Human Campylobacteriosis in North-Central Algeria: Epidemiological Features and Multidrug ResistanceFeatures and Multi-Drug Resistance

Abstract

Campylobacter spp. is considered the major cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis in the world, with food being the main source of infection. The increase of antibiotic resistance in this species is a threat to public health. In this study, fifty-five human Campylobacter strains, isolated in Algeria between 2014 and 2023, were investigated and the susceptibility to six antibiotics was also studied. The most prevalent Campylobacter species identified was Campylobacter jejuni (89.1%) and 40% of the campylobacteriosis cases were reported in the spring period. Most cases were observed in children under age five years old and were male. High rates of tetracycline (81.8%) and ciprofloxacin (74.5%) resistance in Campylobacter spp. have been observed. An increasing percentage (24.5%) of Campylobacter jejuni strains simultaneously resistant to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and erythromycin has been found. This study provides for the first time an overview of the epidemiological features and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter strains from Algeria.

It also shows an increasing antibiotic resistance that is serious threat, a worrying antibiotic multiresistance rate and the emergence of Campylobacter strains resistant to antibiotics of human use.