Multidrug resistance and virulence genes in Campylobacter isolates from poultry waste in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine antibiotic susceptibility profile and detect virulence genes in Campylobacter spp. isolated from poultry waste in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: Poultry droppings were collected from ten poultry farms, and Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Total Anaerobic Count (TAC) of the samples were determined. Campylobacter species were isolated using modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate Agar (mCCDA). The isolates were identified using conventional biochemical techniques, and antibiotics susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion assay on Mueller Hinton agar. Detection of virulence genes in selected multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates was carried out using polymerase chain reaction. Results: Campylobacter species (240) were isolated from Moniya (44.6%) and Igbo-Oloyin (55.4%) farms. Campylobacter (C.) lari was the most prevalent isolate (32.5%) while C. fetus was the least common. Resistance to streptomycin was observed in 76.7% of the isolates, while 3.3% exhibited resistance to ertapenem. Specifically, C. jejuni isolates from Igbo-Oloyin farms showed resistance rates of 86% to cephalothin and 71% to cefuroxime. In comparison, C. jejuni isolates from Moniya farms showed even higher resistance rates of 95% to cephalothin and 81% to cefuroxime. The antibiotypes of the selected isolates showed that four Campylobacter spp. were resistant to a combination of eight antibiotics. Furthermore, the detection of virulence genes from the selected MDR isolates showed that cadF and hipO genes were detected in 70.0% and 50.0% of cases, respectively. Conclusions: MDR strains with virulent genes were found in Campylobacter species isolated from poultry wastes, posing a significant health challenge. Therefore, prudent use of antibiotics in animal husbandry should be ensured in addition to preventing indiscriminate discharge of untreated poultry waste into the environment.