Abstract

Aim: Purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance patterns and associated risk factors of Campylobacter spp. across the human–animal–environment interface within a One Health framework in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria.

Method and materials: A cross-sectional design was employed between March and December 2025. A total of 520 samples, comprising 400 poultry (live and slaughtered birds) and 120 environmental samples, were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, while a structured questionnaire assessed knowledge, hygiene practices, and antibiotic use among 100 poultry stakeholders.

Results: Overall, 82 (15.8%) samples were positive for Campylobacter, with C. jejuni (11.0%) predominating over C. coli (4.8%). Environmental samples exhibited a higher contamination rate (24.2%) compared to poultry samples (13.3%), with wash water identified as the most contaminated source (35.0%). Significant associations were observed between Campylobacter occurrence and poultry species (p = 0.0242), sample type (p < 0.0001), and bird health status (p = 0.0319). High levels of antimicrobial resistance were detected, particularly against vancomycin (84.1%), penicillin (79.3%), and ampicillin (73.2%). Multidrug resistance was prevalent in 72.0% of isolates, with a mean multidrug resistance index of 0.37 ± 0.14. Behavioral assessment revealed poor awareness of Campylobacter (9.0%), inadequate hygiene practices, and widespread misuse of antibiotics, including non-prescription use (82.0%) and growth promotion (71.0%).

Conclusion: It was concluded that these findings highlight significant public health risks driven by environmental contamination, poor biosecurity, and antimicrobial misuse. Integrated One Health interventions focusing on hygiene improvement, antimicrobial stewardship, and surveillance are urgently required to mitigate transmission and resistance.

Statistics