SPREAD OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT Escherichia coli FROMBROILER TO HUMAN POPULATIONS

Abstract

Escherichia coliis a commensal microorganism while spread of its resistant pathotypes may cause life threatening issues. In this study, fecal samples (n =150 each) of broiler, slaughterers and non-slaughterers were observed for resistance rate of their E. coli isolates against 16 antibiotics. Significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher E. colicounts (3.4×105 CFU/g) were observed in fecal samples of broiler than slaughterers (3.1×104 CFU/g) and non-slaughterers (2.8×104 CFU/g). Higher antibiotic resistance rates were observed in broiler isolates than slaughterer against all the tested antibiotics except Oxytetracycline, Cephalexin and Ceftriaxone; for which the differences were non-significant. As compared to isolates of non-slaughterers, isolates of slaughterers had significantly(P≤0.05) higher antibiotic resistance rates against 8 of the tested drugs. The results revealed that 100% broiler, 78% slaughterer and 17% non-slaughterer isolates were simultaneously resistant to more than 4 antibiotics. Both Tet-Aand Tet-Bgenes (tetracycline-resistance genes) were concurrently detected in 21% of broiler, 15% of slaughterer and 5% of non-slaughterer isolates. Differences in antibiotic resistance rates between the isolates of slaughterers and non-slaughterers clearly depicts one of thepossible spreading route of resistant E. colifrom broiler to human population. Hence, it is recommended that slaughterers must adopt hygienic protocols to avoid the spread of resistant bacteria.