The Persistence of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Campylobacter in Poultry Production
2007

Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Campylobacter in Poultry Production

Sample size: 408 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Price Lance B., Lackey Leila G., Vailes Rocio, Silbergeld Ellen

Primary Institution: The Johns Hopkins University

Hypothesis

The study aims to assess the prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter in poultry products after the cessation of fluoroquinolone use.

Conclusion

Fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter may persist in poultry products even after the cessation of fluoroquinolone use.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fluoroquinolone resistance was found in 13% of Campylobacter isolates in 2004 and 21% in 2006.
  • Conventional poultry products were significantly more likely to be contaminated with fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter than antibiotic-free products.
  • The FDA's ban on fluoroquinolones may not be sufficient to reduce resistant Campylobacter in poultry products.

Takeaway

The study found that some germs in chicken that resist medicine can stick around even after farmers stop using certain antibiotics.

Methodology

Poultry samples were collected from two conventional and three antibiotic-free producers over 20 weeks in 2004 and 15 weeks in 2006, totaling 408 samples.

Limitations

The study was limited to a specific geographic region and a small number of producers, and it could not determine actual fluoroquinolone use during the test period.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.06

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p = 0.06

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1289/ehp.10050

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