Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacterial Poultry Pathogens: A Review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Food Safety

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal agriculture contributes to a global health crisis.
• Poultry production, characterized by intensive farming and antimicrobial use, is a significant source of AMR.
• Resistant poultry pathogens pose risks of treatment failure, economic losses, and transmission of zoonotic bacteria to humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze existing data on AMR in twelve key poultry pathogens.
• To identify trends and levels of resistance in specific bacterial species affecting poultry.
• To highlight challenges in AMR data collection and interpretation within the poultry sector.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published studies on antimicrobial susceptibility testing in poultry pathogens.
• Analysis of resistance data for avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), Salmonella, Pasteurella multocida, and other relevant bacteria.
• Comparative assessment of AMR prevalence across different bacterial species and antimicrobial classes.

Main Results:

• Increasing resistance trends observed in Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and Gallibacterium anatis.
• High AMR prevalence (>80%) in APEC for ampicillin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline.
• Significant phenotypic resistance (>50%) in Ornitobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) to multiple antimicrobials, contrasting with lower resistance (<20%) in Pasteurella multocida.

Conclusions:

• Considerable disparities exist in AMR testing methodologies and interpretation criteria across studies.
• Harmonization of antimicrobial susceptibility testing practices is essential for accurate AMR surveillance.
• Promoting open access to AMR data is critical for improving poultry health, treatment guidelines, and monitoring AMR evolution.