Antimicrobial susceptibilities of Campylobacter strains isolated from broilers in the southern part of Japan from 1995 to 1999

Cecal contents (16 samples/each flock) of broilers derived from 212 flocks were investigated for colonization of Campylobacter from 1995 to 1999 in th e southern part or Japan, and the isolates were tested for antimicrobial su sceptibilities. C. jejuni-positive flocks numbered 42 (19.8%) and C. coli-p ositive ones 26 (12.3%); Campylobacter spp. were recovered from 68 flocks ( 32.1%) in total. MICs of ampicillin, erythromycin (EM), tetracycline, nalid ixic acid (NA), norfloxacin (NFLX), and ofloxacin (OFLX) to these 68 Campyl obacter isolates were determined. Quitiolone-resistant Campylobacter isolat es numbered 22 (32.4%). Ali the isolates except one were cross-resistant to NA, OFLX, and NFLX, A hi.-h frequency of quinolone-resistance was found in both C jejuni and C. coli, whereas a high level of EM-resistance was found in only C. coli strains. All C. jejuni isolates were sensitive to EM.