Presence of Campylobacter coli in slaughtered pigs and its resistance to antibiotics

Abstract

Campylobacter coli is zoonotic bacterium. As saprophyte it persists in pigs and they are its common reservoir. It transmits to human by meat and meat products. Campylobacter coli is sensitive to antibiotics but in one moment could become resistant. According to literature data, the aim of our investigations was to affirm the sensitivity of Campylobacter coli, isolated from the samples collected from clinically healthy pigs, on slaughter line, to following antibiotics: Erythromycin, Ampycillin and Tetracycline. From all of identified isolates it was selected 18 strains and they are examined to antibiotic sensitivity by both of dilution and diffusion methods. Obtained results were interpreted according to proposition of European Working Group for investigation of antibiotic resistance of bacteria (1996). Using both methods it was found out: all strains were sensitive to erythromycin; all strains were resistant to tetracycline, 16 strains were resistant to ampycillin, two strains were intermediate to ampycillin (strain 4 and 13). Usage of antibiotics in prophylactic purposes is common practice in intensive animal husbandry. This usage change microbial flora in treated animals and its inadequate application often cause bacterial resistance to them.