P3-231 Characterization of Campylobacter Species from Flies Sourced from Conventional Turkey Farms

Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Hall B (Oregon Convention Center)
Hannah Bolinger , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC
Jeffrey Niedermeyer , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC
Kenneth Mann
Donna Carver , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC
Sophia Kathariou , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , NC
Introduction: Campylobacter is a leading agent of foodborne disease with poultry as major vehicle for human infections. Risk factors for colonization of poultry flocks with Campylobacter remain poorly characterized but include poor biosecurity and insect vectors, primarily flies and darkling beetles.  Flies may play a vital role in introduction and dissemination of Campylobacter through a flock. However, limited information is available on the characteristics of Campylobacter from flies in poultry farms.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, species, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Campylobacter isolated from turkey feces and flies from turkey farms. Additionally, the diversity and correlations between susceptibility profiles of fly and fecal isolates were investigated.

Methods: Visits were made to 31 conventional turkey flocks.  At each visit, 12 fecal samples and 10 flies were collected. Campylobacter was isolated and enumerated on selective media (mCCDA), speciated (C. jejuni vs. C. coli) by multiplex PCR and characterized for susceptibility to a panel of antibiotics.

Results: The majority (92.6 %) of flocks were positive for Campylobacter both in fecal and fly samples. Most antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of isolates from feces were represented among those from flies.  However, isolates from flies tended to exhibit greater diversity of antimicrobial susceptibility profiles than those from feces – 2.45 different profiles/flock in flies vs. 1.92 in feces.

Significance: The prevalence and diversity of Campylobacter spp. from turkeys and putative insect vectors, especially flies, remain poorly characterized. The findings suggest that flies from turkey farms are commonly Campylobacter-positive and may exhibit a greater diversity of Campylobacter than suggested by analysis of isolates from feces.  The data will add to the body of literature on this subject and expand into the untapped area of the role of the fly in the spread of not just Campylobacter, but associated antibiotic resistances as well.