Fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter species and the withdrawal of fluoroquinolones from use in poultry: a public health success story

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Apr 1;44(7):977-80. doi: 10.1086/512369. Epub 2007 Feb 14.

Abstract

Campylobacter species cause 1.4 million infections each year in the United States. Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) are commonly used in adults with Campylobacter infection and other infections. Fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin) are also used in veterinary medicine. Human infections with fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter species have become increasingly common and are associated with consumption of poultry. These findings, along with other data, prompted the US Food and Drug Administration to propose the withdrawal of fluoroquinolone use in poultry in 2000. A lengthy legal hearing concluded with an order to withdraw enrofloxacin from use in poultry (effective in September 2005). Clinicians are likely to continue to encounter patients with fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter infection and other enteric infection because of the continued circulation of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter species in poultry flocks and in persons returning from foreign travel who have acquired a fluoroquinolone-resistant enteric infection while abroad. Judicious use of fluoroquinolones and other antimicrobial agents in human and veterinary medicine is essential to preserve the efficacy of these important chemotherapeutic agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Campylobacter / drug effects*
  • Campylobacter / isolation & purification
  • Campylobacter Infections / epidemiology
  • Campylobacter Infections / prevention & control*
  • Campylobacter Infections / veterinary*
  • Chickens / microbiology
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Drug Utilization
  • Drug and Narcotic Control
  • Fluoroquinolones / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Policy Making
  • Poultry Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Public Health / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Risk Assessment
  • United States / epidemiology
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • Fluoroquinolones