Wildlife Waterfowl as a Source of Pathogenic Campylobacter Strains

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine whether free-living birds belonging to game species whose meat is used for human consumption can constitute a reservoir of pathogenic Campylobacter strains, spreading these bacteria to other hosts or directly contributing to human infection. Methods: A total of 91 cloacal swabs were taken from different species of wildlife waterfowl to estimate the Campylobacter prevalence, the genetic diversity of the isolates, and the presence of virulence genes and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance. Results: The presence of Campylobacter spp. was confirmed in 32.9% of samples. Based on flaA-SVR sequencing, a total of 19 different alleles among the tested Campylobacter isolates were revealed. The virulence genes involved in adhesion were detected at high frequencies among Campylobacter isolates regardless of the host species. The highest resistance was observed for ciprofloxacin. The resistance rates to erythromycin and tetracycline were observed at the same level. Conclusions: These results suggest that wildlife waterfowl belonging to game species may constitute a reservoir of Campylobacter, spreading these bacteria to other hosts or directly contributing to human disease. The high distribution of virulence-associated genes among wildlife waterfowl Campylobacter isolates make them potentially able to induce infection in humans.

The potential role of migratory birds in the transmission of pathogenic Campylobacter species to broiler chickens in broiler poultry farms and live bird markets

“…Referring to the recorded results of the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 25 isolates against 9 antibiotics, higher resistance was recorded to DO (100%), E and TE (80% for each), while higher susceptibility was recorded to AK (92%) and NOR (80%). Our findings differ from previous studies conducted by [33], who recorded lower resistance to TE (1.8%), and [25], who reported resistance to CIP, TE and E (33.3%, 23.3% and 23.3%, respectively). On the other hand [12], displayed resistance of Campylobacter to CIP, TE and S at 69.9%, 55.6% and 6.7%, respectively.…”

“…For instance, the widespread use of various quinolone antibiotics in poultry farming in Africa, China, Europe and Italy during the period from 2008 until 2015 has resulted in an increase in the number of Campylobacter strains that are resistant to quinolones in both chickens and humans [23]. Compared to other enteric bacteria, Campylobacter species have a virulome that is used in attachment, establishment, invasion, and toxin production, leading to their high prevalence [24,25], which represents a potential hazard for both animal and human health [26]. One of the major pathogenicity factors of C. jejuni is the cytolethal distending toxin (cdt A, B, C) complex, which helps induce host cell apoptosis.…”

A Systematic Review on the Role of Wildlife as Carriers and Spreaders of Campylobacter spp.

“…Despite much of the research carried out on Campylobacter species involving mammals, the importance of infection in birds cannot be underestimated. Much of this is down to the fact that they have a body temperature which is ideal for Campylobacter to proliferate [ 162 ]. This is true for both domesticated poultry [ 163 ] and also wild birds [ 162 , 163 ].…”

“…Much of this is down to the fact that they have a body temperature which is ideal for Campylobacter to proliferate [ 162 ]. This is true for both domesticated poultry [ 163 ] and also wild birds [ 162 , 163 ]. Particularly in the case of wild birds, this is problematic as their ability to fly means that they have the potential to spread Campylobacter , as well as other zoonotic organisms, by crossing over geographical barriers [ 164 ].…”

“…The ability for birds to spread Campylobacter becomes even more of a concern when it is noted that this can include strains which have antibiotic resistance genes [ 175 ]. In a recent survey [ 162 ] of cloacal swabs, it was found that almost a third of wild waterfowl were carriers of Campylobacter species, with four of the five species harboring C. jejuni and mallards also carrying C. coli . All 30 samples tested positive for several different virulence genes, with 11 of them also having one or more genes for antibiotic resistance present.…”