Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia: implications and significance on one health

Abstract

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been deepening in the layer poultry sector in Zambia partly due to the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a commensal and zoonotic bacterium, can potentially be a source of AMR. Objectives This study assessed the phenotypic AMR profiles of E. coli isolated from the apparent health-laying hens in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2021 in which 365 cloacal swabs were collected from 77-layer farms based in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of Zambia. E. coli isolation and identification were done using cultural and biochemical properties and confirmed using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was done using the Kirby–Bauer disc-diffusion method. Data analysis was done using WHONET 2020 and Stata v.16.1. Results Of the 365 samples, E. coli was isolated from 92.9% (n = 339). The AMR was detected in 96.5% (n = 327) of the isolates, of which 64.6% (n = 219) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). E. coli was highly resistant to tetracycline (54.6%) and ampicillin (54%) but showed low resistance to meropenem (0.9%), ceftazidime (6.2%) and chloramphenicol (8.8%). Conclusion This study found a high prevalence of E. coli resistant to some commonly used antibiotics in poultry, which is a public health concern because of the potential contamination of eggs and layers of chicken meat that enter the food chain. Urgent attention is needed, including strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance programmes in layer poultry production in Zambia.

Escherichia coli Isolation, Prevalence, and Multi Drug Resistance from a Poultry Farm in Sendafa Town, Central Ethiopia

“…After con rmation, the isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These isolates were then preserved and kept at 20°C for storage [11].…”

Community antibiotic consumption and associated factors in Lusaka district of Zambia: findings and implications for antimicrobial resistance and stewardship

“… 34–36 This has been demonstrated by an increased number of pathogens that have developed resistance to antimicrobials, some of which are of human priority. 37–41 …”

“… 94 , 104–108 Consequently, there is evidence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens across the human and animal sectors. 37 , 38 , 41 , 99 , 109–115 A study by Masich et al 116 revealed that about 67% of antimicrobials were inappropriately prescribed to non-critically ill adult patients admitted to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Intriguingly, the Zambian government has put in measures to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics by developing and implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR.…”

Surveillance of Escherichia coli in different types of chicken and duck hatcheries: one health outlook

“…One health is not modern as it recognizes closely linked interconnection among animal, human, plant, and ecological health ( Mudenda et al, 2023 ). However, one health received renewed attention due to the increasing rate and dangerousness of threats associated with animals, humans, plants, and the environment ( Badr et al, 2022 ).…”