One Health Approach to Tackle Microbial Contamination on Poultries—A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study reports the search of available data published regarding microbial occupational exposure assessment in poultries, following the PRISMA methodology. Air collection through filtration was the most frequently used. The most commonly used passive sampling method was material collection such as dust, cages, soils, sediment, and wastewater. Regarding assays applied, the majority of studies comprised culture-based methods, but molecular tools were also frequently used. Screening for antimicrobial susceptibility was performed only for bacteria; cytotoxicity, virological and serological assays were also performed. Most of the selected studies focused on bacteria, although fungi, endotoxins, and β-glucans were also assessed. The only study concerning fungi and mycotoxins reported the carcinogenic mycotoxin AFB1. This study gives a comprehensive overview of microbial contamination in the poultry industry, emphasizing this setting as a potential reservoir of microbial pathogens threatening human, animal, and environmental health. Additionally, this research helps to provide a sampling and analysis protocol proposal to evaluate the microbiological contamination in these facilities. Few articles were found reporting fungal contamination in poultry farms worldwide. In addition, information concerning fungal resistance profile and mycotoxin contamination remain scarce. Overall, a One Health approach should be incorporated in exposure assessments and the knowledge gaps identified in this paper should be addressed in further research.

Hazards Associated with the Combined Application of Fungicides and Poultry Litter in Agricultural Areas

“…In this context, flocks ranging from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of birds are maintained, primarily raised in open indoor housing or battery cages equipped with automatic feeding and drinking systems [ 15 ]. Recent years have witnessed an intensification of livestock production systems due to an increased demand for animal-derived foods, along with changes in management practices, which have impacted the distribution and intensity of parasitic infections, frequently associated with zoonotic diseases [ 2 , 16 ].…”

“…Microbiological air contamination in poultry facilities, including an analysis of microbial composition, has been the subject of comprehensive studies [ 2 ]. Concerns about rising foodborne outbreaks have led to the identification of bacteria in animal bedding, with certain Salmonella strains exhibiting antimicrobial resistance [ 18 ].…”

“…Over the past two decades, global poultry production has witnessed steady growth, and poultry imports are expected to rise even further. In comparison, pork and beef imports are also projected to increase, but poultry remains the preferred choice among consumers [ 2 ]. This intensification in poultry production, which often involves large flocks confined in automated systems, gives rise to concerns regarding parasitic infections and zoonotic diseases due to the densely populated living conditions for birds.…”

“…The adaptability of fungi to various environmental pressures, including climate change and increased pesticide resistance in agriculture, is noted as a significant area of study. Understanding these adaptations is crucial for developing strategies to manage fungal diseases and preserve ecosystems [ 2 ].…”

“…This focus aligns with the overarching One Health concept, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. As a result, it calls for collaborative interdisciplinary efforts, the implementation of biosafety measures, and the pursuit of future research endeavors aimed at understanding fungal ecology and tackling associated challenges [ 2 ].…”