), weaned pigs treated with tylosin (n=68) and pigs of the same group 3-5 weeks after withdrawal of tylosin (n=15). Additionally, 48 weaned pigs were sampled after tylosin had not been administered for 7 months at the farm. MICs for seven antimicrobials were determined, isolates were genotyped by PFGE and mutations conferring macrolide resistance were identified. Resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent was higher (P<0.001) in the isolates from the treated pigs (30 of 56) than in those from the untreated animals (2 of 40). Resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid and streptomycin was higher (P<0.05) in the isolates from the treated pigs than in those from the untreated animals. All 14 erythromycin-resistant isolates studied (MIC ≥ 512 µg/ml) contained mutation A2075G in 23S rRNA. Resistance against at least one antimicrobial was significantly lower (P<0.05) when tylosin had not been administered for 7 months. Resistance to erythromycin and streptomycin also decreased (P<0.05). PFGE analysis revealed a change of genotypes induced by tylosin treatment. In conclusion, tylosin treatment of pigs selected for a high-level of resistance to erythromycin and resistance to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and streptomycin also increased in C. coli isolates within a few days.

Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in poultry skin by fruit extracts.

Campylobacter spp. are a major cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, and current methods to control Campylobacter contamination in foods are not completely successful. Plants are a promising source of antimicrobial agents, particularly given the growing interest in "all natural" foods. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of extracts from 28 edible plants against Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli was evaluated in vitro and in a poultry skin model. Nine of 28 extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity in a diffusion assay, and MBCs were determined for the three most active extracts, i.e., lime, plum, and sour orange peel (MBCs of 2 to 3 mg/ml). Mixtures of the lime, plum, and sour orange peel extracts were applied to chicken skin inoculated with 10(5) CFU of Campylobacter to test for synergistic or antagonist effects. After incubation (48 h at 4 degrees C) with any extract mixture, no Campylobacter CFUs were detectable. A panel of tasters determined that the mixture of lime and plum gave the best flavor to chicken wings. These active extracts from edible fruits are simple to prepare and are alternatives to reduce or eliminate Campylobacter contamination of chicken products.

Campylobacter spp. and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in poultry: an epidemiological survey study in Turkey.

The current study aimed at determining the prevalence and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. infecting broiler chickens. A total of 240 caecal samples from six slaughterhouses were examined for the presence of Campylobacter spp. C. jejuni was detected in 40.4% (97/240) of the samples and C. coli in 12.1% (29/240). The agar disc diffusion method and the E-test were used for testing the antimicrobial susceptibility of C. jejuni and C. coli isolates. C. jejuni isolates were most resistant to nalidixic acid (79.4%) followed by tetracycline (76.3%), ciprofloxacin (74.2%) and enrofloxacin (15.5%). Among the C. coli isolates, the frequency of resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin was the same at 65.5%. The predominant profiles of multidrug resistance to three or more antimicrobials in C. jejuni and C. coli were determined as tetracycline/nalidixic acid/ciprofloxacin resistance (48.5%) and tetracycline/nalidixic acid/ciprofloxacin/enrofloxacin resistance (51.7%), respectively. To prevent the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria of animal origin to humans, it should be noted that high proportions of multidrug resistance were found in both species.

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and its resistance to antibiotics in poultry in the Czech Republic.

Thermotolerant Campylobacter spp., in particular Campylobacter jejuni, are among the most frequently identified pathogens, found to be causing human gastrointestinal infections in Europe, with the Czech Republic being no exception. The presented work aimed at assessing results of the first nationwide monitoring of prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks in the Czech Republic, including a comparison of antibiotic resistance of C. jejuni isolates collected from poultry and the human community. The monitoring was carried out in poultry slaughterhouses in 2006 and 2007. From broilers, cloacal swabs were collected and examined. The human isolates of C. jejuni were acquired from rectal swabs in community patients with diarrhoeal diseases. Suspected isolates of both animal and human origin were confirmed by the PCR methods. Antibiotic resistance to selected anti-microbial agents was tested by the microdilution method. In the monitored period, the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in broilers in the Czech Republic reached almost 50%. In 2006, C. jejuni was detected in 46% and Campylobacter coli in 3% of the tested samples. In 2007, C. jejuni was found in 43% and C. coli in 2% of the samples. The results of anti-microbial susceptibility testing of C. jejuni showed higher resistance in animals when compared with humans. The only exception was tetracycline with higher resistance in isolates of human origin. The highest resistance detected was to quinolone antibiotics. Resistance to oxolinic acid was 77% in animal and 60% in human isolates, to ciprofloxacin 72% in isolates from poultry and 55% in those from humans. In ampicillin, 26% of poultry isolates and 16% of human isolates were resistant. Moreover, 9% of animal isolates demonstrated resistance to streptomycin, undetected in human isolates. In erythromycin, resistance was found in 6% of poultry and 1% of human isolates.

Antimicrobial resistance in selected bacteria from poultry.

This paper reviews the present state of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the zoonotic bacteria Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, and in Escherichia coli from chickens and turkeys. For Salmonella, the frequencies and patterns of AMR vary depending on time, region, serovar, the particular farm, layers versus broilers, and the antimicrobial agent. There is usually a higher frequency of AMR in Salmonella from turkeys compared with Salmonella from chickens. Clonal and horizontal transmission of AMR occur and there is concern about the spread of transmissible plasmids that encode extended spectrum cephalosporinases. Resistance to fluoroquinolones is generally low. For Campylobacter, resistance to tetracycline is usually at moderate to high frequency, resistance to quinolones/fluoroquinolones varies from low to high, and resistance to macrolides is usually low. There are high levels of fluoroquinolone resistance in some countries. Avian pathogenic E. coli are often highly resistant, especially to tetracycline, streptomycin, and sulfonamides. Plasmid-mediated resistance is common. High levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin have been reported from China. Commensal E. coli from poultry have similar patterns of resistance but at lower frequencies. Integron associated resistance occurs commonly in Salmonella and E. coli but has not been detected in Campylobacter.

Combined treatment with oral kanamycin and parenteral antibiotics for a case of persistent bacteremia and intestinal carriage with Campylobacter coli.

Campylobacter coli (C. coli) is a rare pathogen of bacteremia, but in immunocompromised hosts, C. coli occasionally causes bacteremia which can be refractory to antibiotic treatment. We report a case of C. coli bacteremia in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Bacteremia relapsed repeatedly in spite of treatment with combined intravenous antibiotics. C. coli was observed in the biopsy specimens from the intestinal mucosa, suggesting intestinal carriage and reservoir of recurring infection. The addition of oral kamamycin with intravenous antibiotics was successful in eradicating C. coli from the blood and intestine.

Anti-Campylobacter, anti-aerobic, and anti-oxidative effects of roselle calyx extract and protocatechuic acid in ground beef.

The inhibitory effect of roselle calyx extract and protocatechuic acid against susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and C. fetus in agar plate and ground beef was examined. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of roselle calyx extract and protocatechuic acid against susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter species were in the range of 96-152 and 20-44 microg/ml, respectively. Temperature treatments from 25 to 100 degrees C did not affect the anti-Campylobacter activity of protocatechuic acid. In ground beef stored at 15 degrees C for 6 days, roselle calyx extract and protocatechuic acid inhibited the survival and growth of aerobes, and susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter species, in which protocatechuic acid exhibited dose-dependent effect. Both roselle calyx extract and protocatechuic acid decreased lipid oxidation levels in ground beef, in which protocatechuic acid also exhibited dose-dependent effect. The addition of roselle calyx extract or protocatechuic acid did not affect cooking loss, pH value, sensory attributes and content of fat, protein and moisture of beef samples during storage at 4 degrees C for 15 days. These data support that roselle calyx extract and protocatechuic acid may be used for muscle foods to prevent contamination from Campylobacter and aerobes, as well as delay lipid oxidation.

Development of macrolide-resistant Campylobacter in broilers administered subtherapeutic or therapeutic concentrations of tylosin.

The use of antimicrobials in food animal production, particularly those commonly used to treat infections in humans, has become a source of debate in recent years. However, limited data are available regarding the development of resistance following the subtherapeutic or therapeutic administration of antimicrobials in animal production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of therapeutic and subtherapeutic concentrations of tylosin on the erythromycin susceptibility of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from the ceca of treated broilers. In three replicated studies, day-of-hatch chicks were exposed to macrolide-susceptible C. jejuni or C. coli. At 2 weeks of age, tylosin was administered at subtherapeutic (22 ppm, continuously in the diet) or therapeutic concentrations (529 ppm, in the drinking water for 5 days). Broilers were sacrificed weekly. Total and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter spp. were enumerated from individual ceca plus cecal contents. Overall erythromycin resistance was observed at a higher frequency (P < 0.01) among C. coli isolates (70.8%) than among C. jejuni isolates (36.8%) following tylosin administration. Across Campylobacter species, erythromycin resistance was observed at a higher frequency (P < 0.001) when tylosin was administered at subtherapeutic (62.7%) than at therapeutic (11.4%) concentrations. Subtherapeutic administration resulted in the recovery of 83.3 and 56.1% erythromycin-resistant isolates compared with only 33.3 and 7.9% of the isolates expressing erythromycin resistance following the administration of therapeutic concentrations for C. coli and C. jejuni, respectively. Further studies are needed to determine the factors involved in the apparent difference in the acquisition of macrolide resistance in C. coli compared with C. jejuni.