Antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in chickens poses a food safety threat.

Is Your Chicken Dinner Safe? Unmasking Antibiotic Resistance in Poultry

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A new study reveals alarming rates of antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter found in chickens, urging for better surveillance and responsible antibiotic use."

Campylobacter, a leading cause of bacterial enteritis, affects countless individuals worldwide. This common infection isn't just a human concern; it's a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads between animals and people. Domestic and wild animals often carry Campylobacter, acting as reservoirs for the bacteria.

The overuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry has fueled a troubling surge in antimicrobial resistance. This resistance complicates treatment and poses significant risks to both animal and human health. Understanding this issue is crucial for ensuring food safety and public well-being.

A recent study conducted in a diagnostic laboratory in Nigeria sheds light on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in chickens. This research highlights the urgent need for increased surveillance and responsible antimicrobial usage in poultry production to protect public health.

What Makes Campylobacter in Chickens a Growing Threat?

Antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in chickens poses a food safety threat.

The study focused on 40 Campylobacter isolates (24 C. jejuni and 16 C. coli) collected from chickens in Nigeria. These isolates, gathered between 2008 and 2009, underwent rigorous testing to determine their resistance to common antibiotics. The researchers used a broth microdilution MIC method with MICRONAUT-S anaerob test plates to assess antibiotic susceptibility, following CLSI standards.

The findings revealed a concerning trend: a high percentage of Campylobacter isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics. The most alarming resistance rates were observed for:

Ciprofloxacin (57.5%)
Nalidixic acid (47%)
Tetracycline (35%)
Trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (22%)

Specifically, C. jejuni showed greater resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole compared to C. coli. Conversely, C. coli was more resistant to erythromycin and streptomycin. Nearly half (47.5%) of all isolates displayed multi-drug resistance, with nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin being the most common culprits.

What Can Be Done?

This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive surveillance and responsible antimicrobial usage in poultry production. By implementing these measures, we can mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, safeguarding both animal and human health. Continuous monitoring, combined with judicious antibiotic use, is crucial in preserving the effectiveness of these vital medications and protecting public health.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary concern regarding Campylobacter in chickens?

The primary concern is the alarming rate of antibiotic resistance observed in Campylobacter isolates found in chickens. The study highlights that these bacteria are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics, complicating treatment and posing risks to both animal and human health. Specifically, the study found significant resistance to Ciprofloxacin, Nalidixic acid, Tetracycline, and Trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole. This resistance makes infections harder to treat effectively.

How does antibiotic resistance in chickens affect human health?

Antibiotic resistance in chickens poses a direct threat to human health due to the zoonotic nature of Campylobacter. Because Campylobacter is a zoonotic disease, it can spread from animals to people. Humans can contract antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter through contaminated food, such as undercooked chicken. This can lead to difficult-to-treat infections, increasing the risk of severe illness and complications, which underscores the importance of food safety practices and responsible antibiotic use in poultry farming.

What antibiotics are chickens most resistant to, according to the study, and what were the specific findings?

The study identified several antibiotics that Campylobacter isolates in chickens are most resistant to. The most alarming resistance rates were found for Ciprofloxacin (57.5%), Nalidixic acid (47%), Tetracycline (35%), and Trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (22%). Furthermore, the study noted that C. jejuni showed greater resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole compared to C. coli. Conversely, C. coli was more resistant to erythromycin and streptomycin. Nearly half (47.5%) of all isolates displayed multi-drug resistance, with nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin being the most common culprits.

What methods did the researchers use to assess antibiotic resistance in the study?

The researchers used a broth microdilution MIC method with MICRONAUT-S anaerob test plates to assess antibiotic susceptibility. This method allowed them to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of various antibiotics against the Campylobacter isolates. The study followed CLSI standards for the testing, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the results. This rigorous testing process provided detailed information about the resistance patterns of the Campylobacter strains.

What measures can be taken to combat antibiotic resistance in poultry production?

To combat antibiotic resistance in poultry production, comprehensive surveillance and responsible antimicrobial usage are crucial. Continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns in Campylobacter isolates is essential for tracking trends and informing interventions. Responsible antimicrobial usage involves using antibiotics judiciously, only when necessary, and in accordance with established guidelines. These measures can help mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, safeguarding both animal and human health, and preserving the effectiveness of vital medications.