Ecology and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter in wildlife: insights into specialist and generalist lineages and zoonotic potential.

Abstract

Wildlife is a critical reservoir of Campylobacter species, particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, carrying diverse genetic lineages, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Birds, especially migratory and synanthropic species, are the primary carriers, though mammals, reptiles, and other vertebrates also contribute to maintenance and dissemination. Wildlife-associated strains include both host-specific lineages and generalist clonal complexes (e.g. ST21, ST45, and ST828) capable of crossing wildlife, livestock, humans, and environmental interfaces, reflecting high zoonotic potential. Virulence factors, including motility, adhesion and invasion proteins (CadF, CiaB), and cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), facilitate colonization and survival, while efflux pumps and stress-response genes enhance persistence under antibiotic pressure. AMR is widespread, with resistance to fluoroquinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines, and multidrug phenotypes, driven by anthropogenic contamination, environmental reservoirs, and horizontal gene transfer. Key resistance determinants include gyrA mutations, tet(O), erm(B), cmeABC efflux pumps, and β-lactamases. Despite advances, knowledge gaps remain, particularly for non-avian hosts, environmental reservoirs, and resistance mechanisms. A One Health approach integrating microbiology, genomics, ecology, and epidemiology is essential to map transmission pathways, monitor emerging resistance, and guide interventions to reduce the public health impact of zoonotic and antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter.