Prevalence and Association of Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Blastocystis sp. in Poultry

Poultry and poultry meat are considered the most important sources of human campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. However, data about the occurrence of Campylobacter and Salmonella concomitantly with intestinal protozoa such as Blastocystis sp. in poultry remain very scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence and possible interactions between these three microorganisms in fecal samples from 214 chickens collected either on farms or from live bird markets in Egypt. The results obtained showed that Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Blastocystis sp. were present in 91.6% (196/214), 44.4% (95/214), and 18.2% (39/214) of tested samples, respectively, highlighting an active circulation of these microorganisms. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was reported between the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. and Blastocystis sp. together with a significant negative correlation between Blastocystis sp. and Salmonella spp. This study confirms the association reported previously between Blastocystis sp. and Campylobacter spp. while disclosing an association between Blastocystis sp. and Salmonella spp.; it also highlights the need to improve studies on the interactions between bacteria and eukaryotes in the gut microbiota of poultry.

Automated summary

Poultry and poultry meat are important sources of human campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. However, data on the occurrence of Campylobacter and Salmonella along with Blastocystis sp. in poultry are scarce. This study found that Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Blastocystis sp. were present in fecal samples from chickens in Egypt, highlighting their active circulation. The study also revealed associations between Blastocystis sp. and both Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp., emphasizing the need for further studies on bacterial and eukaryotic interactions in the poultry gut microbiota.