Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in broiler chickens, farmworkers, and farm sewage in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become an emerging threat worldwide, and developing countries such as Bangladesh are considered to be at greater risk of disseminating the resistant bacteria between human-animal interfaces.Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and AMR profile of Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chickens, the environment, and farmworkers. This study also aimed to identify the risk factors associated with multidrugresistant (MDR) E. coli infection in broiler chickens. In addition, the presence of carbapenem resistance gene (NDM-1) was assessed. Methods: A total of 114 E. coli isolates, recovered from 150 samples (cloacal swabs = 50, farm sewage = 50, and hand washed water of farmworkers = 50) collected from 50 broiler farms, were identified by biochemical examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for 10 antibiotics by disk diffusion test. Carbapenem resistance gene (NDM-1) was detected by PCR. Risk factors were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Results:The highest prevalence of E. coli was recorded in broiler chickens (86%) and the lowest in farmworkers (66%). For MDR E. coli infection, 'winter season' , 'absence of specific shoes for staff' , and 'use of antibiotics without veterinarian's prescription' were the significant risk factors. High resistance of the E. coli isolates was observed against levofloxacin (81.6%), doxycycline (78.1%), cefotaxime (78.1%), and ciprofloxacin (70.2%).About 76% of the isolates demonstrated MDR. None of the isolates were positive for the NDM-1 gene. Conclusions:The high level and similar pattern of antibiotic resistance in E. coli isolates from broiler chickens, farmworkers, and sewage in poultry farms indicates a good possibility of spreading the antibiotic-resistant E. coli in such settings.

Challenges in the profitability of small-scale broiler farming by avoiding injudicious use of drugs and additives

“…According to the findings of the current survey, the majority of poultry feed and chick dealers have no professional degrees in the veterinary sector, but they recommend antibiotics to farmers based on their experience (usually 3–10 years). One of the main issues that could encourage the overuse of antibiotics in veterinary and human medicine in Bangladesh and several other developing nations is the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics [ 3 , [21] , [22] , [23] ]. In the current survey, we also found that poor farmers were obtruded by dealers/local agents to sell their live birds to them, as the farmers received DOCs, feed, medicines, and other necessary inputs as loans.…”

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

“…Meanwhile, the prevalence in the environmental samples was 31.3, 40, and 100%, respectively, and 28.6, 25, and 0 from worker's hands. In a parallel investigation, Mandal et al (2022) recovered 114 E. coli isolates from 150 examined samples (76%). However, in comparison to the findings of our investigation, the higher prevalence that was reported could be ascribed to the sample types, as such work comprised cloacal swabs, hand-washed water, and farm sewage samples.…”

Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Strains Isolated From Swine, Poultry, and Farm Workers in the Respective Livestock Farming Units in Greece

“…The results showed that tetracyclines, quinolones, and neomycin exhibited the highest rates of resistance, with tetracyclines, ampicillin, and nalidixic acid showing the highest rates of resistance in poultry strains. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have established a link between antibiotic use and bacterial resistance in E. coli [ 22 ].The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among fecal E. coli isolates may be attributed to the transmission of resistant bacteria or resistance plasmids from poultry to poultry workers [ 23 ]. The selection of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is primarily attributable to the misuse of antibiotics, overcrowding, and poor sanitation practices in poultry farms [ 24 ].…”