Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from Laying Hens Housed in Different Rearing Systems

Abstract

Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli are responsible for food poisoning in humans. Laying hens may host the bacteria usually without developing symptoms. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the incidence of C. jejuni and C. coli infection in laying hen flocks housed in different rearing systems, the plasma levels of two welfare indicators (corticosterone and interleukin 6, IL-6) and the antimicrobial resistance of the detected Campylobacter strains. Two different flocks (1 and 2) from cage (A), barn (B) and aviary (C) farms were investigated. The highest (p < 0.05) levels of IL-6 were detected in laying hens housed in aviaries. A similar trend emerged in corticosterone level, although differences were found between C1 and C2. C. jejuni and C. coli were identified in 43.5% and 38.9% of birds, respectively. In total, 14 out of 177 (7.9%) hens simultaneously hosted C. jejuni and C. coli.C. jejuni was prevalently detected in hens housed in barns (B1: 53.3%; B2: 46.7%) and aviaries (C1: 34.6%; C2: 86.7%). Conversely, laying hens housed in cages were significantly exposed to infection of C. coli (A1: 41.9%; A2: 80%) while, regarding barns and aviaries, a significant prevalence emerged only in flocks B2 (40%) and C1 (54.8%). Simultaneous infection was statistically significant in barn B1 (36.7%). Antibiotic resistance was mainly detected among C. coli strains, and it was most frequent for fluoroquinolones and tetracycline. Multidrug resistance was also found in C. jejuni (19.7%) and C. coli (17.5%) strains. Based on the results of this study, we recommend increasing biosecurity and hygienic measures to manage hen flocks.

Role of Wild Birds in Spreading Potential Zoonotic Diseases in Poultry

“…These two strains were isolated from the long-eared owl and is reported as antimicrobial resistant after testing with different methodologies. These resistant antibiotics are enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Casalino et al 2022). Campylobacters isolated from wildlife such as waterfowl is isolated and these bacteria are tested to identify the pathogenic genes.…”

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cinnamon Essential Oil against Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli from Poultry

“…Control of colibacillosis has historically been achieved using different classes of antimicrobials. However, considering the increase in antimicrobial resistance related to the excessive use of antibiotics, the potential risk of transmission of resistant bacteria to humans through the consumption of foods of animal origin, and the possible exposure of veterinarians and farmers to animals contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria [ 27 ], alternative control strategies are recommended as part of a “One Health” approach that relies on integrated and unifying prevention measures to protect animal and public health [ 28 , 29 ]. In addition, economic losses occur in poultry farms due to compliance with the withdrawal period during and after the treatment.…”