Characterization of Campylobacter spp isolated from birds in Antarctica and sub-Antarctica

Summary C. jejuni, C. lari, C. peloridis and a C. lari- like Campylobacter species were isolated from bird colonies in SubAntarctica (South Georgia) and the Antarctic Peninsula. The majority of isolates were susceptible to antimicrobial substances, with the exception of some C. lari and C. lari-like isolates which had high MIC values to fluoroquinolones probably due to intrinsic resistance. C. jejuni of MLST types common to humans and food-producing animals were detected in samples from South Georgia. These data suggest that C. jejuni strains, introduced either by humans or migratory seabirds, are prevalent in the Sub-Antarctic area.