Molecular Characterization Of Campylobacter Spp. Recovered From Beef, Chicken, Lamb And Pork Products At Retail In Australia

Australian rates of campylobacteriosis are among the highest in developed countries, yet only limited work has been done to characterizeCampylobacterspp. in Australian retail products. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) on 331C.coliand 285C.jejunifrom retail chicken meat, as well as beef, chicken, lamb and pork offal (organs).Campylobacterisolates were highly diverse, with 113 sequence types (STs) including 38 novel STs, identified from 616 isolates. Genomic analysis suggests very low levels (2.3-15.3%) of resistance to aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, fluoroquinolone, macrolide and tetracycline antibiotics. A majority (>90%) of isolates (52/56) possessing the fluoroquinolone resistance-associated T86I mutation in thegyrAgene belonged to ST860, ST2083 or ST7323. The 44 pork offal isolates were highly diverse, representing 33 STs (11 novel STs) and harboured genes associated with resistance to aminoglycosides, lincosamides and macrolides not generally found in isolates from other sources. Prevalence of multidrug resistant genotypes was very low (<5%), but ten-fold higher inC.colithanC.jejuni. This study highlights thatCampylobacterspp. from retail products in Australia are highly genotypically diverse and important differences in antimicrobial resistance exist betweenCampylobacterspecies and animal sources.