Molecular Analysis of Campylobacter spp. Isolates from Sheep and Goats and Examination of Their Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

This study aimed to isolate and identify C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. fetus subsp. fetus from rectal swabs of diarrheic sheep and goats, characterize antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and determine genetic diversity using PCR-RFLP. Rectal swabs (n=374) were analyzed via selective culture and species-specific PCR. Resistance profiles, virulence genes, and flaA gene genetic diversity (via PCR-RFLP with DdeI) were evaluated. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 30.74% (115/374) of samples (87.82% C. jejuni, 12.17% C. coli; not determined C. fetus subsp. fetus). High susceptibility was observed to gentamicin (97.39%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (93.04%). The highest resistance was against cephalothin (84.34%), reflecting intrinsic resistance. Acquired resistance to ciprofloxacin was significant (56.52%). Resistance genes 23SrRNA (100%), gyrA (96.92%), and tet(O) (89.58%) predominated. Main virulence genes were cadF (94.78%), dnaJ (92.17%), and cdtB (91.30%); ggt not determined. PCR-RFLP revealed 13 band patterns. In conclusion, C. jejuni was predominant in diarrheic sheep and goats. Isolates were highly susceptible to gentamicin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, representing efficacious antimicrobial options, though regional clinical guidelines and