Research Article | 23 Nov 2025

Fecal carriage and multidrug resistance profiles of zoonotic Campylobacter species isolated from broilers in Nsukka, Nigeria

Emmanuel O. Njoga1,2 , Emmanuel Ochi3, Obichukwu C. Nwobi3, Joel C. Ugwunwarua3 , Ebube C. Anidobe3 , Onyinye S. Onwumere-Idolor4 , Jameslove I. Kperegbeyi4 , Everest O. Atadiose5, Temitope M. Ogunniran6 , Ekene V. Ezenduka3 , and James W. Oguttu1 Show more
VETERINARY WORLD | pg no. 3409-3419 | Vol. 18, Issue 11 | DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2025.3409-3419
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Abstract

          
Background and Aim: Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are leading causes of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide, with poultry serving as a principal reservoir. The rapid emergence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Campylobacter strains poses a growing public-health challenge, especially in developing countries where therapeutic options are limited. This study investigated the fecal carriage and AMR profiles of zoonotic Campylobacter species (ZCS) isolated from broilers.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 2024. A total of 370 broiler fecal samples were collected using systematic random sampling and cultured on Modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate Agar. Phenotypic identification was performed by colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against nine antibiotics from distinct classes. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices were calculated, and Fisher’s exact test was applied to determine statistical associations (p < 0.05).
Results: Campylobacter spp. were detected in 20% (74/370) of samples, comprising C. jejuni 6% (22/370) and C. coli 14% (52/370). Nearly all isolates (97.3%) exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), with MAR indices ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 (mean = 0.8). Thirteen distinct AMR patterns were observed; seven were associated with C. coli and six with C. jejuni. The three most effective antibiotics were gentamicin (GEN) > ciprofloxacin > tetracycline (TET), though C. coli isolates were significantly more resistant to GEN (p = 0.001) and TET (p = 0.018).
Conclusion: The 20% fecal carriage of ZCS in slaughtered broilers and the 97.3% MDR prevalence pose a serious public-health and food-safety threat. Prudent antimicrobial use strengthened farm biosecurity, and active AMR surveillance under a One Health framework are urgently needed to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter spp. in poultry production systems and to safeguard human health.
          
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, broilers, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, food safety, multidrug resistance, One Health.