Occurrence, Risk factors and Antimicrobial resistance ofCampylobacterfrom Poultry and Humans in Central Ethiopia: A One Health Approach
Authors: Zeru Fikre , Adamu Haileeyesus , Woldearegay Yohannes Hagos , Sisay Tessema Tesfaye , Hansson Ingrid , Boqvist Sofia 
Published: February 2025

Background

Campylobacteris a leading foodborne pathogen posing a significant One Health challenge due to its broad animal reservoirs and serious antibiotic resistance issues. Despite frequent human-animal-environment interactions in Ethiopia, One Health studies on the occurrence and transmission ofCampylobacterare crucial but lacking.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A cross-sectional study from March 2021 to March 2022 in and around Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, examinedCampylobacteroccurrence, resistance, and risk factors in poultry and humans using a One Health approach. A total of 366 samples from 122 poultry farms were collected, including cloacal swabs, human stools, and poultry house floor sock samples. Epidemiological data on risk factors and respondents awareness were gathered through face-to-face interviews.Campylobacterspp. were isolated following ISO 10272 and confirmed with multiplex PCR, with antimicrobial susceptibility tested by disc diffusion according EUCAST guidelines.Campylobacter spp.were found in 12.5% of samples, highest in poultry (19.6%), followed by human stools (13.1%) and floor socks (4.9%).Campylobacter jejuniwas the dominant species (80.4%), followed byC. coli(19.6%). In poultry, mixed farming with cattle increasedCampylobactercolonization odds (adjusted odds ratio; AOR=9.5), while all-in/all-out management decreased it (AOR=8.4). In humans,Campylobacterinfection was linked to raw milk consumption (AOR=5.5), poultry access to living areas (AOR=6.3), not using personal protective equipment working with poultry (AOR=8.3) and not washing hands after handling poultry and cleaning barn (AOR=5.6). Farm workers had a significant knowledge gap on zoonotic risks, includingCampylobacterand One Health. High antibiotic resistance was observed, especially to erythromycin (63.0%), ciprofloxacin (69.5%), tetracycline (89.1%), and oxytetracycline (73.9%), with 69.5% of isolates showing multi-drug resistance.

Conclusions/Significance

The study revealed widespread occurrence of resistantCampylobacterspp. in poultry, workers, and the environment, highlighting the need for One Health interventions, including better biosecurity, hygiene, education, and stricter antimicrobial use to safeguard animal and human health.

Author summary

A study conducted in and around Debre Berhan, central Ethiopia, analyzed samples from poultry farms forCampylobacterspp. and their antimicrobial resistance. The highest prevalence ofCampylobacterwas found in poultry, followed by human and poultry house floor samples. Poor farm biosecurity and management practices were linked toCampylobacterin poultry, while human infections were associated with raw milk consumption and inadequate hygiene practices in poultry farm. The study emphasizes the zoonotic risks ofCampylobacterand the need for a One Health approach to address its spread.Campylobacterisolates showed high resistance to common antimicrobials, with many classified as multidrug-resistant. Co-occurrence ofC. jejuniin poultry, farm workers, and the environment, all with similar multidrug-resistant patterns, suggests possible transmission between them. These findings underline the widespread antimicrobial resistance inCampylobacterfrom poultry farms and the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use to control resistant strains. Given the serious implications of antimicrobial resistance, the zoonotic importance ofCampylobacter, and the frequent human-animal-environment interactions in Ethiopia, it is crucial to implement a national plan for surveillance, prevention, and control, and along with promoting rational antimicrobial use through a One Health approach