Prevalence, Virulence, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter Species Isolated From Carcasses of Camels Slaughtered in Slaughterhouses of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, 2018-2019

Background and aims: Gastritis is basically caused by Campylobacter coli and jejuni, and usually occures after the consumption of raw animal products. Methods: This study investigated the prevalence, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species isolated from slaughtered animals in Juneqan, Farrokhshahr, Saman, and Lordegan slaughterhouses in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province of Iran. From 40 camels, 5 samples of liver, neck meat, kidney, heart, and rectal contents were taken from each carcass. The obtained samples were cultured and then the PCR was performed for them and, finally, the toxin genes of virulence and resistance against antibiotics were examined. Results: Out of 19 Campylobacter specimens isolated, 8 specimens were coli and 11 ones were jejuni. It was also found that the infection with Campylobacter in the carcasses was the highest in warmer seasons. Conclusion: The carcasses of slaughtered animals in slaughterhouses were likely a potential reservoir for coli and jejuni species, and their viscera and meat could have transmitted these bacteria to humans and animals.