Abstract
Background: Understanding potential risks of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens from the booming poultry sector is a crucial public health concern. Campylobacter spp. are among the most important zoonotic pathogens associated with MDR infections in poultry and human. This study systematically examined potential risks and associated socio-environmental factors of MDR Campylobacter spp. in poultry farms and live bird markets (LBMs) of Bangladesh. Methods: Microbial culture and PCR-based methods were applied to examine the occurrence and MDR patterns of Campylobacter spp. at hatcheries (n = 33), broiler farms (n = 122) and LBMs (n = 69). Antimicrobial residues in broiler meat and liver samples (n = 50) were detected by advanced chromatographic techniques. A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was conducted on socio-environmental factors. Results: In poultry farms, Campylobacter spp. was primarily found in broiler cloacal swab (21/49, 43%), followed by drinking water (8/24, 33%), and meat (8/28, 29%) samples of broilers. Remarkably, in live bird markets, Campylobacter spp. was detected in higher prevalence in broiler meat (14/26, 54%), which could have an association with bacterial contamination in drinking water (11/21, 52%) and floor (9/21, 43%). Representative isolates (n = 71) were differentiated into two species: Campylobacter jejuni (66%) and Campylobacter coli (34%). Majority of C. jejuni (33/47, 70%) and C. coli (14/24, 58%) strains were observed to be MDR, showing resistance to amoxycilin, tetracycline and erythromycin, and additionally ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, streptomycin, and azithromycin. Residual antimicrobials, including oxytetracycline, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin, were detected in majority of broiler liver (79%) and meat (62%) samples. Alarmingly, 33% and 19% of the liver and meat samples, respectively, contained residual antimicrobial concentration above acceptable limit. Inadequate personal and environmental hygiene, unscrupulously use of antimicrobials, improper waste disposal, and lack of health surveillance and quarantine facilities of diseased birds were distinguishable risk factors, with local diversity and compound influences on MDR pathogens. Conclusion: Potential contamination sources and anthropogenic risk factors associated with the alarming occurrence of MDR Campylobacter, noted in this study, would aid in developing interventions to minimize the increasing risks of poultry-associated MDR pathogens under ‘One Health’ banner that includes poultry, human and environment perspectives.
Molecular Characterization of Newcastle Disease Virus from Backyard Poultry Farms and Live Bird Markets in Kenya
