ARS | Publication request: Fluoroquinolone resistance in Campylobacter

Submitted to: Journal of Food Protection
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: March 10, 2010
Publication Date: May 1, 2010
Citation: Smith, J.L., Fratamico, P.M. 2010. Fluoroquinolone resistance in Campylobacter. Journal of Food Protection. 73(6):1141-1152.

Technical Abstract: Fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli are common in animals because of the use of fluoroquinolones as therapeutic agents in animal husbandry, particularly in chickens and other poultry. Campylobacter is a commensal in poultry, and therefore, poultry and poultry products are the major source of Campylobacter infections to humans. Fluoroquinolones inhibit the growth of Campylobacter and other microorganisms by binding to bacterial DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are associated with bacterial transcription, replication, and chromosome condensation and segregation. Selection pressure in the presence of fluoroquinolones rapidly leads to resistance in Campylobacter because of the selection for mutations in DNA gyrase. Fluoroquinolone-resistant campylobacters have been found in poultry feces, poultry carcasses, and in retail poultry meat products in most areas of the world. In addition, other food animals and the meat products from those animals have been shown to be contaminated with fluoroquinolone-resistant campylobacters. Even the removal of fluoroquinolones from use in treating animal diseases has not completely eliminated the presence of resistant C. jejuni and C. coli from animals and animal products. Human exposure to Campylobacter infection could be reduced by using strategies that decrease colonization of chickens by the pathogen.