Genotyping and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance in thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from poultry breeders and their progeny in Eastern Spain

Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. are recognized as a major cause of acute bacterial diarrhea in humans, with broiler meat being the most common source of human infection. Antibiotic therapy is usually necessary for severe or prolonged infections, especially in immunocompromised populations such as young or elderly individuals. However, different studies have demonstrated a close association between antibiotic use in animal production and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. In this sense, there is social pressure to reduce antibiotic administration and find adequate alternatives to control the presence of bacterial infections in farms. However, there is a lack of information related to Campylobacter AMR dynamics through the entire production system from breeders to their progeny. It is unknown if resistance genes are a result of adaptation through chromosomal mutation or through horizontal gene transfer, instead of vertical transmission of DNA from the parent to their progeny. Thus, the main objectives of this study were to assess the main AMR rates present in a poultry production system, to study the relationship between Campylobacter AMR profiles from breeders and their progeny, and to study the presence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in poultry production. Regarding AMR rates, ciprofloxacin was classified as extremely high, followed by nalidixic acid and tetracyclines that were classified as very high. Moreover, this study demonstrated a relationship between the AMR patterns and genes found from Campylobacter strains isolated in breeders and those present in their progeny.