Exploring the Role of the Environment as a Reservoir of Antimicrobial-Resistant Campylobacter: Insights from Wild Birds and Surface Waters

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health challenge, compromising bacterial infection treatments and necessitating robust surveillance and mitigation strategies. The overuse of antimicrobials in humans and farm animals has made them hotspots for AMR. However, the spread of AMR genes in wildlife and the environment represents an additional challenge, turning these areas into new AMR hotspots. Among the AMR bacteria considered to be of high concern for public health, Campylobacter has been the leading cause of foodborne infections in the European Union since 2005. This study examines the prevalence of AMR genes and virulence factors in Campylobacter isolates from wild birds and surface waters in Luxembourg. The findings reveal a significant prevalence of resistant Campylobacter strains, with 12% of C. jejuni from wild birds and 37% of C. coli from surface waters carrying resistance genes, mainly against key antibiotics like quinolones and tetracycline. This study underscores the crucial role of the environment in the spread of AMR bacteria and genes, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to curb AMR in wildlife and environmental reservoirs and reduce transmission risks to humans. This research supports One Health approaches to tackling antimicrobial resistance and protecting human, animal, and environmental health.