Chicken's Silent Threat: Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry and Protecting Your Plate

Antimicrobial resistance in chickens refers to the ability of bacteria, like *Campylobacter jejuni* and *Campylobacter coli*, commonly found in chickens, to withstand the effects of antibiotics. This is concerning because when chickens carry these resistant bacteria, infections in humans that might have been easily treated with antibiotics become more difficult, or even impossible, to treat. The overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming contributes to this resistance, posing a significant threat to public health. The study by Sati Samuel Ngulukun and colleagues illustrates this problem, showing high resistance to common antibiotics. The problem is not just the rise of resistance, but the rise of multi-drug resistance which complicates treatment options and increases the potential for serious infections.

The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry, often for growth promotion or disease prevention rather than treating specific infections, creates an environment where bacteria can adapt and evolve to survive antibiotic exposure. This selective pressure allows resistant strains of bacteria to thrive and multiply, while susceptible strains are killed off. As a result, a higher proportion of bacteria in chickens become resistant to antibiotics. This is particularly true for bacteria like *Campylobacter jejuni* and *Campylobacter coli*. This resistance can then spread to humans through the consumption of contaminated chicken or through direct contact with chickens or their environment. Reducing the use of antibiotics in chicken farming is essential to slow down the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Research, such as the study by Sati Samuel Ngulukun and colleagues, has found that *Campylobacter jejuni* and *Campylobacter coli* in chickens exhibit high levels of resistance to antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole. These antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections in both animals and humans. The resistance to these specific drugs means that infections caused by these bacteria in humans are becoming increasingly difficult to treat effectively. The global implications of these findings are significant, highlighting the urgent need for alternative strategies to combat bacterial infections and reduce the reliance on antibiotics in poultry farming.

Consumers can take several steps to minimize their risk of exposure to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from chickens. Firstly, practicing safe food handling techniques, such as thoroughly cooking chicken to a safe internal temperature, can kill harmful bacteria. It's also crucial to prevent cross-contamination by washing hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken. Secondly, supporting sustainable and responsible farming practices by purchasing chicken from producers who use antibiotics judiciously can help reduce the overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Lastly, staying informed about the issue and advocating for policies that promote responsible antibiotic use in agriculture can contribute to long-term solutions. While individual choices can help, collective action and policy changes are needed to address the root causes of antimicrobial resistance.

Addressing antimicrobial resistance in poultry farming requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, industry, and consumers. Stricter regulations on antibiotic use in poultry are needed, limiting their use to treating specific infections under veterinary supervision, rather than for growth promotion or routine prevention. Promoting and incentivizing the adoption of alternative farming practices that prioritize animal health and hygiene, reducing the need for antibiotics, is also crucial. Furthermore, investing in research to develop new antimicrobials and alternative therapies, such as vaccines or phage therapy, can provide additional tools to combat bacterial infections. Finally, raising public awareness about the issue and the importance of responsible antibiotic use can drive demand for sustainably produced poultry and support policies that promote antimicrobial stewardship. The findings from studies like the one conducted by Sati Samuel Ngulukun and colleagues serve as a reminder of the urgent need for action to protect public health.