Distribution of cephalosporin-resistant Campylobacter species isolated from meat sold in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Background: Campylobacter species have been at the forefront of the field as etiologic agents of foodborne gastroenteritis. The importance of animal proteins, especially contaminated meat, in the transmission of Campylobacteriosis cannot be overstated. Antimicrobial resistance by Campylobacter species is imminent, which underscores the importance of this study. Aim: This study aimed to determine the antibiograms of Campylobacter species isolated from various meat samples sold in Abakaliki to select Cephalosporin antibiotics. Methods: We purchased 100 samples of various meat, Chevon (25), Pork (25), Beef (25), and Chicken (25) from four different market locations in Abakaliki. Culture and bacterial isolation were aseptically performed using standard bacteriological techniques. Campylobacter isolates obtained were confirmed using standard biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using Kirby Bauer's disc diffusion method. The selected cephalosporins used in this study included cefoxitin, ceftriazone, and cefepime. Aztreonam was used as a tangential control. Results: Our results showed that 69.0% of Campylobacter coli was isolated from this study, with chickens having the highest distribution (92.0%). The isolation percentage of Campylobacter jejuni was 55.0%, with chicken also exhibiting the highest distribution (80.0%). The Ishieke market had the highest distribution of C. coli (75.0%). The central abattoir had the highest distribution for C. jejuni (50.0%). Resistance recorded by C. coli to various antibiotics employed include; Cefoxitin (52.2%), Ceftriazone (55.1%), Cefepime (57.9%), and azatreonam (73.9%). The resistance of C. jejuni to various antibiotics employed include; Cefoxitin (45.5%), Ceftriazone (60.0%), Cefepime (63.6%), and azatreonam (56.4%). Conclusion: The distribution of cephalosporin-resistant Campylobacter is high and represents a public health concern. More caution with hygiene and the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry is highly advocated. [Open Vet J 2025; 15(4.000): 1615-1623]