Antimicrobial resistance in selected bacteria from poultry.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary microbiology
• Food safety
• Public health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic bacteria poses a global health threat.
• Poultry are significant reservoirs for bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli, which can be transmitted to humans.
• Understanding AMR patterns in poultry is crucial for controlling infections and preventing the spread of resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of AMR in Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Escherichia coli isolated from chickens and turkeys.
• To identify variations in AMR frequencies and patterns based on factors like geography, bacterial species, and antimicrobial agents.
• To highlight concerns regarding the transmission of AMR, particularly plasmid-mediated resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on AMR in poultry-associated bacteria.
• Analysis of reported AMR frequencies and patterns for Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli.
• Comparison of resistance profiles across different bacterial species, poultry types, and geographical regions.

Main Results:

• Salmonella exhibits variable AMR patterns influenced by time, region, serovar, and farm type, with higher resistance often seen in turkeys.
• Campylobacter shows moderate to high tetracycline resistance, variable quinolone/fluoroquinolone resistance, and generally low macrolide resistance.
• Avian pathogenic E. coli frequently display high resistance, especially to tetracycline, streptomycin, and sulfonamides, with plasmid-mediated resistance being common. Commensal E. coli show similar but less frequent resistance patterns.
• Integron-associated resistance is prevalent in Salmonella and E. coli but absent in Campylobacter.

Conclusions:

• AMR in poultry bacteria is diverse and influenced by multiple factors, necessitating targeted surveillance and control strategies.
• The spread of transmissible plasmids encoding resistance, such as extended-spectrum cephalosporinases, is a significant concern.
• Effective strategies are needed to mitigate AMR in poultry to safeguard both animal and human health.