Antibiotic Resistance in Campylobacter: A Systematic Review of South American Isolates

Abstract

In recent years, Campylobacter has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, especially those first-choice drugs used to treat campylobacteriosis. Studies in South America have reported cases of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in several countries, mainly in Brazil. To understand the current frequency of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in humans, farm animals, and food of animal origin in South America, we systematically searched for different studies that have reported Campylobacter resistance. The most commonly reported species were C. jejuni and C. coli. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was found to be ubiquitous in the isolates. Nalidixic acid and tetracycline showed a significantly expressed resistance. Erythromycin, the antibiotic of first choice for the treatment of campylobacteriosis, showed a low rate of resistance in isolates but was detected in almost all countries. The main sources of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter isolates were food of animal origin and farm animals. The results demonstrate that resistant Campylobacter isolates are disseminated from multiple sources linked to animal production in South America. The level of resistance that was identified may compromise the treatment of campylobacteriosis in human and animal populations. In this way, we are here showing all South American communities the need for the constant surveillance of Campylobacter resistance and the need for the strategic use of antibiotics in animal production. These actions are likely to decrease future difficulties in the treatment of human campylobacteriosis.

Clinical isolate characteristics and demographics of patients with C.jejuni and C.coli infections in Northern Israel, 2015–2021

“…The resistance rate to erythromycin in the current study was markedly lower than that in other countries such as Ghana (96%) and Singapore (51%) [ 22 , 23 ]. Furthermore, a review that analysed C.coli isolates from South America found an increase in the spread of erythromycin-resistant strains, raising concerns regarding the use of this antibiotic in both animals and humans [ 24 ]. The isolates showed widespread resistance to both ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, which matches our results [ 24 ].…”

“…Furthermore, a review that analysed C.coli isolates from South America found an increase in the spread of erythromycin-resistant strains, raising concerns regarding the use of this antibiotic in both animals and humans [ 24 ]. The isolates showed widespread resistance to both ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, which matches our results [ 24 ]. Another surveillance study conducted in Italy between 2013 and 2016 also measured high resistance rates to both ciprofloxacin and tetracycline; 76% of the C. jejuni and 70% of the C. coli strains were ciprofloxacin-resistant, and 64% of all strains were tetracycline-resistant [ 25 ].…”

The Silent Threat: Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in Food-Producing Animals and Their Impact on Public Health

“…Listeria monocytogenes ( L. monocytogenes ) is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to sepsis, meningitis, and other severe complications. L. monocytogenes is typically found in soil, water, and food, including raw and processed meat and dairy products [ 50 ]. In animals, listeriosis is most common in ruminants (sheep, goats, and cattle) but occasional cases have occurred in rabbits, pigs, dogs, cats, poultry, canaries, parrots, and other animal species [ 51 ].…”

Monitoring antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter isolates of chickens and turkeys at the slaughter establishment level across the United States, 2013–2021

“…Campylobacter has become resistant to clinically important antimicrobials in human medicine and is therefore listed as a high-priority antimicrobial-resistant pathogen [ 7 ]. Recent studies from the USA [ 5 ], Switzerland [ 8 ], European Union (EU) [ 9 ], and South America [ 10 ] reported a high level of resistance in human Campylobacter isolates to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. Macrolide resistance was reported worldwide; however, currently only a low level of resistance exists, which is an encouraging finding as macrolides (e.g.…”