 |
| The researchers found that the bacteria grow more successfully in chickens' intestinal tracts than non-resistant strains |
Researchers at the University of Iowa are investigating the persistence of drug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni in US poultry.
The US Department of Agriculture-funded study aims to help improve food safety standards through the development of pre-harvest intervention strategies.
Despite a 2005 ban on the use of fluoroquinolones in US poultry, resistant strains of C jejuni are still prevalent today. The researchers found that the bacteria grow more successfully in chickens' intestinal tracts than non-resistant strains.
The finding highlights the need for new strategies to control them, says lead author Dr Qijing Zhang. The researchers are targeting the genes involved in the development of resistance to prevent the emergence and transmission of drug-resistant bacteria.
"We will continue our efforts to understand the antibiotic resistance mechanisms and ecology of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter," said Dr Zhang. "We are also interested in developing intervention strategies to prevent their transmission and colonization."
› Not a subscriber? Subscribe
› Sign up for free trial
› Blog: Down on the Pharm
Email a friend
Digital RSS Feed
