ANTIBIOGRAM AND GENOTYPE PROFILES OF CAMPYLOBACTER COLI AND CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI ISOLATES FROM ANIMALS, HUMANS AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS IN GYEONGNAM, SOUTH KOREA: ONE HEALTH PERSPECTIVE

Campylobacter jejuni/coli: A one health perspective

Abstract

Campylobacter coli and C. jejuni are the two most frequent bacterial causes of food-borne diseases worldwide.  Here, in 2021 we isolated two strains of C. coli and 72 strains of C. jejuni from humans  (n = 89), animals (n = 100) and livestock products (n = 100) in Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea.  Antibiogram profiles and genetic characteristics, employing pulsed-field gel-electrophoresis (PFGE), of the 74 isolates were determined.  Comparative analyses of these properties among Campylobacter isolates from three sources were also conducted.  The prevalence of quinolone resistance was high (~96%), while that of macrolide resistance was low (~1%).  While most isolates of C. jejuni were resistant to two or more drugs, one isolate was resistant to four.  Using PFGE analysis, 18 clusters of C. jejuni and two clusters of C. coli isolates were observed, with  C. jejuni isolates from humans and livestock products in clusters 13 and 18 being 100% similar.  Every isolate was given a Pulse Net number, which will be a key source of information for any upcoming epidemiological management program.  This study is the first employing the same techniques to characterize Campylobacter isolates from animals, people and livestock products collected at the same time period and geographical area. This approach establishes the foundation for implementing a “One Health” approach that links human health, animal welfare and the environment.