Evaluation of Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Campylobacters Isolated from Wild Animals and Birds

Abstract

Objective: Campylobacter is a group of emerging zoonotic bacteria that cause diseases in animals and humans. Present study is conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Campylobacters isolated from faecal samples of wild mammals and birds. Method: A comprehensive collection of 521 samples was acquired from various zoos, sanctuaries, and national parks across Uttarakhand (n=194), Uttar Pradesh (n=45), and Chhattisgarh (n=282) states in India. These samples comprised 468 mammals, including 302 ruminants and 166 non-ruminants, along with 53 birds. Campylobacter isolates were identified based on growth characteristics, colony features on specific media, biochemical tests, and molecular multiplex PCR techniques. Results: Multiplex PCR confirmed Campylobacter spps. in 11.71% (61/521) of samples, comprising 58.06% C. jejuni (36/61) and 40.32% C. coli (25/61). Ruminants exhibited the highest incidence (59.68%), followed by non-ruminants at 29.03%, and birds at 9.68%. Antibiotic susceptibility analysis of all 61 isolates (36 C. jejuni and 25 C. coli) revealed over 83% resistance to Penicillin G, followed by Ciprofloxacin and Ampicillin/Cloxacillin (68% each), while Sulphamethizole (64%), Oxytetracycline (56%), Gentamicin (39.00%), and others displayed resistance levels below 36%. Among Campylobacter jejuni isolates, the highest resistance was observed with Penicillin G (83.33%), whereas the lowest was noted with Nalidixic acid (13.88%). In Campylobacter coli isolates, the highest resistance was against Penicillin G (84%), while the lowest was against Gentamicin (16.00%). Conclusions: The study showed a grave concern for resistance more than 50 percent against commonly used antimicrobials (Penicillin G, Ciprofloxacin, Ampicillin/Cloxacillin, Sulphamethizole and Oxytetracycline). Given their sensitivity exceeding 60%, Gentamicin (60.00%), Amikacin (64.00%), and Cefotaxime (69.45%) may be considered drugs of choice for treating Campylobacteriosis in wild animals.