Abstract:
Background and Objective: Campylobacter is a common contaminant in foods of animal origin. Poultry products, which are the most common cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, are an important economic activity in Kenya. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Campylobacter in intensively managed commercial broiler production systems in Kenya for three commonly used antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and erythromycin) and to characterize the genetics of the various species. Materials and Methods: Cloacal swabs were collected randomly from 600-day-old chicks at the hatchery and from 300, 33-day-old market-ready broilers from farms in six counties in Kenya. Bacterial cultures were evaluated for morphological characteristics. Results: There was no microbial growth observed from the swabs of day-old chicks. The prevalence rates observed for market-ready broilers ranged from 82-98%. Six Campylobacter species were isolated and Campylobacter jejuni was the most prevalent (73.8%). The isolates showed AMR rates of 94.6-97.8%, with significant differences across the counties in zone diameters for ciprofloxacin and 100% resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline. The broilers were reared in six counties of Kenya, with flock sizes of 12,000-18,000 in intensively managed production systems with experienced managers and supervisors. Conclusion: Campylobacter species were absent in day-old broiler chicks but showed a high prevalence rate in market-ready broilers from commercial large-scale production systems. Five Campylobacter species were identified and C. jenuni was the most prevalent. The isolates also exhibited high resistance levels to the tested antimicrobials.