Investigating campylobacter in camel feces: isolation, prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in southern Algeria

Abstract

Abstract Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli are recognized as leading causes of campylobacteriosis a major foodborne zoonotic disease and a growing public health concern, these pathogens are commonly found in intestinal tracts of animals and transmitted to humans through contaminated food and water or through direct contact with infected animals. This study aimed to detect and identify these pathogens in camels by analyzing 120 fecal samples collected from four regions in southern Algeria: Oued souf, Ouagla, Biskra, and Boussada. Overall, 10% of the samples tested positive for Campylobacter, with C.jejuni accounting for 6.7% and C.coli for 3,3% . Notably, 83% of the positive samples were obtained from animals exhibiting digestive symptoms. Isolation was performed on selective Karmali medium under microaerophilic conditions, followed by disk diffusion testing to evaluate antimicrobial resistance patterns. Among the antibiotics tested, chloramphenicol exhibited by the highest resistance rate 83,3% followed by Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 58,3%, Ciprofloxacin 41,7%, Nalidixin acid 33,3%, Ceftriaxone 8,3%. The isolates demonstrated alarming levels of resistance to several commonly used antibiotics, highlighting potential challenges in treatment and the need for continuous antimicrobial surveillance.