Prevalence and quantification of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in Italian retail poultry meat: Analysis of influencing factors

Prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in fresh chicken carcasses from retail sites in Bogotá, Colombia

Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of foodborne gastroenteritis. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli species in fresh chicken carcasses for human consumption from farmers' markets and small food stores in seven localities of Bogotá, Colombia. Ninety-one samples of fresh chicken carcasses were collected from farmers' markets and small food stores at seven localities in Bogotá. Samples were tested for Campylobacter using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real time PCR) and isolation by plating. To analyze possible risk factors associated with Campylobacter spp. contamination in retail chicken carcasses, information was collected using a structured questionnaire and a univariate logistic regression analysis (α = 0.05) was used. Forty-two positive samples were obtained for Campylobacter spp., given a prevalence of 46.2%, of which 54.8% were to C. jejuni, 9.52% to C. coli and 35.7% to joint contaminations. C. jejuni was the most prevalent species. Risk factors found included poor cleanliness, in frequency of disinfection, type of establishment, and direct contact of chickens with other food. This study is the first report in the country on the prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter in retail chicken.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and genomic characterisation of Campylobacter spp. in retail chicken in Hanoi, Vietnam

Campylobacter spp. are a leading cause of bacterial foodborne zoonosis worldwide, with poultry meat and products recognised as a significant source of human infection. In Vietnam there are few data regarding the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and genomic diversity of Campylobacter in poultry and poultry meat. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter in chicken meat at retail in Hanoi, determine antimicrobial sensitivities of the Campylobacter isolated, and assess their genetic diversity. A total of 120 chicken meat samples were collected from eight traditional retail markets (n=80) and four supermarkets (n=40). Campylobacter was isolated following ISO 10272-1 : 2017 and identification verified by PCR. The prevalence of Campylobacter was 38.3 % (46/120) and C. coli was the most prevalent species in both retail markets (74 %) and supermarkets (88 %). The minimum inhibitory concentrations for ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline were determined by broth microdilution for 32 isolates. All characterised Campylobacter were resistant to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, and tetracycline, with corresponding resistance determinants detected in the sequenced genomes. Most C. coli were multidrug resistant (24/28) and two harboured the erythromycin resistance gene ermB on a multiple drug-resistance genomic island, a potential mechanism for dissemination of resistance. The 32 isolates belonged to clonal complexes associated with both poultry and people, such as CC828 for C. coli. These results contribute to the One Health approach for addressing Campylobacter in Vietnam by providing detailed new insights into a main source of human infection and can inform the design of future surveillance approaches.

Genomic characterization of molecular markers associated with antimicrobial resistance and virulence of the prevalent Campylobacter coli isolated from retail chicken meat in the United Arab Emirates

Campylobacter is a major cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, with broiler meat accounting for most illnesses. Antimicrobial intervention is recommended in severe cases of campylobacteriosis. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Campylobacter is a concerning food safety challenge, and monitoring the trends of AMR is vital for a better risk assessment. This study aimed to characterize the phenotypic profiles and molecular markers of AMR and virulence in the prevalent Campylobacter species contaminating chilled chicken carcasses sampled from supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Campylobacter was detected in 90 (28.6%) out of 315 tested samples, and up to five isolates from each were confirmed using multiplex PCR. The species C. coli was detected in 83% (75/90) of the positive samples. Whole-genome sequencing was used to characterize the determinants of AMR and potential virulence genes in 45 non-redundant C. coli isolates. We identified nine resistance genes, including four associated with resistance to aminoglycoside (aph(3')-III, ant(6)-Ia, aph(2″)-Ib, and aac(6')-Im), and three associated with Beta-lactam resistance (blaOXA-61, blaOXA-193, and blaOXA-489), and two linked to tetracycline resistance (tet(O/32/O), and tet(O)), as well as point mutations in gyrA (fluoroquinolones resistance), 23S rRNA (macrolides resistance), and rpsL (streptomycin resistance) genes. A mutation in gyrA 2 p.T86I, conferring resistance to fluoroquinolones, was detected in 93% (42/45) of the isolates and showed a perfect match with the phenotype results. The simultaneous presence of blaOXA-61 and blaOXA-193 genes was identified in 86.6% (39/45) of the isolates. In silico analysis identified 7 to 11 virulence factors per each C. coli isolate. Some of these factors were prevalent in all examined strains and were associated with adherence (cadF, and jlpA), colonization and immune evasion (capsule biosynthesis and transport, lipooligosaccharide), and invasion (ciaB). This study provides the first published evidence from the UAE characterizing Campylobacter virulence, antimicrobial resistance genotype, and phenotype analysis from retail chicken. The prevalent C. coli in the UAE retail chicken carries multiple virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance markers and exhibits frequent phenotype resistance to macrolides, quinolones, and tetracyclines. The present investigation adds to the current knowledge on molecular epidemiology and AMR development in non-jejuni Campylobacter species in the Middle East and globally.

Genetic Signature and Serocompatibility Evidence for Drug Resistant Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacteriosis, a foodborne illness, is one of the world's leading causes of gastrointestinal illness. This study investigates the link between human campylobacteriosis and the consumption of potentially contaminated food with Campylobacter jejuni. Three hundred sixty samples were collected from humans, chicken cloaca, raw chicken meat, unpasteurized milk, and vegetables. The chickens were obtained from licensed and non-licensed slaughterhouses, and only the necks and wings were studied. Samples were enriched under microaerobic conditions then cultured on the modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar. Bacteria was identified by staining, biochemical testing, and molecular identification by the polymerase chain reaction for the virulence genes; hipO, asp, dnaJ, cadF, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC. The genomic homogeneity of C. jejuni between human and chicken isolates was assessed by the serological Penner test and the pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Campylobacter was not detected in the vegetables and pasteurized milk, though, only twenty isolates from chickens and clinical samples were presumed to be Campylobacter based on their morphology. The biochemical tests confirmed that five isolates were C. coli, and fifteen isolates were C. jejuni including two isolates from humans, and the remaining were from chickens. The colonization of C. jejuni in chickens was significantly lower in necks (6.66%) obtained from licensed slaughterhouses compared to those obtained from non-licensed slaughterhouses (33.3%). The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that all identified C. jejuni isolates were resistant to antibiotics, and the majority of isolates (53.5%) showed resistance against six antibiotics, though, all isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and aztreonam. The Penner test showed P:21 as the dominant serotype in isolates from humans, necks, and cloaca. The serohomology of C. jejuni from human isolates and chicken necks, wings, and cloaca was 71%, 36%, 78%, respectively. The PFGE analysis of the pattern for DNA fragmentation by the restriction enzyme Smal showed a complete genotypic homology of C. jejuni human isolates and chicken necks compared to partial homology with cloacal isolates. The study brings attention to the need for effective interventions to ensure best practices for safe poultry production for commercial food chain supply to limit infection with foodborne pathogens, including Campylobacter.

Quantification of Campylobacter contamination on chicken carcasses sold in retail markets in the United Arab Emirates

Background

Campylobacter is among the leading causes of foodborne zoonotic disease worldwide, with chicken meat accounting for the majority of human illnesses. This baseline study generates the first quantitative data for Campylobacter contamination in the United Arab Emirates chicken meat. Such data will help inform risk analysis and develop evidence-based food safety management.

Methods

For a year, chilled whole chicken carcasses (n = 315) belonging to seven different companies were collected from retail supermarkets. According to standard methods, Campylobacter enumeration was achieved by a direct plating in all chicken samples, and isolates were confirmed using multiplex PCR.

Results

Campylobacter spp. were recovered from 28.6% (90/315) of the samples. Campylobacter enumeration results indicated that 71.4% of the tested samples were contaminated with < 1 log10 CFU (colony-forming units)/g, and 7% were contaminated with ≥3 log10 CFU/g. The mean Campylobacter concentration was 2.70 log10 CFU/g, with a standard deviation of 0.41 log10 CFU/g. Campylobacter counts varied significantly in relation to the sourcing chicken processing companies. Six out of the seven surveyed companies provided Campylobacter positive samples. Moreover, significantly higher (p-value< 0.0001) counts were found to be associated with smaller size chicken carcasses (weighted 600–700 g; compared to the other categories, 800 g and 900–1000 g). Interestingly, C. coli was present in 83% of the positive samples, while C. jejuni was only detected in 6.4% of the samples. Compared with studies from other countries utilizing the same enumeration method, the UAE chicken appears to have a lower prevalence but a higher Campylobacter count per gram of carcasses. Higher Campylobacter counts were significantly associated with smaller carcasses, and C. coli was the dominant species detected in this study’s samples.

Conclusion

These results add to our understanding of the local, regional and global epidemiology of Campylobacter in chicken meat. Outputs of the current study may aid in developing a risk assessment of Campylobacter in the UAE, a country among the biggest per capita consumption markets for chicken meat worldwide.

Antibiotic Resistance in Campylobacter spp. Isolated from Broiler Chicken Meat and Human Patients in Estonia

Poultry meat is considered the most important source of Campylobacter spp. Because of rising antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp., this study investigated the antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter isolates from fresh broiler chicken meat originating from the Baltic countries sold in Estonian retail settings. Additionally, human clinical isolates obtained from patients with Campylobacter enteritis in Estonia were analysed. The aim of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, streptomycin, erythromycin and gentamicin. The broth microdilution method with the EUCAMP2 panel was used for MIC determination and antimicrobial mechanisms were analysed using WGS data. A total of 46 Campylobacter strains were analysed, of which 26 (42.6%) originated from Lithuanian, 16 (26.2%) from Latvian, and 4 (6.6%) from Estonian fresh broiler chicken meat. In addition, 15 (24.6%) Campylobacter strains of patients with campylobacteriosis were tested. The antimicrobial resistance patterns of Campylobacter spp. isolated from fresh broiler chicken meat samples of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian origin collected in Estonian retail, and from patients with Campylobacter enteric infections, were determined. A total of 46 (75%) of the isolates tested were C. jejuni and 15 (25%) were C. coli. Campylobacter resistance was highest to nalidixic acid (90.2% of strains) and ciprofloxacin (90.2%), followed by tetracycline (57.4%), streptomycin (42.6%) and erythromycin (6.6%). All strains were sensitive to gentamicin. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance genes and point mutations were detected in 27 C. jejuni and 8 C. coli isolates previously assigned as resistant with the phenotypic method. A high antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter spp. in Lithuanian- and Latvian-origin broiler chicken meat and Estonian clinical isolates was found. Similar antibiotic resistance patterns were found for broiler chicken meat and human Campylobacter isolates.

The Prevalence, Counts and MLST Genotypes of Campylobacter in Poultry Meat and Genomic Comparison with Clinical Isolates

Since 2005 campylobacteriosis has been the most commonly reported gastrointestinal infection in humans in the European Union with more than 200,000 cases annually. Also Campylobacter is one of the most frequent cause of food-borne outbreaks with 319 outbreaks reported to EFSA, involving 1,254 cases of disease and 125 hospitalizations in EU in 2019. Importantly poultry meat is one of the most common source for the sporadic Campylobacter infections and for strong-evidence campylobacteriosis food-borne outbreaks in EU.

 In present study, 429 fresh broiler chicken meat samples of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian origin were collected from Estonian retail level and analyzed on a monthly basis between September 2018 and October 2019. Campylobacter spp. were isolated in 141 (32.9%) of 429 broiler chicken meat samples. Altogether 3 (1.8%), 49 (36.8%), and 89 (66.9%) of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian origin broiler chicken meat samples were positive for Campylobacter spp. Among Campylobacter-positive samples, 62 (14.5%) contained Campylobacter spp. below 100 CFU/g and in 28 (6.5%) samples the count of Campylobacter spp. exceeded 1,000 CFU/g. A high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in fresh broiler chicken meat of Lithuanian and Latvian origin in Estonian retail was observed. Additionally, 22 different multilocus sequence types were identified among 55 genotyped isolates of broiler chicken meat and human origin, of which 45 were Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and 10 were Campylobacter coli (C. coli). The most prevalent multilocus sequence types among C. jejuni was ST2229 and among C. coli ST832, ST872. C. jejuni genotypes found in both broiler chicken meat and human origin samples were ST122, ST464, ST7355, and ST9882, which indicates that imported fresh broiler chicken meat is likely the cause of human campylobacteriosis in Estonia.

Multidrug-Resistant Campylobacer jejuni on Swine Processing at a Slaughterhouse in Eastern Spain

Campylobacteriosis is the most commonly reported gastrointestinal disease in humans in the EU, mainly from poultry meat consumption. C. jejuni is the main species involved in the human disease. However, little is known about the role of swine meat in its epidemiology. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of C. jejuni on swine processing at the slaughterhouse. To this end, a total of 21 pig herds were intensively sampled at the slaughterhouse. Campylobacter isolation was based on official method ISO 10272-1:2018, speciation was determined by the hippurate hydrolysis test, and antibiotic susceptibility was performed according to standard disc diffusion assay. The results showed that all batches shed Campylobacter in faeces upon arrival at the slaughterhouse and remained positive at the end of the slaughtering process (42.8%). Moreover, 41.5% of Campylobacter strains isolated were C. jejuni and all of them were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 96.3% were multidrug-resistant strains. In conclusion, the high level of multidrug-resistant C. jejuni swine batch contamination at the slaughterhouse makes it necessary to include the swine sector in national control programmes to reduce the bacterium and its resistance.

Prevalence, molecular typing and antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. isolates in northern Spain

AIM

To analyse the prevalence, genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. in northern Spain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Campylobacter was isolated from 139 samples of broiler meat and faecal dropping of broiler and swine with a prevalence of 35·4, 62 and 42·8%, respectively. Campylobacter jejuni (n = 55) and Campylobacter coli (n = 31) were identified by multiplex-PCR in meat, faeces and human clinical samples while Campylobacter fetus (n = 3) was exclusively detected in the latter. Fingerprinting by flaA-RFLP and PFGE revealed 68 different genotypes from the 89 isolates with a Biodiversity Simpson's index of 0·98. The 86·5% of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, 85·4% to tetracycline and 49·4% to erythromycin; only three genotypes were susceptible to the three antimicrobial drugs. Multidrug resistance was detected in the 40·7% of the isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Campylobacter remains prevalent in northern Spain with a high biodiversity degree. About 93·3% of the isolates were resistant to one or more drugs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Although different measures are taken to control Campylobacter, the detection of isolates resistant to the drugs used in the treatment of campylobacteriosis is still high, including different species and genotypes. This evidences the need of additional strategies against this pathogen.

Occurrence, Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance-Associated Markers in Campylobacter Species Isolated from Retail Fresh Milk and Water Samples in Two District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Campylobacter species are among the major bacteria implicated in human gastrointestinal infections and are majorly found in faeces of domestic animals, sewage discharges and agricultural runoff. These pathogens have been implicated in diseases outbreaks through consumption of contaminated milk and water in some parts of the globe and reports on this is very scanty in the Eastern Cape Province. Hence, this study evaluated the occurrence as well as virulence and antimicrobial-associated makers of Campylobacter species recovered from milk and water samples. A total of 56 water samples and 72 raw milk samples were collected and the samples were processed for enrichment in Bolton broth and incubated for 48 h in 10% CO2 at 42 °C under microaerobic condition. Thereafter, the enriched cultures were further processed and purified. After which, presumptive Campylobacter colonies were isolated and later confirmed by PCR using specific primers for the detection of the genus Campylobacter, target species and virulence associated genes. Antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates were determined by disk diffusion method against a panel of 12 antibiotics and relevant genotypic resistance genes were assessed by PCR assay. A total of 438 presumptive Campylobacter isolates were obtained; from which, 162 were identified as belonging to the genus Campylobacter of which 36.92% were obtained from water samples and 37.11% from milk samples. The 162 confirmed isolates were further delineated into four species, of which, 7.41%, 27.16% and 8.64% were identified as C. fetus, C. jejuni and C. coli respectively. Among the virulence genes screened for, the iam (32.88%) was most prevalent, followed by flgR (26.87%) gene and cdtB and cadF (5.71% each) genes. Of the 12 antibiotics tested, the highest phenotypic resistance displayed by Campylobacter isolates was against clindamycin (95.68%), while the lowest was observed against imipenem (21.47%). Other high phenotypic resistance displayed by the isolates were against erythromycin (95.06%), followed by ceftriaxone (93.21%), doxycycline (87.65%), azithromycin and ampicillin (87.04% each), tetracycline (83.33%), chloramphenicol (78.27%), ciprofloxacin (77.78%), levofloxacin (59.88%) and gentamicin (56.17%). Relevant resistance genes were assessed in the isolates that showed high phenotypic resistance, and the highest resistance gene harbored by the isolates was catII (95%) gene while VIM, KPC, Ges, bla-OXA-48-like, tetC, tetD, tetK, IMI and catI genes were not detected. The occurrence of this pathogen and the detection of virulence and antimicrobial resistance-associated genes in Campylobacter isolates recovered from milk/water samples position them a risk to human health.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance and genotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from chickens in Irbid governorate, Jordan

Campylobacter is the world's leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, causing nearly 9 million cases of food poisoning in Europe every year. Poultry is considered the main source of Campylobacter infection to humans. The objectives of the study were to determine occurrence of C. jejuni and C. coli in chickens, the antimicrobial resistance, genotypes, and relatedness of the isolates. A total of 177 chicken samples obtained from informal butcher shops (fresh), formal poultry slaughterhouses (refrigerated) and retail market (frozen) were analyzed. Isolation of Campylobacter spp. was conducted according to the ISO 10272-2006 method. Multiplex PCR was used for confirmation and identification of the isolates. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates and multilocus sequence typing was used for genotyping. The proportion of samples with Campylobacter spp. was 31.6% among all chicken samples (fresh and refrigerated 47.5%, frozen 0%) C. coli was isolated from 42.4% of chicken samples obtained from butcher shops and from 18.6% of samples obtained in formal slaughterhouses. C. jejuni was isolated from 17.0% of samples obtained in butcher shops and formal slaughterhouses. Campylobacter spp. was not isolated in frozen chicken samples. All tested isolates showed resistance toward ciprofloxacin and susceptibility toward imipenem and all of the isolates were multidrug resistant toward 5 or more antimicrobials. Three sequence types were identified among 10 C. coli isolates and seven sequence types were identified among 10 C. jejuni isolates. Among sequence types, chicken isolates shared similarities of both phenotypic and genetic levels.

Research Note: A baseline survey of thermotolerant Campylobacter in retail chicken in southern Brazil

Chicken is a leading source of thermotolerant Campylobacter, which triggers human foodborne enteritis. This study evaluated thermotolerant Campylobacter contamination of retail chicken in southern Brazil, using qualitative and quantitative analyses. Selective enrichment in Bolton broth for 24 and 48 h after plating onto modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate (mCCD) agar and Preston agar was assessed. The combined results of the detection and enumeration methods revealed a frequency of 70% occurrence of thermotolerant Campylobacter in chicken samples. Campylobacter was enumerated in 60% of the samples, whereas 46% of the samples were positive in the qualitative analysis. Quantitative analysis showed average counts of 3.10 ± 0.15 log₁₀ CFU/sample. Higher numbers of Campylobacter-positive samples were found using 24-h enrichment before plating onto Preston agar (46%) than onto mCCD agar (2%). The majority of isolated strains were identified as Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter coli was also found but to a lesser extent. Subtyping revealed a clear distinction between strains isolated from different chicken sources. The enriched samples plated onto mCCD agar showed extensive spreading of nonproducing extended-spectrum β-lactamases Proteus mirabilis that hampered the identification of Campylobacter colonies. P. mirabilis strains showed resistance to cefoperazone, trimethoprim, and polymyxin B present in broth and plate media used and were inhibited by rifampicin present in Preston agar. The results underline the effect of the spread of contaminant strains on Campylobacter cultures, which might be prevented using a recently revised International Organization for Standardization method for qualitative analysis of chicken.

Okoh A. Campylobacteriosis Agents in Meat Carcasses Collected from Two District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Raw meats are sometimes contaminated with Campylobacter species from animal faeces, and meats have repeatedly been implicated in foodborne infections. This study evaluated the prevalence, virulence genes, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and resistance gene determinants in Campylobacter species isolated from retailed meat carcasses. A total of 248 raw meat samples were collected from butcheries, supermarkets, and open markets; processed for enrichment in Bolton broth; and incubated at 42 °C for 48 h in 10% CO2. Thereafter, the broths were streaked on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) plates and incubated at the same conditions and for the same amount of time. After incubation, colonies were isolated and confirmed by Polymerase chain reaction using specific oligonucleotide sequences used for the identification of the genus Campylobacter, species, and their virulence markers. The patterns of antimicrobial resistance profiles of the identified isolates were studied by disk diffusion method against 12 antibiotics, and relevant resistance genes were assessed by PCR. From culture, 845 presumptive Campylobacter isolates were obtained, of which 240 (28.4%) were identified as genus Campylobacter. These were then characterised into four species, of which C. coli had the highest prevalence rate (22.08%), followed by C. jejuni (16.66%) and C. fetus (3.73%). The virulence genes detected included iam (43.14%), cadF (37.25%), cdtB (23.53%), flgR (18.63%), and flaA (1.96%), and some of the isolates co-harboured two to four virulence genes. Of the 12 antibiotics tested, the highest phenotypic resistance displayed by Campylobacter isolates was against clindamycin (100%), and the lowest level of resistance was observed against imipenem (23.33%). The frequency of resistance genes detected included catll (91.78%), tetA (68.82%), gyra (61.76%), ampC (55%), aac(3)-IIa (aacC2)a (40.98%), tetM (38.71%), ermB (18.29%), tetB (12.90%), and tetK (2.15%). There is a high incidence of Campylobacter species in meat carcasses, suggesting these to be a reservoir of campylobacteriosis agents in this community, and as such, consumption of undercooked meats in this community is a potential health risk to consumers.

Thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in chicken and bovine meat in Italy: Prevalence, level of contamination and molecular characterization of isolates

Campylobacter species are common foodborne pathogens associated with cases of human gastroenteritis worldwide. A detailed understanding of the prevalence, contamination levels and molecular characteristics of Campylobacter spp. in cattle and chicken, which are likely the most important sources of human contamination, is imperative. A collection of 1243 poultry meat samples (665 chicken breasts and 578 chicken thighs) and 1203 bovine meat samples (689 hamburgers and 514 knife-cut meat preparations) were collected at retail outlets, in randomly selected supermarkets located in different Italian regions during one year. Of these samples, 17.38% of the poultry meat and 0.58% of the bovine meat samples tested positive for Campylobacter, of which 131 were Campylobacter jejuni (57.96%) and 95 were Campylobacter coli (42.03%). Campylobacter isolates were genotyped with the aim of assessing the genetic diversity, population structure, source distribution and Campylobacter transmission route to humans. All isolates were molecularly characterized by pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and further genotyped using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and fla-SVR sequencing to gain better insight into the population structure. Antibiotic resistance was also investigate. The highest levels of resistance among chicken strains were observed for ciprofloxacin (88.25%), nalidixic acid (81.45%) and tetracycline (75.6%). PFGE analysis revealed 73 pulsotypes for C. jejuni and 54 pulsotypes for C. coli, demonstrating the existance of different and specific clones circulating in Italy. MLST of C.jejuni isolates mainly clustered in the CC353, CC354, CC21, CC206 and CC443; while C.coli isolates clustered only in CC828. The most common flaA alleles were 287 for C. jejuni and 66 for C. coli. Our study confirms that poultry meat is the main source of Campylobacteriosis, whereas red meat had a low level of contamination suggesting a minor role in transmission. The high presence of Campylobacter in retail chicken meat, paired with its increased resistance to antimicrobials with several multidrug resistance profiles detected, is alarming and represents a persistent threat to public health.

Prevalence of Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni in Retail Chicken, Beef, Lamb, and Pork Products in Three Australian States

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of Campylobacter species in a variety of fresh and frozen meat and offal products collected from retail outlets in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (Qld), and Victoria (Vic). A total of 1,490 chicken, beef, lamb, and pork samples were collected from Australian supermarkets and butcher shops over a 2-year sampling period (October 2016 to October 2018). Campylobacter spp. were detected in 90% of chicken meat and 73% of chicken offal products (giblet and liver), with significantly lower prevalence in lamb (38%), pork (31%), and beef (14%) offal (kidney and liver). Although retail chicken meat was frequently contaminated with Campylobacter, the level of contamination was generally low. Where quantitative analysis was conducted, 98% of chicken meat samples, on average, had <10,000 CFU Campylobacter per carcass, with 10% <21 CFU per carcass. Campylobacter coli was the most frequently recovered species in chicken meat collected in NSW (53%) and Vic (56%) and in chicken offal collected in NSW (77%), Qld (59%), and Vic (58%). In beef, lamb, and pork offal, C. jejuni was generally the most common species (50 to 86%), with the exception of pork offal collected in NSW, where C. coli was more prevalent (69%). Campylobacter prevalence was significantly higher in fresh lamb (46%) and pork (31%) offal than in frozen offal (17 and 11%, respectively). For chicken, beef, and pork offal, the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was significantly higher on delicatessen products compared with prepackaged products. This study demonstrated that meat and offal products are frequently contaminated with Campylobacter. However, the prevalence is markedly different in different meats, and the level of chicken meat portion contamination is generally low. By identifying the types of meat and offal products types that pose the greatest risk of Campylobacter infection to consumers, targeted control strategies can be developed.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in Poultry in Three Spanish Farms, A Slaughterhouse and A Further Processing Plant

The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in a selection of poultry flocks and the corresponding broiler carcasses as well as the possible impact of contamination during slaughter and processing. Samples of the same flock at different ages in three farms (A, B and C) were taken for the determination of Campylobacter spp. The same broiler flocks were examined at different stages of one slaughterhouse and at a further processing plant. The slaughterhouse environment and processing equipment were sampled. Campylobacter spp. was not detected in 7 and 14-day-old broilers in any of the three farms studied. However, Campylobacter spp. was detected in 35 and 42-day-old broilers at two farms (Farm A and B). This pathogen was detected in both dirty and clean transport crates, in scalding water, and on the defeathering machine and the working table at the end of the working day, but not at the beginning. After defeathering, Campylobacter spp. was detected in all of the sampled carcasses. Campylobacter spp. was detected in all of the carcasses and the poultry meat portion samples from Farm C, although it was not detected at the farm level. This suggests that Campylobacter spp. infected flocks may be a source of these bacteria in the corresponding carcasses, but a cross-contamination during the transportation and slaughter process is also very important.

The European Union summary report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2017

The data on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria in 2017, submitted by 28 EU Member States (MSs), were jointly analysed by EFSA and ECDC. Resistance in zoonotic Salmonella and Campylobacter from humans, animals and food, and resistance in indicator Escherichia coli as well as meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals and food were addressed, and temporal trends assessed. ‘Microbiological’ resistance was assessed using epidemiological cut‐off (ECOFF) values; for some countries, qualitative data on human isolates were interpreted in a way which corresponds closely to the ECOFF‐defined ‘microbiological’ resistance. In Salmonella from humans, as well as in Salmonella and E. coli isolates from fattening pigs and calves of less than 1 year of age, high proportions of isolates were resistant to ampicillin, sulfonamides and tetracyclines, whereas resistance to third‐generation cephalosporins was uncommon. Varying occurrence/prevalence rates of presumptive extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)/AmpC producers in Salmonella and E. coli monitored in meat (pork and beef), fattening pigs and calves, and Salmonella monitored in humans, were observed between countries. Carbapenemase‐producing E. coli were detected in one single sample from fattening pigs in one MS. Resistance to colistin was observed at low levels in Salmonella and E. coli from fattening pigs and calves and meat thereof and in Salmonella from humans. In Campylobacter from humans, high to extremely high proportions of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines, particularly in Campylobacter coli. In five countries, high to very high proportions of C. coli from humans were resistant also to erythromycin, leaving few options for treatment of severe Campylobacter infections. High resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines was observed in C. coli isolates from fattening pigs, whereas much lower levels were recorded for erythromycin. Combined resistance to critically important antimicrobials in both human and animal isolates was generally uncommon but very high to extremely high multidrug resistance levels were observed in S. Typhimurium and its monophasic variant in both humans and animals. S. Kentucky from humans exhibited high‐level resistance to ciprofloxacin, in addition to a high prevalence of ESBL.

Virulence typing and antibiotic susceptibility profiling of thermophilic Campylobacters isolated from poultry, animal, and human species

Background and Aim:

Campylobacteriosis finds its place among the four important global foodborne illnesses. The disease, though self-limiting, needs antibacterial therapy in extraintestinal complications. Therefore, the present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacters in poultry, animals, and humans of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 609 samples comprising of poultry ceca (n=116), poultry droppings (n=203), and feces of pigs (n=71), cattle (n=61), sheep (n=19), goat (n=17), human beings (n=88), and laboratory animals (n=34) (rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs) were collected. The thermophilic Campylobacters, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were confirmed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The isolates were also screened for the presence of virulence genes, and their antibiotic susceptibility testing was done against eight antibiotics.

Results:

An overall prevalence of 6.24% was revealed with highest from poultry ceca (15.52%), followed by poultry droppings (5.91%), cattle feces (4.92%), human stools (3.40%), and pig feces (2.82%). The virulence genes, namely cadF, flaA, virB11, and pldA, were present in 38 (100%), 37 (97.37%), 7 (18.42%), and 14 (36.84%) isolates, respectively. All the isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid, while all were sensitive to erythromycin and co-trimoxazole.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the animals and humans in the region harbored the thermophilic Campylobacters which may contribute to the human illness. Resistance shown among the isolates may complicate the antimicrobial therapy.

Prevalence of Pathogens in Poultry Meat: A Meta-Analysis of European Published Surveys

The objective of this study was to investigate and summarize the levels of incidence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat commercialized in Europe. After systematic review, incidence data and study characteristics were extracted from 78 studies conducted in 21 European countries. Pooled prevalence values from 203 extracted observations were estimated from random-effects meta-analysis models adjusted by pathogen, poultry type, sampling stage, cold preservation type, meat cutting type and packaging status. The results suggest that S. aureus is the main pathogen detected in poultry meat (38.5%; 95% CI: 25.4⁻53.4), followed by Campylobacter spp. (33.3%; 95% CI: 22.3⁻46.4%), while L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. present lower prevalence (19.3%; 95% CI: 14.4⁻25.3% and 7.10%; 95% CI: 4.60⁻10.8%, respectively). Despite the differences in prevalence, all pathogens were found in chicken and other poultry meats, at both end-processing step and retail level, in packed and unpacked products and in several meat cutting types. Prevalence data on cold preservation products also revealed that chilling and freezing can reduce the proliferation of pathogens but might not be able to inactivate them. The results of this meta-analysis highlight that further risk management strategies are needed to reduce pathogen incidence in poultry meat throughout the entire food chain across Europe, in particular for S. aureus and Campylobacter spp.

The European Union summary report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2016

The data on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria in 2016, submitted by 28 EU Member States (MSs), were jointly analysed by the EFSA and ECDC. Resistance in bacterial isolates of zoonotic Salmonella and Campylobacter from humans, animals and food, and resistance in indicator Escherichia coli as well as in meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from animals and food were addressed. 'Microbiological' resistance was assessed using epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values; for some countries, qualitative data on isolates from humans were interpreted in a way that corresponds closely to ECOFF-defined 'microbiological' resistance. In Salmonella from humans, the occurrence of resistance to ampicillin, sulfonamides and tetracyclines was high, whereas resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was low. In Salmonella and E. coli isolates from broilers, fattening turkeys and their meat, resistance to ampicillin, (fluoro)quinolones, tetracyclines and sulfonamides was frequently high, whereas resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was rare. The occurrence of ESBL-/AmpC producers was low in Salmonella and E. coli from poultry and in Salmonella from humans. The prevalence of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli, assessed in poultry and its meat for the first time, showed marked variations among MSs. Fourteen presumptive carbapenemase-producing E. coli were detected from broilers and its meat in two MSs. Resistance to colistin was observed at low levels in Salmonella and E. coli from poultry and meat thereof and in Salmonella from humans. In Campylobacter from humans, broilers and broiler meat, resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines was high to extremely high, whereas resistance to erythromycin was low to moderate. Combined resistance to critically important antimicrobials in isolates from both humans and animals was generally uncommon, but very high to extremely high multidrug resistance levels were observed in certain Salmonella serovars. Specific serovars of Salmonella (notably Kentucky) from both humans and animals exhibited high-level resistance to ciprofloxacin, in addition to findings of ESBL.

Quantification of Campylobacter jejuni contamination on chicken carcasses in France

Highly prevalent in poultry, Campylobacter is a foodborne pathogen which remains the primary cause of enteritis in humans. Several studies have determined prevalence and contamination level of this pathogen throughout the food chain. However it is generally performed in a deterministic way without considering heterogeneity of contamination level. The purpose of this study was to quantify, using probabilistic tools, the contamination level of Campylobacter spp. on chicken carcasses after air-chilling step in several slaughterhouses in France. From a dataset (530 data) containing censored data (concentration <10CFU/g), several factors were considered, including the month of sampling, the farming method (standard vs certified) and the sampling area (neck vs leg). All probabilistic analyses were performed in R using fitdistrplus, mc2d and nada packages. The uncertainty (i.e. error) generated by the presence of censored data was small (ca 1 log₁₀) in comparison to the variability (i.e. heterogeneity) of contamination level (3 log₁₀ or more), strengthening the probabilistic analysis and facilitating result interpretation. The sampling period and sampling area (neck/leg) had a significant effect on Campylobacter contamination level. More precisely, two "seasons" were distinguished: one from January to May, another one from June to December. During the June-to-December season, the mean Campylobacter concentration was estimated to 2.6 [2.4; 2.8] log₁₀ (CFU/g) and 1.8 [1.5; 2.0] log₁₀ (CFU/g) for neck and leg, respectively. The probability of having >1000CFU/g (higher limit of European microbial criterion) was estimated to 35.3% and 12.6%, for neck and leg, respectively. In contrast, during January-to-May season, the mean contamination level was estimated to 1.0 [0.6; 1.3] log₁₀ (CFU/g) and 0.6 [0.3; 0.9] log₁₀ (CFU/g) for neck and leg, respectively. The probability of having >1000CFU/g was estimated to 13.5% and 2.0% for neck and leg, respectively. An accurate quantification of contamination level enables industrials to better adapt their processing and hygiene practices. These results will also help in refining exposure assessment models.

The European Union summary report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2015

The data on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria in 2015, submitted by 28 EU Member States (MSs), were jointly analysed by EFSA and ECDC. Resistance in zoonotic Salmonella and Campylobacter from humans, animals and food, and resistance in indicator Escherichia coli as well as meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals and food were addressed. ‘Microbiological’ resistance was assessed using epidemiological cut‐off (ECOFF) values; for some countries, qualitative data on human isolates were interpreted in a way which corresponds closely to the ECOFF‐defined ‘microbiological’ resistance. In Salmonella from humans, high proportions of isolates were resistant to ampicillin, sulfonamides and tetracyclines, whereas resistance to third‐generation cephalosporins was low. In Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolates from fattening pigs and calves under one year of age, resistance to ampicillin, tetracyclines and sulfonamides was frequently detected, whereas resistance to third‐generation cephalosporins was uncommon. For the first time, presumptive extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐/AmpC‐/carbapenemase‐production in Salmonella and Escherichia coli was monitored in humans (Salmonella), meat (pork and beef), fattening pigs and calves. Varying occurrence/prevalence rates of ESBL‐/AmpC‐producers were observed between countries, and carbapenemase‐producing Escherichia coli were detected in single samples of pig meat and from fattening pigs from two MSs. Resistance to colistin was observed at low levels in Salmonella and Escherichia coli from fattening pigs and calves under one year of age and meat thereof. In Campylobacter from humans, high to extremely high proportions of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines, particularly in C. coli. In a few countries, a third to half of C. coli in humans were resistant also to erythromycin, leaving few options for treatment of severe Campylobacter infections. High resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines was observed in C. coli isolates from fattening pigs, whereas much lower levels were recorded for erythromycin. Co‐resistance to critically important antimicrobials in both human and animal isolates was generally uncommon.