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Title: Contrast in the Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Campylobacter Isolates Originating from Different Poultry Production Facilities (Broiler Breeder Hens, Broilers, and Leghorn Hens) in the Same Geographical Region

Author
item Cray, Paula
item Richardson, Larry
item Plumblee Lawrence, Jodie
item Cox Jr, Nelson
item Buhr, Richard - Jeff

Submitted to: International Association for Food Protection
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/12/2009
Publication Date: 7/12/2009
Citation: Cray, P.J., Richardson, L.J., Plumblee, J., Cox Jr, N.A., Buhr, R.J. 2009. Contrast in the Antibiotic Resistance Profiles Of Campylobacter Isolates Originating from Different Poultry Production Facilities (Broiler Breeder Hens, Broilers, and Leghorn Hens) in the Same Geographical Region. International Association for Food Protection. Jul 12-15,2009. Grapevine, TX. T2-05.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance of foodborne pathogens is of major concern from both human and animal health perspectives and resistance profiles of Campylobacter spp. from individual poultry facilities have been extensively studied. However, a comparison of antimicrobial resistance profiles across different types of poultry facilities is lacking. Purpose: This study was conducted to compare the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Campylobacter isolates originating from three different types of poultry production facilities. Methods: Campylobacter isolates originating from commercial broiler breeder hens (n=53), broilers (n=103) and Leghorn hens (n=114) in the same geographical area (within 60 miles) were analyzed. For speciation, a standard BAX® PCR method was used while susceptibility testing was performed using CLSI standards and recommended quality control organisms. Isolates were examined for susceptibility using a semi-automated broth microdilution system (Sensititre™) and nine antimicrobials: azithromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, florfenicol, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, telithromycin, and tetracycline. Results: From breeder hens, 49% of the isolates were C. jejuni and 51% C. coli. From broilers, 99% of the isolates were C. jejuni and 1% C. coli. From Leghorn hens, 46% of the isolates were C. jejuni, 53% C. coli, and 1% C. lari. All of the isolates were susceptible to azithromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, and florfenicol. From broiler isolates, 61% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid compared to 13% of the breeder hen isolates and none of the Leghorn hen isolates. Forty-five percent of the breeder hen isolates were resistant to erythromycin but none of the broiler or Leghorn hen isolates showed resistance. Resistance to tetracycline was most common across all three production facilities with 59%, 42%, and 16% for broiler breeder, broiler, and leghorn isolates, respectively. Significance: This study indicates that husbandry practices may influence antimicrobial resistance profiles of Campylobacter spp. isolated from different poultry production facilities.