ARS | Publication request: ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANT CAMPYLOBACTER IN HUMANS, RETAIL MEATS AND FOOD ANIMALS IN YUCATAN

Submitted to: International Congress for Infectious Diseases
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 2, 2005
Publication Date: December 2, 2005
Citation: Zaidi, M.B., Cray, P.J., Diaz, P., Leon, M., Plumblee, J., Headrick, M., Tollefson, L. 2005. ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANT CAMPYLOBACTER IN HUMANS, RETAIL MEATS AND FOOD ANIMALS IN YUCATAN. International Congress for Infectious Diseases. December 2, 2005. Atlanta, GA.

Technical Abstract: Background: Detection of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter is an essential element of foodborne pathogen surveillance. Methods: We collected samples from humans with diarrhea, asymptomatic children, retail chicken, pork, and beef, and gut contents from swine and cattle carcasses in Yucatan. Isolation was performed by standard procedures using Cefex agar and Bolton broth in microaerophilic atmosphere at 42º C. Identification to the species level was determined by PCR. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and erythromycin were determined by agar dilution according to NCCLS guidelines. Results: The prevalence of Campylobacter was 4% (10/242) in diarrheal specimens, 4% (18/408) in asymptomatic children, 87% (118/135) in retail poultry meat, 7% (10/135) in retail pork, 5% (4/75) in retail beef, 75% (21/28) in swine intestine, and 0% (0/20) in bovine intestine. Discussion: Our results suggest significant fluoroquinolone, macrolide and tetracycline selection pressure which is consistent with the use of enrofloxacin, tylosin and oxytetracycline for poultry and swine production. The high prevalence of Campylobacter in swine intestine indicates that this food animal could be a more important reservoir than previously considered, and possibly the need for an isolation method with greater analytical sensitivity. Our results stress the need for greater regulation of antimicrobials for food animal production, and for educating food animal producers on the judicious use of antimicrobials.