Prevalence of Campylobacter spp and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni in Domestic Dogs in The Central Region of Algeria

Campylobacter spp rank among the primary bacterial agents of gastroenteritis worldwide, and dogs serve as a potential reservoir for these pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter species in Algerian dogs, identify the species of the Campylobacter isolates and the antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter jejuni isolates. Rectal swab samples were collected from 200 dogs whose ages ranged from two weeks to 24 months. They were subsequently analyzed following OIE recommendations. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method in accordance with CA-SFM guidelines. A questionnaire was completed for each animal. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 26% (52/200), distributed among the diarrheic dogs as 16.25% (13/80) and non-diarrheic dogs as 32.5% (39/120). Statistically significant differences were recorded (P<0.05) within the age groups of all dogs examined: 36.7% of the young dogs (< 1 year) tested positive, compared to 19.7% of the old ones ( > 2 years). A predominance of Campylobacter jejuni (22/52) followed by Campylobacter upsaliensis (20/52) was noted. Campylobacter jejuni strains exhibited high levels of resistance to quinolones tested; 63% (14/22) to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid and low levels of resistance to 27% (6/22) to tetracycline. All isolates of Campylobacter jejuni were susceptible to erythromycin and chloramphenicol. The result of this study, demonstrates that dogs in central Algeria might pose a zoonotic risk for humans. The high resistance levels to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin of strains of Campylobacter jejuni isolated may be considered a threat to public health.