Illustration symbolizing antibiotic resistance in poultry.

Is Your Chicken Dinner Safe? Unmasking Antibiotic Resistance in Poultry

Elliot Brynn 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 antimicrobial use."

Campylobacter is a leading cause of bacterial enteritis in humans globally. This zoonotic disease, where domestic and wild animals act as reservoirs, raises significant concerns about food safety. The increasing resistance of Campylobacter strains to antibiotics, driven by antimicrobial use in husbandry, demands urgent attention.

The link between antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine and the rise of resistance among Campylobacter is well-documented. This resistance has potentially serious consequences for food safety, affecting both veterinary and human health. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic resistance in poultry is crucial for informed intervention.

While developed countries have seen an increase in resistance to fluoroquinolones and macrolides, developing countries often face a more complex situation due to widespread and uncontrolled antimicrobial use. This study aims to shed light on the antibiotic resistance profiles of thermophilic Campylobacter species isolated from chickens in Nigeria.

Decoding the Chicken Data: What Antibiotics Are Failing?

Illustration symbolizing antibiotic resistance in poultry.

A study was conducted to determine the resistance profile of 24 Campylobacter jejuni and 16 Campylobacter coli isolates from chickens in a diagnostic laboratory in Nigeria. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a broth microdilution MIC method. Ten antimicrobial agents were tested to find their resistance.

The study revealed significant resistance to several common antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin topped the list at 57.5%, followed by nalidixic acid at 47%, tetracycline at 35%, and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole at 22%. This indicates that many Campylobacter isolates are becoming increasingly difficult to treat with conventional medications.

Ciprofloxacin: 57.5% resistance
Nalidixic acid: 47% resistance
Tetracycline: 35% resistance
Trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole: 22% resistance

Interestingly, Campylobacter jejuni showed greater resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole compared to Campylobacter coli. Conversely, Campylobacter coli exhibited higher resistance to erythromycin and streptomycin. Almost half of the isolates, 47.5%, displayed multi-drug resistance, with nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin being the most common culprits.

Protecting Your Plate: The Way Forward

The study underscores the urgent need for surveillance and responsible antimicrobial use in poultry production. Given the high levels of resistance observed, it's crucial to implement strategies that minimize the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This includes optimizing hygiene practices, exploring alternative treatments, and carefully monitoring antibiotic usage to safeguard public health.

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Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Campylobacter?

Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that is a leading cause of bacterial enteritis, a foodborne illness, in people worldwide. It's often transmitted from animals to humans, making it a zoonotic disease. The bacteria can be found in domestic and wild animals, which act as reservoirs. Its significance lies in its ability to cause widespread illness, and the increasing resistance of Campylobacter strains to antibiotics poses a serious threat to effective treatment.

What does it mean when we talk about antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter?

Antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter refers to the bacteria's ability to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill it or stop its growth. This resistance arises from the use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine. It's significant because it makes infections caused by Campylobacter harder to treat, potentially leading to more severe illness, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. The rise of resistance among Campylobacter impacts both veterinary and human health.

Which specific types of Campylobacter were examined, and how did their resistance differ?

The study focused on two thermophilic Campylobacter species: Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Campylobacter jejuni showed greater resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole compared to Campylobacter coli. Conversely, Campylobacter coli exhibited higher resistance to erythromycin and streptomycin. Understanding the specific resistance profiles of these different species is crucial for developing targeted strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.

Which antibiotics are proving to be less effective against Campylobacter?

Several common antibiotics are becoming less effective against Campylobacter. The study found significant resistance to Ciprofloxacin, Nalidixic acid, Tetracycline, and Trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole. This means that infections caused by Campylobacter may not respond to these antibiotics, making them harder to treat. The high levels of resistance observed highlight the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies and responsible antibiotic use.

What steps can be taken to combat antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter?

To address antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter, several strategies are needed. These include implementing surveillance programs to monitor resistance trends, promoting responsible antimicrobial use in poultry production, optimizing hygiene practices to prevent the spread of bacteria, and exploring alternative treatments to reduce reliance on antibiotics. These measures are essential to minimize the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and safeguard public health.