Prevalence and risk factors for multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli among poultry workers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global health threat. Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli infections are associated with high morbidity and expenditure when compared with infections caused by susceptible strains. In Nigeria, antimicrobial drugs are readily available over-the-counter with potential for indiscriminate use by poultry farmers and eventual development of drug resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence and risk factors for multi-drug resistant E. coli among poultry workers (PW) in Abuja, Nigeria. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 122 randomly selected apparently healthy poultry workers (poultry-farmers/ sellers) in Municipal and Kuje Area Councils from December 2018 to April 2019. Data was collected on socio-demographics and exposure factors using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. E. coli was isolated and identified from stool samples of poultry workers. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials. Data was analyzed by computing proportions, prevalence odds-ratios (POR) and logistic regression at 5% significance level. Results Among PW, there were 121 males (99.2%). Mean age of the male workers was 30.6 ± 9.7years, 54.6% (n = 66) married, 57.9% (n = 70) had secondary education and 62.0%

Genetic relatedness of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from humans, chickens and poultry environments

“…The IncQ1 plasmids were detected in isolates with ST-48 recovered from chickens and poultry farm environment harbouring the sul2 genes that confer sulphonamide resistance and this is consistent with reports of other studies [43,48]. The poor biosecurity measures, unhygienic practices in poultry farms and LBMs, and occupational exposure of over ten years are factors that predispose these humans to get infected with these drug-resistant bacterial strains [3].…”

“…Continuous administration of antimicrobial agents to chickens for prophylaxis, therapeutic, or growth promotion purposes increases the antibiotic selection pressure for resistance in the bacteria [23]. Our recent publication demonstrates that occupational exposure over ten years to chickens on poultry farms or LBMs was a risk factor for MDR E. coli among poultry workers in Abuja [3].…”

“…Our current study was part of bigger research that explored MDR E. coli in humans, chickens, and the poultry farm/market environment. An aspect of this research exploring the risk factors for MDR E. coli among poultry workers has already been previously published [3]. In this present study, we characterized 110 E. coli isolates recovered from poultry workers, chickens, and poultry farm/ LBM environment in Abuja, Nigeria to investigate the prevalence and genetic relatedness of MDR E. coli from these sources.…”

“…We characterized 110 E. coli strains isolated from the stool of apparently healthy poultry workers, faecal samples obtained from chickens as well as from poultry litter and water obtained from farm and LBM environments. The sample collection procedures, isolation of E. coli from these samples, and antimicrobial susceptibility pro ling of E. coli using the disk diffusion method have been described previously [3].…”

Genetic relatedness of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from humans, chickens and poultry environments

“…This scenario further deteriorates in the animal health sector in Nigeria because of the increasing number of farmers who practice self-prescription as well as self-administration of antimicrobials [5,20]. Poultry farmers have easy access to antimicrobials that are available over-thecounter without prescription [3] and evidence shows that farmers administer the antimicrobials repeatedly against non-responsive infections [20,21]. These actions by the farmers further promote the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant foodborne pathogens with serious implications on public health [22].…”