Prevalence, molecular typing and antimicrobial susceptibility ofCampylobacterspp. isolates in northern Spain

Abstract

Aim To analyse the prevalence, genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility ofCampylobacterspp. in northern Spain. Methods and results Campylobacterwas isolated from 139 samples of broiler meat and faecal dropping of broiler and swine with a prevalence of 35 center dot 4, 62 and 42 center dot 8\%, respectively.Campylobacter jejuni(n = 55) andCampylobacter coli(n = 31) were identified by multiplex-PCR in meat, faeces and human clinical samples whileCampylobacter fetus(n = 3) was exclusively detected in the latter. Fingerprinting byflaA-RFLP and PFGE revealed 68 different genotypes from the 89 isolates with a Biodiversity Simpson's index of 0 center dot 98. The 86 center dot 5\% of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, 85 center dot 4\% to tetracycline and 49 center dot 4\% to erythromycin; only three genotypes were susceptible to the three antimicrobial drugs. Multidrug resistance was detected in the 40 center dot 7\% of the isolates. Conclusions Campylobacterremains prevalent in northern Spain with a high biodiversity degree. About 93 center dot 3\% of the isolates were resistant to one or more drugs. Significance and Impact of the Study Although different measures are taken to controlCampylobacter, the detection of isolates resistant to the drugs used in the treatment of campylobacteriosis is still high, including different species and genotypes. This evidences the need of additional strategies against this pathogen.