Biological Hazards and Indicators Found in Products of Animal Origin in Cambodia from 2000 to 2022: A Systematic Review

Biological hazards in products of animal origin pose a significant threat to human health. In Cambodia, there are few comprehensive data and information on the causes of foodborne diseases or risks. To date, there has been no known published study similar to this review. This systematic review is aimed to investigate the prevalence of biological hazards and their indicators in products of animal origin from 2000 to 2022. The main objective of this study was also to contribute to strengthening Cambodia's food control system. This review followed the established "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) guidelines. In total, 46 studies were retained for complete review. Most studies (n = 40) had been conducted by or with external researchers, reflecting the under-resourcing of the National Food Control System in terms of surveillance; areas outside the capital were relatively understudied, reflecting evidence found in Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Five categories of hazards were reported with the highest number of studies on fish parasites. Marketed fish, often originating from different countries, had a higher mean value of parasite prevalence (58.85%) than wild-caught fish (16.46%). Viral pathogens in bat meat presented a potential spillover risk. Many potentially important hazards had not yet been studied or reported (e.g., Norovirus, Shigella, toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae). The findings of our review highlighted significant urgencies for national competent authorities to enhance food hygiene practices along the production chain, tackle import control, and enforce the implementation of a traceability system, alongside more research collaboration with neighboring countries and key trading partners. It is crucial to conduct more extensive research on food safety risk analysis, focusing on the identification and understanding of various biological hazards and their associated risk factors in food.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in meat, seafood, and leafy green vegetables from local markets and vegetable farms in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Salmonella is a major bacterial concern for public health globally. Although there are limited documentation on the prevalence of Salmonella species in Cambodia's food chain, some reports indicate that salmonellosis is a severe gastrointestinal infection in its population and especially in children. To investigate the presence of Salmonella spp., 285 food samples (75 meat, 50 seafood, and 160 leafy green vegetable samples) were randomly collected from various local markets in Phnom Penh capital and nearby farms in Cambodia. Concurrently, field observations were conducted to collect data on food hygiene and practices among the relevant actors. All food samples were analyzed using bacterial culture and plate counts, and the findings were confirmed serially with biochemical, serological, and PCR tests. The observational data on food hygiene and practices from farm to market revealed that the spread of Salmonella in the food-value chain from farm to market could pose health risks to consumers. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 48.4% (138/285), while the prevalence in meat, seafood, and vegetables was 71% (53/75), 64% (32/50), and 33% (53/160), respectively. Mean Salmonella plate count ranged from 1.2 to 7.40 log10 CFU/g, and there was no significant difference in bacterial counts between meat, seafood, and vegetable samples (p > 0.05). The most common serogroups among the isolated Salmonella spp. were B and C. These results suggest that a large proportion of meat, seafood, and vegetable products sold at local markets in Phnom Penh are contaminated with Salmonella spp. This is likely linked to inadequate hygiene and sanitation practices, including handling, storage, and preservation conditions. Observations on farms suggested that the prevalence of Salmonella in vegetables sold at the market could be linked to contamination relating to agricultural practices. Thus, controlling the spread of foodborne salmonellosis through the food-value chain from farms and retailers to consumers is warranted to enhance food safety in Cambodia.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and genomic characterisation of Campylobacter spp. in retail chicken in Hanoi, Vietnam

Campylobacter spp. are a leading cause of bacterial foodborne zoonosis worldwide, with poultry meat and products recognised as a significant source of human infection. In Vietnam there are few data regarding the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and genomic diversity of Campylobacter in poultry and poultry meat. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter in chicken meat at retail in Hanoi, determine antimicrobial sensitivities of the Campylobacter isolated, and assess their genetic diversity. A total of 120 chicken meat samples were collected from eight traditional retail markets (n=80) and four supermarkets (n=40). Campylobacter was isolated following ISO 10272-1 : 2017 and identification verified by PCR. The prevalence of Campylobacter was 38.3 % (46/120) and C. coli was the most prevalent species in both retail markets (74 %) and supermarkets (88 %). The minimum inhibitory concentrations for ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline were determined by broth microdilution for 32 isolates. All characterised Campylobacter were resistant to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, and tetracycline, with corresponding resistance determinants detected in the sequenced genomes. Most C. coli were multidrug resistant (24/28) and two harboured the erythromycin resistance gene ermB on a multiple drug-resistance genomic island, a potential mechanism for dissemination of resistance. The 32 isolates belonged to clonal complexes associated with both poultry and people, such as CC828 for C. coli. These results contribute to the One Health approach for addressing Campylobacter in Vietnam by providing detailed new insights into a main source of human infection and can inform the design of future surveillance approaches.

Potential of Aromatic Plant-Derived Essential Oils for the Control of Foodborne Bacteria and Antibiotic Resistance in Animal Production: A Review

Antibiotic resistance has become a severe public threat to human health worldwide. Supplementing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) at subtherapeutic levels has been a commonly applied method to improve the production performance of livestock and poultry, but the misuse of antibiotics in animal production plays a major role in the antibiotic resistance crisis and foodborne disease outbreaks. The addition of AGPs to improve production performance in livestock and poultry has been prohibited in some countries, including Europe, the United States and China. Moreover, cross-resistance could result in the development of multidrug resistant bacteria and limit therapeutic options for human and animal health. Therefore, finding alternatives to antibiotics to maintain the efficiency of livestock production and reduce the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks is beneficial to human health and the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Essential oils (EOs) and their individual compounds derived from aromatic plants are becoming increasingly popular as potential antibiotic alternatives for animal production based on their antibacterial properties. This paper reviews recent studies in the application of EOs in animal production for the control of foodborne pathogens, summarizes their molecular modes of action to increase the susceptibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and provides a promising role for the application of nanoencapsulated EOs in animal production to control bacteria and overcome antibiotic resistance.

The successful use of -omic technologies to achieve the 'One Health' concept in meat producing animals

Human health and wellbeing are closely linked to healthy domestic animals, a vital wildlife, and an intact ecosystem. This holistic concept is referred to as 'One Health'. In this review, we provide an overview of the potential and the challenges for the use of modern -omics technologies, especially transcriptomics and proteomics, to implement the 'One Health' idea for food-producing animals. These high-throughput studies offer opportunities to find new potential molecular biomarkers to monitor animal health, detect pharmacological interventions and evaluate the wellbeing of farm animals in modern intensive livestock systems.

Experimental cross-contamination of chicken salad with Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and London during food preparation in Cambodian households

Non-typhoidal Salmonellae are common foodborne pathogens that can cause gastroenteritis and other illnesses in people. This is the first study to assess the transfer of Salmonella enterica from raw chicken carcasses to ready-to-eat chicken salad in Cambodia. Twelve focus group discussions in four Cambodian provinces collected information on typical household ways of preparing salad. The results informed four laboratory experiments that mimicked household practices, using chicken carcasses inoculated with Salmonella. We developed four scenarios encompassing the range of practices, varying by order of washing (chicken or vegetables first) and change of chopping utensils (same utensils or different). Even though raw carcasses were washed twice, Salmonella was isolated from 32 out of 36 chicken samples (88.9%, 95% CI: 73.0–96.4) and two out of 18 vegetable samples (11.1%, 95% CI: 1.9–36.1). Salmonella was detected on cutting boards (66.7%), knives (50.0%) and hands (22.2%) after one wash; cross-contamination was significantly higher on cutting boards than on knives or hands (p-value < 0.05). The ready-to-eat chicken salad was contaminated in scenario 1 (wash vegetables first, use same utensils), 2 (wash vegetables first, use different utensils) and 3 (wash chicken first, use same utensils) but not 4 (wash chicken first, use different utensils) (77.8%, 11.1%, 22.2% and 0%, respectively). There was significantly higher Salmonella cross-contamination in scenario 1 (wash vegetables first, use same utensils) than in the other three scenarios. These results show how different hygiene practices influence the risk of pathogens contaminating chicken salad. This information could decrease the risk of foodborne disease in Cambodia and provides inputs to a quantitative risk assessment model.

A case report of Salmonella enterica serovar Corvallis from environmental isolates from Cambodia and clinical isolates in the UK

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Corvallis (S. Corvallis) has been identified as a human pathogen and as a food contaminant. Diarrhoeal disease is a common diagnosis in tourists visiting Southeast Asia, often with unknown aetiology. However, numerous public health institutes have identified Salmonella as a common causative agent when consuming contaminated food and water. Genomic data from environmental isolates from a Cambodian informal market were uploaded to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) platform, allowing the novel sequences to be compared to global whole-genome sequence archives. The comparison revealed that two human clinical isolates from England and four of the environmental isolates were closely related, with an average single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) difference of 1 (0-3 SNPs). A maximum-likelihood tree based on core SNPs was generated comparing the 4 isolates recovered from a Cambodian informal market with 239 isolates of S. Corvallis received from routine surveillance of human salmonellosis in England and confirmed the close relationship. In addition, the environmental isolates clustered into a broader phylogenetic group within the S. Corvallis population containing 68 additional human isolates, of which 42 were from patients who reported recent international travel, almost exclusively to Southeast Asia. The environmental isolates of S. Corvallis isolated from an informal market in Cambodia are concerning for public health due to their genetic similarity to isolates (e.g. clinical isolates from the UK) with known human virulence and pathogenicity. This study emphasizes the benefits of global and public data sharing of pathogen genomes.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella in Northeast Tunisia Broiler Flocks

This study was conducted in northeastern Tunisia to estimate both the prevalence and the risk factors of Salmonella in broiler flocks as well as to characterize the isolated multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains. In the present study, a total number of 124 farms were sampled; Salmonella isolates were identified by the alternative technique VIDAS Easy Salmonella. The susceptibility of Salmonella isolates was assessed against 21 antimicrobials using the disk diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton agar using antimicrobial discs. Some antimicrobial resistance genes were identified using PCR. The prevalence rate of Salmonella infection, in the sampled farms, was estimated at 19.9% (64/322). Moreover, a total number of 13 different serotypes were identified. High rate of resistance was identified against nalidixic acid (82.85%), amoxicillin (81.25%), streptomycin (75%), and ciprofloxacin (75%). Alarming level of resistance to ertapenem (12.5%) was noticed. A total of 87.5% (56/64) of isolated strains were recognized as MDR. Three MDR strains were extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producers and three MDR strains were cephalosporinase-producers. The bla_CTX-M gene was amplified in all the three ESBL strains. The qnrB gene was not amplified in fluoroquinolones-resistant strains. The tetA and tetB genes were amplified in 5% (2/40) and 2.5% (1/40) of tetracycline-resistant strains, respectively. The dfrA1 gene was amplified in five of the 20 trimethoprim-resistant strains. The mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes were not amplified in any of the phenotypically colistin-resistant strains. In terms of integrase genes int1 and int2, only gene class 2 was amplified in 11% (7/64) of analyzed strains. Risk factors, such as the poor level of cleaning and disinfection, the lack of antimicrobial treatment at the start of the breeding, and a crawl space duration lower than 15 days, were associated with high Salmonella infection in birds. These data should be considered when preparing salmonellosis control programs in Tunisian broiler flocks.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica Strains Isolated From Cambodian Informal Markets

Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica is a pathogen of global importance, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The presence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) strains in market environments poses a serious health threat to consumers. In this study we identified and characterized the genotypic and phenotypic AMR profiles of 81 environmental S. enterica strains isolated from samples from informal markets in Cambodia in 2018–2019. AMR genotypes were retrieved from the NCBI Pathogen Detection website (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pathogens/) and using ResFinder (https://cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/) Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) were identified with SPIFinder (https://cge.cbs.dtu.dk/services/). Susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standard guidelines M100-S22 using the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Sensititre Gram Negative plate. A total of 17 unique AMR genes were detected in 53% (43/81) of the isolates, including those encoding tetracycline, beta-lactam, sulfonamide, quinolone, aminoglycoside, phenicol, and trimethoprim resistance. A total of 10 SPIs (SPI-1, 3–5, 8, 9, 12–14, and centisome 63 [C63PI]) were detected in 59 isolates. C63PI, an iron transport system in SPI-1, was observed in 56% of the isolates (n = 46). SPI-1, SPI-4, and SPI-9 were present in 13, 2, and 5% of the isolates, respectively. The most common phenotypic resistances were observed to tetracycline (47%; n = 38), ampicillin (37%; n = 30), streptomycin (20%; n = 16), chloramphenicol (17%; n = 14), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (16%; n = 13). This study contributes to understanding the AMR genes present in S. enterica isolates from informal markets in Cambodia, as well as support domestic epidemiological investigations of multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles.

Prevalence and multidrug resistance in Salmonella enterica Typhimurium: an overview in South East Asia

Acute/chronic gastroenteritis is caused by a few serovars of Salmonella enterica. Among different serovars, S. enterica Typhimurium is a potent pathogen that contributes significantly to self-limiting diarrhea related mortality worldwide. With no successful vaccine in hand against this pathogen, antibiotics are used as for gold standard for treatment against Salmonella induced gastroenteritis. Indispensably, rise in multi drug resistance against Salmonella Typhimurium poses challenge to treatment options. South East Asia, with 11 different countries, stands 3rd as super region for global burden of Salmonella induced gastroenteritis. In this review, we made an attempt to discuss on prevalence and multidrug resistance in Salmonella Typhimurium in 11 countries of South East Asia-the issue that has not been seriously addressed so far. By thorough analysis of reported data, we found varying frequencies for prevalence of Salmonella Typhimurium as well as subtle evidences on resistance of this pathogen to multiple antibiotics in different countries. Vietnam ranked top in terms of reports for prevalence and antimicrobial resistance. However, in countries such as Brunei and Timor Leste, no study has been performed so far to track the frequency of incidence and drug resistance of this pathogen. Our review, the first of its kind, emphasizes that, although the pathogen was not found as dominant serovar in South East Asia in last 20 years unlike sub-Saharan Africa, it may be still considered as a major threat in this region due to available evidences for infection in humans as well as contamination in several animal and food sources. More importantly, the importance as a public threat in this subregion of Asia is also due to resistance of this pathogen to multiple antibiotics. South East Asian countries showing incidence and multi drug resistance of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium in human and non-human sources (1969-2020). -Drug resistant S. enterica Typhimurium.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus in Chicken Meat and Pork from Cambodian Markets

Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common foodborne bacteria in animal-source foods (ASF) that cause illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus in chicken meat and pork in markets in Cambodia. Sampling was done in 52 traditional markets and 6 supermarkets in 25 provinces of Cambodia between October 2018 and August 2019. In total, 532 samples were obtained: chicken meat and pork (n = 408, 204 of each), chicken and pork cutting board swabs (n = 124, 62 of each). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) were counted, and a subset of samples was also analyzed for the most probable number (MPN, n = 136) of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were 42.1% (224/532) and 29.1% (155/532), respectively, with 14.7% (78/532) of samples containing both bacteria. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat was 42.6%, on chicken cutting board it was 41.9%, on pork it was 45.1%, and the pork cutting board 30.6%. Chicken meat had a significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher prevalence of S. aureus, 38.2%, compared to the chicken cutting board, 17.7%, pork 28.9%, and pork cutting board 11.3%. Mean MPN-Salmonella was 10.6 MPN/g in chicken and 11.1 MPN/g in pork samples. Average Log CFU/g of CPS in chicken and pork samples were 2.6 and 2.5, respectively. The results indicate that chicken meat and pork in Cambodia were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. and S. aureus, posing risks to consumers' health. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Cambodian markets.

Prevalence of Salmonella enterica Isolated from Food Contact and Nonfood Contact Surfaces in Cambodian Informal Markets

ABSTRACT

The lack of hygiene and sanitation practices and insufficient infrastructure in Cambodian informal markets may increase the risk of food contamination, specifically raw vegetables, which in turn may increase the chances of contracting a foodborne disease. The aims of this study in informal markets in Cambodia were (i) to quantify the prevalence of Salmonella enterica based upon differences in season of the year (rainy versus dry), surface types (food contact surfaces versus nonfood contact surfaces), and location of vendors within the market (inside versus outside) and (ii) to characterize S. enterica serotype prevalence. A total of 310 samples were screened for S. enterica prevalence following the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines, and results were confirmed by PCR assay. Whole genome sequencing was used to determine the serotype for each isolate in silico using SeqSero 1.0 on draft genomes. A total of 78 samples were confirmed positive for S. enterica. During the dry season, S. enterica was more prevalent on food contact surfaces than on nonfood contact surfaces (estimated probability of detection [confidence interval]: 0.41 [0.25, 0.59] and 0.17 [0.08, 0.32], respectively; P = 0.002), but no differences were apparent in the rainy season. No differences in S. enterica prevalence were found based on location within the market (P = 0.61). Sixteen S. enterica serotypes were detected across multiple surfaces. The most common S. enterica serotypes were Rissen (18 isolates), Hvittingfoss (11), Corvallis (10), Krefeld (8), Weltevreden (6), and Altona (6). Accurate data on the prevalence of S. enterica in informal markets are crucial for the development of effective surveillance and implementation of suitable intervention strategies at the domestic level, thus preventing foodborne illness.

HIGHLIGHTS

Occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in Selected Small Scale Commercial Broiler Farms of Bangladesh Related to Good Farm Practices

Poultry origin Campylobacter is considered as one of the leading causal agents of human foodborne illness. This study was conducted to estimate the occurrence, molecular identification, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Campylobacter species from the broiler farms in Bangladesh. Samples (352) were collected from 32 farms and comprised of 128 cloacal swab, 64 feed, 64 drinking water, 64 attendants' hand rinsed water, and 32 whole carcasses. All samples were tested for the presence of Campylobacter via cultural, biochemical, and PCR. The AMR was determined via the disc diffusion method. An overall occurrence of Campylobacter spp. was estimated as 26.4%. The level of Campylobacter contamination was found to be higher in conventional farms (36.4%) than the good practice farms (16.5%) including all sample categories (p = 0.000). Of 93 isolates, 67.74% and 32.26% were confirmed as C. jejuni and C. coli respectively, of which 34.92% C. jejuni, and 30% C. coli were shown to be multidrug-resistant. A significant occurrence of Campylobacter contamination in broiler farms with multidrug resistant patterns might be cogitated as serious food safety and public health concern linking to poultry food chain. A risk reduction approach through good farming practices targeting the prudent use of antimicrobials for broiler production is thus necessitated.

Prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter infection in broiler and cockerel flocks in Mymensingh and Gazipur districts of Bangladesh

Campylobacter spp. is one of the most frequent causes of foodborne gastroenteritis. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of farm-level Campylobacter infection in meat-type chicken flocks. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected districts of Bangladesh over the period of January to July 2019. A total of 84 pooled cloacal swab samples were collected from 84 broiler and cockerel farms. Data on farm management, biosecurity, and hygiene practices were collected using a structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview during sampling. Thereafter, Campylobacter spp. were isolated through bacteriological culture and identified by Gram staining and biochemical tests. Furthermore, the isolates were confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction by targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The risk factors were analyzed at the farm level using multivariable logistic regression with the significant levels of P-value ≤ 0.05. Among the 84 farms, 34 were positive to Campylobacter spp.; thus, the prevalence was estimated to be 40.5% (95% CI: 30.1%-51.8%). In risk factor analysis, the following factors were found to be significantly associated with Campylobacter infection: shed older than five years, birds older than 30 days, flock size with more than 1500 birds, downtime less than seven days, no disinfection of shed surroundings during rearing, rice husk as litter materials, and less than 10 years of farming experience. The study identified the factors that could lead to the setting of effective interventions in controlling Campylobacter infection in chickens to reduce campylobacteriosis in humans through meat consumption.

CTX-M-55-type ESBL-producing Salmonella enterica are emerging among retail meats in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Background

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of human gastroenteritis. S. enterica strains that produce ESBLs (ESBL-Salm) remain rare in Europe and North America, but less is known about their prevalence among animal-derived foods in countries with weaker food safety practices and unregulated veterinary antibiotic use.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence and characteristics of ESBL-Salm from retail meats in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Methods

We tested fish, pork and chicken from two markets for ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Salmonella from September-December 2016, using cefotaxime- and ertapenem-supplemented media, respectively. ESBL-Salm were sequenced and their genomes characterized. We performed plasmid conjugation experiments to assess the co-transferability of ESBL-encoding genes and MDR phenotypes.

Results

Twenty-six of 150 fish and meat samples (17%) were positive for ESBL-Salm, including 10/60 fish (17%), 15/60 pork (25%) and 1/30 chicken (3%). Carbapenemase-producing Salmonella strains were not detected. Pork-origin ESBL-Salm were primarily serotypes Rissen (10/15) or a monophasic variant of Typhimurium 4,5,12:i:- (3/15), whereas Saintpaul (3/10) and Newport (4/10) were more common among fish. Most ESBL enzymes were encoded by blaCTX-M-55 genes (24/26) harboured on conjugative IncA/C2 (n = 14) or IncHI2 (n = 10) plasmids. Resistance to up to six additional drug classes was co-transferred by each plasmid type. ESBL-Salm were resistant to almost every antibiotic recommended for severe salmonellosis treatment.

Conclusions

CTX-M-55-type S. enterica are highly prevalent among pork and fish from Phnom Penh markets and their spread appears to be mediated by MDR IncA/C2 and IncHI2 plasmids. Food safety must be improved and veterinary antibiotic use should be regulated to protect public health.

Cooking chicken at home: Common or recommended approaches to judge doneness may not assure sufficient inactivation of pathogens

About one third of foodborne illness outbreaks in Europe are acquired in the home and eating undercooked poultry is among consumption practices associated with illness. The aim of this study was to investigate whether actual and recommended practices for monitoring chicken doneness are safe. Seventy-five European households from five European countries were interviewed and videoed while cooking chicken in their private kitchens, including young single men, families with infants/in pregnancy and elderly over seventy years. A cross-national web-survey collected cooking practices for chicken from 3969 households. In a laboratory kitchen, chicken breast fillets were injected with cocktails of Salmonella and Campylobacter and cooked to core temperatures between 55 and 70°C. Microbial survival in the core and surface of the meat were determined. In a parallel experiment, core colour, colour of juice and texture were recorded. Finally, a range of cooking thermometers from the consumer market were evaluated. The field study identified nine practical approaches for deciding if the chicken was properly cooked. Among these, checking the colour of the meat was commonly used and perceived as a way of mitigating risks among the consumers. Meanwhile, chicken was perceived as hedonically vulnerable to long cooking time. The quantitative survey revealed that households prevalently check cooking status from the inside colour (49.6%) and/or inside texture (39.2%) of the meat. Young men rely more often on the outside colour of the meat (34.7%) and less often on the juices (16.5%) than the elderly (>65 years old; 25.8% and 24.6%, respectively). The lab study showed that colour change of chicken meat happened below 60°C, corresponding to less than 3 log reduction of Salmonella and Campylobacter. At a core temperature of 70°C, pathogens survived on the fillet surface not in contact with the frying pan. No correlation between meat texture and microbial inactivation was found. A minority of respondents used a food thermometer, and a challenge with cooking thermometers for home use was long response time. In conclusion, the recommendations from the authorities on monitoring doneness of chicken and current consumer practices do not ensure reduction of pathogens to safe levels. For the domestic cook, determining doneness is both a question of avoiding potential harm and achieving a pleasurable meal. It is discussed how lack of an easy "rule-of-thumb" or tools to check safe cooking at consumer level, as well as national differences in contamination levels, food culture and economy make it difficult to develop international recommendations that are both safe and easily implemented.

Microbiota Analysis for the Optimization of Campylobacter Isolation From Chicken Carcasses Using Selective Media

Since contaminated poultry meat is the major source of transmitting Campylobacter jejuni to humans, the isolation of Campylobacter from poultry carcasses is frequently performed in many countries as a baseline survey to ensure food safety. However, existing isolation methods have technical limitations in isolating this fastidious bacterium, such as a growth competition with indigenous bacteria in food samples. In this study, we compared the differences in microbiota compositions between Bolton and Preston selective media, two most common selective media to isolate Campylobacter, and investigated how different microbiota compositions resulting from different enrichment methods may affect isolation frequencies. A next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of 16S rRNA demonstrated that Bolton and Preston-selective enrichments generated different microbiota structures that shared only 31.57% of Operating Taxonomic Unit (OTU) types. Particularly, Escherichia was highly prevalent in Bolton selective media, and the enrichment cultures that increase Escherichia negatively affected the efficacy of Campylobacter isolation. Furthermore, the combination of the selective media made a significant difference in the isolation frequency. The Bolton broth and Preston agar combination exhibited the highest (60.0%) frequencies of Campylobacter isolation, whereas the Bolton broth and Bolton agar combination showed the lowest (2.5%). These results show that each selective medium generates a unique microbiota structure and that the sequence of combining the selective media also critically affects the isolation frequency by altering microbiota compositions. In this study, we demonstrated how a microbiota analysis using NGS can be utilized to optimize a protocol for bacterial isolation from food samples.

Antimicrobial resistance in Cambodia: a review

OBJECTIVES

Following the launch of the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates in many countries remain poorly described. This review provides an overview of published AMR data from Cambodia in the context of recently initiated national human and food-animal surveillance.

METHODS

PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for articles published from 2000 to 2018, which reported antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) data for GLASS specific organisms isolated from Cambodia. Articles were screened using strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. AST data was extracted, with medians and ranges of resistance rates calculated for specific bug-drug combinations.

RESULTS

Twenty-four papers were included for final analysis, with 20 describing isolates from human populations. Escherichia coli was the most commonly described organism, with median resistance rates from human isolates of 92.8% (n=6 articles), 46.4% (n=4), 55.4% (n=8), and 46.4% (n=5) to ampicillin, 3^rd generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and gentamicin respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst resistance rates are high for several GLASS organisms, there were insufficient data to draw robust conclusions about the AMR situation in Cambodia. The recently implemented national AMR surveillance systems will begin to address this data gap.

Quantitative Risk Assessment Model for Salmonellosis in Chicken Skewers from Street Food Vendors in South Korea

HIGHLIGHTS

Extended holding time increases likelihood of illness in warmer than it does in cooler months. Split heating is less effective than continuous heating for inactivation of microbes. Longer holding times make meat more vulnerable to microbes.

A case of primary bacteraemia caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Corvallis in an immunocompetent adult after travel to Southeast Asia

INTRODUCTION

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) that typically causes diarrhoeal disease in humans has a dramatically more severe and more invasive presentation than typhoid fever in immunocompromised adults. However, the incidence and significance of NTS primary bacteraemia in immunocompetent adults have been unclear.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 24-year-old man presented to our hospital with a high fever 14 days after travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia for 14 days. His past medical history, family history and social history were unremarkable, except for his dietary intake history during his stay in Southeast Asia. He did not have any abdominal pain, diarrhoea, enterocolitis, arthritis, or abscesses, as determined by multiple examinations, which included computed tomography. The initial blood cultures identified the presence of Gram-negative bacilli, which were finally identified as the Salmonella enterica subspecies serovar Corvallis. Thus, S. enterica serovar Corvallis was the most likely primary bacteria in this patient. Since domestic outbreaks of NTS infections are extremely rare, our case patient was diagnosed with travel-related bacteraemia. The patient had an uneventful recovery after antibiotic administration.

CONCLUSION

We report a rare case of bacteraemia caused by S. enterica serovar Corvallis in an immunocompetent adult after travelling through Vietnam and Cambodia. From the experience of our case, we suggest that more caution is necessary when diagnosing the unique clinical features of travel-related NTS infections.

Impact of human Campylobacter infections in Southeast Asia: The contribution of the poultry sector

Campylobacter is globally recognized as a major cause of foodborne infection in humans, whilst the development of antimicrobial resistance and the possibility of repelling therapy increase the threat to public health. Poultry is the most frequent source of Campylobacter infection in humans, and southeast Asia is a global leader in poultry production, consumption, and exports. Though three of the world's top 20 most populated countries are located in southeast Asia, the true burden of Campylobacter infection in the region has not been fully elucidated. Based on published data, Campylobacter has been reported in humans, animals, and food commodities in the region. To our knowledge, this study is the first to review the status of human Campylobacter infection in southeast Asia and to discuss future perspectives. Gaining insight into the true burden of the infection and prevalence levels of Campylobacter spp. in the southeast Asian region is essential to ensuring global and regional food safety through facilitating improvements in surveillance systems, food safety regulations, and mitigation strategies.

Thermophilic Campylobacter - Neglected Foodborne Pathogens in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

Thermophilic Campylobacter are the most common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. Poultry and poultry products are the main sources for human infections. Epidemiological data concerning campylobacteriosis in Asia are limited. Overall, it is difficult to accurately assess the burden of Campylobacter infections. South-East Asia including Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam is known as a hotspot for emerging diseases. Campylobacteriosis is a problem of public health concern in these countries, hence. Epidemiological data are scarce. This is influenced by the limited number of laboratory facilities and lack of equipment and awareness in physicians and veterinarians resulting in the lack of surveys. This review lists articles and reports on Campylobacter and campylobacteriosis in these developing third world countries. Subjects are prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter in humans, animals and food and their resistance to several antibiotics.

Antibiotics: practice and opinions of Cambodian commercial farmers, animal feed retailers and veterinarians

BACKGROUND

Cambodia has reported multidrug resistant bacteria in poultry, similar to other countries in the region. We visited commercial food animal farms to explore opinions and antibiotic practices on the farms.

METHODS

We used individual in-depth qualitative interviews with 16 commercial farmers, four feed retailers and nine veterinarians from food animal industry and government offices from the southwestern region of Phnom Penh. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Widespread antibiotic use occurred on all farms and was driven by four facilitators: belief that antibiotics were necessary for animal raising, limited knowledge, unrestricted antibiotic access, and weak monitoring and control systems. "If we treat ducks for two days and they aren't cured we change to human drugs. We cocktail 10 tablets of this, 10 tablets of that and 20 tablets of this one. Altogether 200 tablets are mixed in 100 or 200 L of water for the ducks to drink. No one taught me, just my experiences." Antibiotics were believed to be necessary for disease prevention. "On the first day when we bring in the chicks, we let them drink Enro [enrofloxacin] and vitamins to make them resist to the weather. We place them in the house and there are some bacteria in the environment. When they are newly arrived, we have to give them feed. So we're afraid they get diarrhea when they eat feed, we have to use Enro." All farmers used pre-mixed feed that veterinarians and feed retailers acknowledged contained antibiotics but not all listed the antibiotics. Farmers viewed pre-mixed feed as a necessary 'feed supplement' for growth promotion. "….The fatten supplement is mixed in feed. Pigs aren't growing well unless I use the supplement." Farmers and veterinarians were concerned that 'antibiotic residuals' in animal meat could harm human health. But they did not link this with antibiotic resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic use in food animals was widespread and uncontrolled. Farmers focused on the benefits of food animal production rather than concerns about the consequences of antibiotic use. Therefore, education for prudent use of antibiotics in food animals and regulations are urgently needed in food animal farming in Cambodia.

Antimicrobial Usage and Antimicrobial Resistance in Animal Production in Southeast Asia: A Review

Southeast Asia is an area of great economic dynamism. In recent years, it has experienced a rapid rise in the levels of animal product production and consumption. The region is considered to be a hotspot for infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We reviewed English-language peer-reviewed publications related to antimicrobial usage (AMU) and AMR in animal production, as well as antimicrobial residues in meat and fish from 2000 to 2016, in the region. There is a paucity of data from most countries and for most bacterial pathogens. Most of the published work relates to non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Campylobacter spp. (mainly from Vietnam and Thailand), Enterococcus spp. (Malaysia), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (Thailand). However, most studies used the disk diffusion method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing; breakpoints were interpreted using Clinical Standard Laboratory Institute (CSLI) guidelines. Statistical models integrating data from publications on AMR in NTS and E. coli studies show a higher overall prevalence of AMR in pig isolates, and an increase in levels of AMR over the years. AMU studies (mostly from Vietnam) indicate very high usage levels of most types of antimicrobials, including beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, macrolides, and quinolones. This review summarizes information about genetic determinants of resistance, most of which are transferrable (mostly plasmids and integrons). The data in this review provide a benchmark to help focus research and policies on AMU and AMR in the region.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Salmonella Isolated from Free-Range Chickens in Shandong Province, China

Compared with chickens raised in intensively managed breeding farms, free-range chickens in China are quite popular due to lower breeding density and less antibiotics usage. However, investigations about Salmonella enterica from free-range chickens are quite rare. The aim of the present study was to investigate prevalence and characteristics of Salmonella in free-range chickens in Shandong province, China. During the period of August and November 2015, 300 fresh fecal swabs from different broilers in three free-range chicken farms (100 samples per farm) were collected to isolate Salmonella, and then these isolates were subjected to serotyping, antibiotic sensitivity testing, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR), and multilocus sequence typing (ST). A total of 38 Salmonella isolates (38/300, 12.7%) were recovered. The most common serotype was Enteritidis (81.6%), followed by Indiana (13.2%) and Typhimurium (5.3%). Twenty-two out of 38 isolates (57.9%) were resistant to ampicillin, the highest resistance rate, but resistance rates to cefazolin, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime were only 7.9%. The multidrug resistance (MDR) rate was 26.3%. Additionally, the Salmonella isolates could be classified into 25 genotypes by ERIC-PCR and were divided into three ST types (ST11, ST17, and ST19), with ST11 the highest isolation rate (81.6%). In summary, as with other poultry, free-ranging chickens may also serve as potential reservoir for antibiotic resistant Salmonella, thereby posing a threat to public health.

Risk factors associated with Campylobacter detected by PCR in humans and animals in rural Cambodia

Campylobacter are worldwide-occurring zoonotic bacteria, with the species Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli commonly associated with diarrhoea in children in low-income countries. In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of C. jejuni and C. coli in human and livestock faecal samples was detected by PCR and zoonotic risk factors associated with human Campylobacter positivity were identified. In total 681 humans and 753 livestock (chickens, ducks, pigs, cattle) from 269 households were sampled. Children aged <16 years were more frequently Campylobacter positive (19%) than adults (8%) and multilevel logistic models revealed that human C. jejuni positivity was associated with the following household practices: home-slaughtering [odds ratio (OR) 2·4, P = 0·01], allowing animals access to sleeping and food preparation areas (OR 2·8, P = 0·02), and eating undercooked meat (OR 6·6, P = 0·05), while frequent consumption of beef was protective (OR 0·9, P = 0·05). Associations were stronger for home-slaughtering (OR 4·9, P = 0·004) with C. jejuni infection in children only. Campylobacter was highly prevalent in pigs (72%) and chickens (56%) and risk factors associated with human Campylobacter positivity were identified throughout the meat production chain. The findings underline the importance of studying source attributions throughout the production chain and the need for upgraded understanding of Campylobacter epidemiology in low-income countries.

Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and eradication regimens

BACKGROUND

Campylobacter spp. are zoonotic pathogens, however, knowledge about their presence and antimicrobial resistance in nonhuman primates is limited. Our animal facility purchased cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from various Asian countries: China, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

METHODS

Colonization by Campylobacter spp. was investigated in 238 of the monkeys from 2009 to 2012 and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out for these isolates. Furthermore, we eradicated these pathogens from these monkeys.

RESULTS

Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 47 monkeys from three specific countries: China, Cambodia, and Indonesia, with respective isolation rates of 15%, 36%, and 67%. Two monkeys, which were each infected with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, showed clinical symptoms of diarrhea and bloody feces. In total, 41 isolates of C. coli and 17 isolates of C. jejuni were detected. Antimicrobial susceptibility varied: in the monkeys from China, erythromycin (ERY)-, tetracycline (TET)-, and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. coli, in the monkeys from Cambodia, amoxicillin-intermediate, TET- and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. coli and amoxicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. jejuni, and in the monkeys from Indonesia, ciprofloxacin-resistant C. coli and TET- and ciprofloxacin-resistant C. jejuni were common (>75%). Multiresistant isolates of C. coli were found in monkeys from all countries and multiresistant isolates of C. jejuni were found in monkeys from Indonesia. The eradication rate with azithromycin was comparable to that with gentamicin (GEN) by oral administration, and was higher than those with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) and chloramphenicol (CHL).

CONCLUSION

From the perspective of zoonosis, we should acknowledge multiresistant Campylobacter spp. isolated from the monkeys as a serious warning.

Counts, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates on retail raw poultry in the People's Republic of China

The objective of this study was to determine Salmonella counts, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance profiles in retail raw chicken meat in the People's Republic of China. Salmonella counts were determined according to the most-probable-number (MPN) method for 300 whole chicken carcasses. These samples were collected from large, small, and wet (open) markets in Guangdong, Shaanxi, and Sichuan provinces. Salmonella isolates were serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Of the 300 chicken carcasses, 43.3% were positive for Salmonella, with an overall mean of 1.7 log MPN per carcass (95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 1.8 log MPN per carcass). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected for storage temperature (i.e., chilled, frozen, or ambient), market type (large, small, or wet), province, or location (capital or noncapital city). Seventy-eight serotypes were identified among the 1,094 Salmonella isolates. The top five most common Salmonella serotypes on raw chicken carcasses were Enteritidis (19.2%), Indiana (15.2%), Typhimurium (14.6%), Agona (7.1%), and Thompson (6.6%). Salmonella isolates (n = 779) were most frequently resistant to sulfisoxazole (74.1%) and tetracycline (71.1%) and least resistant to ceftriaxone (22.5%) and cefoxitin (19%). Only 4% of the isolates were susceptible to all 15 antimicrobial agents, 45% were resistant to 1 to 5 agents, 29% were resistant to 6 to 10 agents, and 22% were resistant to 11 to 15 agents. Our findings revealed that Salmonella contamination was common in retail raw poultry in China, and the counts on contaminated carcasses were mostly low. Salmonella isolates were diverse in their serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, with more than half of the isolates resistant to more than five antimicrobial agents. These data may be used in risk assessment models to reduce the transmission of Salmonella via chicken meat to humans in China.

Quantification, serovars, and antibiotic resistance of salmonella isolated from retail raw chicken meat in Vietnam

The objectives of this study were to quantify Salmonella counts on retail raw poultry meat in Vietnam and to phenotypically characterize (serovars and antibiotic resistance) the isolates. A total of 300 chicken carcasses were collected from two cities and two provinces in Vietnam. Salmonella counts on the samples were determined according to the most-probable-number (MPN) method of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). A total of 457 isolates were serotyped and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Overall, 48.7% of chicken samples were Salmonella positive with a count of 2.0 log MPN per carcass. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in log MPN per carcass by the study variables (market type, storage condition, and chicken production system). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in Salmonella-positive prevalence by chicken production system. Among the 22 Salmonella serovars identified, Albany was the most frequent (34.1%), followed by Agona (15.5%) and Dabou (8.8%). Resistance to at least one antibiotic was common (i.e., 73.3%), with high resistance to tetracycline (59.1%) and ampicillin (41.6%). Resistance to three antibiotics was the most frequently found multidrug resistance profile (17.7%, n = 81); the profile that was resistant to the highest number of drugs was resistant to nine antibiotics (0.7%, n = 3). Only Salmonella Albany posed phenotypic resistance to ceftriaxone (a drug of choice to treat severe cases of salmonellosis). The data revealed that, whereas Salmonella prevalence on raw poultry was high (48.7%), counts were low, which suggests that the exposure risk to Salmonella is low. However, improper storage of raw chicken meat and cross-contamination may increase Salmonella cell counts and pose a greater risk for infection. These data may be helpful in developing risk assessment models and preventing the transmission of foodborne Salmonella from poultry to humans in Vietnam.

Prevalence and quantitative detection of Salmonella in retail raw chicken in Shaanxi, China

Quantitative Salmonella concentrations and prevalence of Salmonella in raw chicken at the retail level in Shaanxi province, China, was determined in this study. Two hundred forty samples were collected in Yangling and the surrounding cities, in Shaanxi Province, China, for data collection over 12 successive months from April 2011 to March 2012. During the whole surveillance year, the overall Salmonella contamination rate of retail raw chicken was identified as 43.3%, the most-probable-number (MPN) values ranged from 0.0036 to 0.8596 MPN per g, and the average value was 0.1655 MPN per g, except in 11 of the samples, which had MPN values of more than 11 MPN per g. In April 2011, the highest prevalence rate, which was 80.0%, was observed, and the corresponding MPN value was 0.8596 MPN per g. Observed in November 2011, the lowest prevalence rate and the corresponding MPN value were 5.0% and 0.0036 MPN per g, respectively. Prevalence of Salmonella in chicken collected from the supermarket (49.2%) was higher but not significantly different from that in the wet markets (37.5%), although the MPN value of samples in the wet market (0.1912 MPN per g) was higher than that in the supermarket (0.1396 MPN per g). Prevalence of Salmonella was the highest in the frozen chicken (53.3%) compared with chilled chicken (45.0%) and freshly slaughtered chicken (37.5%); however, the MPN value of the freshly slaughtered chicken (0.1912 MPN per g) was higher than those of either frozen chicken (0.1804 MPN per g) or the chilled chicken (0.0988 MPN per g).

An epidemiological investigation of Campylobacter in pig and poultry farms in the Mekong delta of Vietnam

Campylobacter are zoonotic pathogens commonly associated with gastroenteritis. To assess the relevance of Campylobacter in Vietnam, an economically transitioning country in SE Asia, we conducted a survey of 343 pig and poultry farms in the Mekong delta, a region characterized by mixed species farming with limited biosecurity. The animal-level prevalence of Campylobacter was 31·9%, 23·9% and 53·7% for chickens, ducks and pigs, respectively. C. jejuni was predominant in all three host species, with the highest prevalence in pigs in high-density production areas. Campylobacter isolates demonstrated high levels of antimicrobial resistance (21% and 100% resistance against ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, respectively). Multilocus sequence type genotyping showed a high level of genetic diversity within C. jejuni, and predicted C. coli inter-species transmission. We suggest that on-going intensification of animal production systems, limited biosecurity, and increased urbanization in Vietnam is likely to result in Campylobacter becoming an increasingly significant cause of human diarrhoeal infections in coming years.

Cluster randomised trial of the impact of biosecurity measures on poultry health in backyard flocks

In Cambodia, most poultry are raised in backyard flocks with a low level of biosecurity, which increases the risk of spread of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a practical biosecurity intervention based on affordable basic measures. A cluster randomised trial was conducted in 18 villages in Cambodia from November 2009 to February 2011. Generalised estimating equations were used to test the association between the intervention and mortality rates in flocks of chickens and ducks. Mortality rates in chicken flocks in intervention villages (mean 6.3%, range 3.5-13.8%, per month) were significantly higher than in control villages (mean 4.5%, range 2.0-9.7%, per month; P<0.01). Mortality rates in duck flocks in intervention villages (mean 4.1%, range 1.9-7.9%, per month) were significantly higher than in control villages (mean 2.8%, range 0.6-8.0%, per month; P<0.01). Despite good compliance among poultry owners, the biosecurity intervention implemented in this study was not associated with improvements in poultry mortality rates. These findings suggest that basic biosecurity measures may not suffice to limit the spread of infectious diseases in backyard poultry flocks in Cambodia.

Bloodstream infection among adults in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: key pathogens and resistance patterns

BACKGROUND

Bloodstream infections (BSI) cause important morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Cambodia, no surveillance data on BSI are available so far.

METHODS

From all adults presenting with SIRS at Sihanouk Hospital Centre of HOPE (July 2007-December 2010), 20 ml blood was cultured. Isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques; antibiotic susceptibilities were assessed using disk diffusion and MicroScan®, with additional E-test, D-test and double disk test where applicable, according to CLSI guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 5714 samples from 4833 adult patients yielded 501 clinically significant organisms (8.8%) of which 445 available for further analysis. The patients' median age was 45 years (range 15-99 y), 52.7% were women. HIV-infection and diabetes were present in 15.6% and 8.8% of patients respectively. The overall mortality was 22.5%. Key pathogens included Escherichia coli (n = 132; 29.7%), Salmonella spp. (n = 64; 14.4%), Burkholderia pseudomallei (n = 56; 12.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 53; 11.9%). Methicillin resistance was seen in 10/46 (21.7%) S. aureus; 4 of them were co-resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, moxifloxacin and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP). We noted combined resistance to amoxicillin, SMX-TMP and ciprofloxacin in 81 E. coli isolates (62.3%); 62 isolates (47.7%) were confirmed as producers of extended spectrum beta-lactamase. Salmonella isolates displayed high rates of multidrug resistance (71.2%) with high rates of decreased ciprofloxacin susceptibility (90.0%) in Salmonella Typhi while carbapenem resistance was observed in 5.0% of 20 Acinetobacter sp. isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

BSI in Cambodian adults is mainly caused by difficult-to-treat pathogens. These data urge for microbiological capacity building, nationwide surveillance and solid interventions to contain antibiotic resistance.

Prevalence, quantification and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp. on chicken neck-skins at points of slaughter in 5 major cities located on 4 continents

Quantitative data on Campylobacter contamination of food are lacking, notably in developing countries. We assessed Campylobacter contamination of chicken neck-skins at points of slaughter in 5 major cities in Africa (Dakar in Senegal, Yaounde in Cameroon), Oceania (Noumea in New Caledonia), the Indian Ocean (Antananarivo in Madagascar) and Asia (Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam. One hundred and fifty slaughtered chickens were collected in each of the 5 major cities from semi-industrial abattoirs or markets (direct slaughter by the seller), and 65.5% (491/750) were found to be Campylobacter-positive. Two cities, Yaounde and Noumea, demonstrated high prevalence Campylobacter detection rates (92.7% and 96.7% respectively) in contrast with HCMC (15.3%). Four species were identified among 633 isolates, namely C. jejuni (48.3%), C. coli (37.3%), C. lari (11.7%) and C. upsaliensis (1%). HCMC was the only city with C. lari isolation as was Antananarivo for C. upsaliensis. C. coli was highly prevalent only in Yaounde (69.5%). Among the 491 samples positive in Campylobacter detection, 329 were also positive with the enumeration method. The number of Campylobacter colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of neck-skin in samples positive in enumeration was high (mean of the log(10): 3.2 log(10) CFU/g, arithmetic mean: 7900CFU/g). All the cities showed close enumeration means except HCMC with a 1.81 log(10) CFU/g mean for positive samples. Semi-industrial abattoir was linked to a significant lower count of Campylobacter contamination than direct slaughter by the seller (p=0.006). On 546 isolates (546/633, 86.3%) tested for antibiotic susceptibility, resistance to erythromycin, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin was observed for respectively 11%, 19% and 50%. HCMC was the city where antibiotic resistant rates were the highest (95%, p=0.014). Considering the 329 positive chickens in Campylobacter enumeration, the mean number of resistant isolates to at least 2 different antibiotic families (19.8%), may be estimated ca. 1500CFU/g; the corresponding mean of the log(10) would be 2.5 log(10)CFU/g. As chickens are sold at slaughter and brought directly at home to be cooked, these data suggest a high probability of cross-contamination. A substantial proportion of isolates are drug-resistant, which could lead to potential public health issues. Health authorities should consider measures to reduce Campylobacter contamination of chicken during farming and at slaughter, and to provide appropriate food hygiene education. Further studies are needed in particular to investigate food-handling practices in domestic kitchens.

The antibiotic resistance characteristics of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica isolated from food-producing animals, retail meat and humans in South East Asia

Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. It is most prevalent in developing countries where infectious diseases remain common, the use of antibiotics in humans and animals is widespread, and the replacement of older antibiotics with new generation antibiotics is not easy due to the high cost. Information on antibiotic resistance phenotypes and genotypes of Salmonella spp. in food animals and humans in different countries and geographic regions is necessary to combat the spread of resistance. This will improve the understanding of antibiotic resistance epidemiology, tracing of new emerging pathogens, assisting in disease treatment, and enhancing prudent use of antibiotics. However, the extent of antibiotic resistance in food-borne pathogens and humans in many developing countries remains unknown. The goal of this review is to discuss the current state of antibiotic resistance of non-typhoid Salmonella spp. in food-producing animals, retail meat and humans from South East Asia. It is focused on resistance characteristics of traditional and "critically important" antibiotics in this region, and the emergence of multidrug resistant strains and genetic elements that contribute to the development of multidrug resistance, including integrons and the Salmonella Genomic Island (SGI).