Comparative Prevalence of Virulence Genes and Antibiotic Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni Isolated from Broilers, Laying Hens and Farmers
Unknown authors
Abstract
Foodborne infections caused by bacterial pathogen Campylobacter jejuni (C.jejuni) are frequent throughout the globe.The primary objective of the present study is to examine the genetic factors responsible for the virulence and antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter strains isolated from broilers, laying hens, and farm workers.This investigation involved the collection of a total of 300 samples from broilers, laying hens, and farmers.The samples were processed for conventional isolation of C. jejuni and were confirmed through biochemical analysis and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene.The isolated strains were processed for further screening to determine the presence of antimicrobial and virulence genes tetO, gyrA, cdtA, cdtB, cdtC, virB11, and flaA.A total of ten antimicrobials, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, azithromycin, streptomycin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and ceftriaxone were used for susceptibility testing in isolated isolates.C. jejuni was isolated from 25% of broilers, 17% layers, and 27% of farm workers.Moreover, C. jejuni isolates demonstrated high rates of resistance to ampicillin (69.6%), ciprofloxacin (68.1%), erythromycin (66.7%), amoxicillin (65.2%), tetracycline (63.8%), and azithromycin (63.8%).In contrast, the lower rates of resistance to several other antibiotics ranged from 34.8% to 47.9%.C. jejuni positive samples contained tetO, gyrA, cdtA, cdtB, cdtC, virB11, and flaA genes.The prevalence of virulence genes ranged between 55.1% to 79.7%.The study's findings emphasized the potential risk to consumer health by illustrating the possible transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to individuals via the food chain.Therefore, it may be advisable to enforce antimicrobial-use policies throughout the entire food manufacturing process.