Latest data from Europe shows that Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates from humans are frequently resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said the findings and trends were consistent with previous years.
The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria present in animals and foods that cause human infections can impair the effectiveness of treating human infections. ECDC analyzed data on bacteria isolated from infected humans. Data was provided by 27 EU member states, as well as Northern Ireland, Iceland, Norway, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
This report identifies the 2021-2022 outbreak of Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Campylobacter coli in humans and food animals, including broiler chickens, egg-laying hens, fattening turkeys, fattening pigs, and cattle under one year of age and their meat. Targeted at AMR monitoring.
EFSA and ECDC said that while efforts to reduce AMR have shown positive results, continued joint efforts are essential to address the threat.
Salmonella status
With the exception of certain types of Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter coli in some countries, overall resistance to antibiotics that are critical to human medicine remains very low.
In the case of Salmonella enterica, resistance to carbapenems was found in isolates from humans but not from food animals. Detection of resistant Salmonella isolates varies by animal origin, serotype, and country of reporting.
Overall high levels of resistance to ampicillin, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines were observed in Salmonella from human cases in 2022, but resistance to third-generation cephalosporins was observed at very low levels for cefotaxime and ceftazidime. It was at a low level.
In 2022, a moderate incidence of resistance to ciprofloxacin was observed in human cases. However, a very high rate of resistant Salmonella isolates was observed in Kentucky.
Overall resistance to ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime, which are classified as first-line critically important antibiotics, was low in Salmonella isolates from humans. Salmonella kentucky and Salmonella infantis from humans had high levels of combined resistance.
Multidrug resistance (MDR) of Salmonella bacteria reported in humans in the EU is generally high, ranging from low levels for Salmonella enteritidis to very high levels for Salmonella kentuy and Salmonella typhimurium.
Campylobacter findings
Data from 2021-2022 for Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from humans and animals showed high levels of resistance to fluoroquinolones. The report states that it is no longer recommended for the treatment of Campylobacter infections in humans.
Low levels of resistance to the macrolide erythromycin, a crucial antibiotic for treating Campylobacter infections in humans, have been detected in Campylobacter jejuni. However, higher levels of resistance were detected in Campylobacter coli strains isolated from humans. Resistance to tetracycline was high in Campylobacter jejuni and very high in Campylobacter coli of human origin.
Combined resistance to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin in Campylobacter is highly relevant to public health. Resistance to these antibiotics was lower in Campylobacter jejuni than in Campylobacter jejuni isolated from humans.
Multidrug resistance levels were generally very low in Campylobacter jejuni isolated from humans, but high in Campylobacter coli.
WHO Europe on AMR
Meanwhile, the European Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) has published an AMR guidance document for food safety authorities.
This publication provides an overview of the current situation and recent developments regarding food-borne antimicrobial resistance. Focuses on the role of food safety authorities in reducing AMR. He provides the latest advice on the prevention and control of AMR at the animal-human-environment interface using a One Health approach.
Antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics are essential for treating some diseases in humans and animals. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in food animals contributes to the challenge of transmitting antibiotic-resistant pathogens to people through the food chain and environment.
Increased resistance to the most commonly used and last-resort antibiotics has been observed in foodborne pathogens. International trade and travel are also expanding, increasing the risk of the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in food.
The role of food safety authorities in tackling AMR includes improving policy and legal frameworks, strengthening One Health governance structures and cross-sectoral coordination, conducting foodborne AMR risk analyses, and prioritizing foodborne illness in the food chain. This includes monitoring AMR in pathogens. It also facilitates risk communication and education.
This document includes examples of interventions and programs by Member States in the region to prevent and contain antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here. )
