Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated From Healthy Livestock in Umuahia
Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated From Healthy Livestock in Umuahia

Summary/Abstract: The use of antimicrobials in animal farming is considered the most important factor promoting the emergence, selection, and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolated from healthy livestock. A total of 240 samples were collected from four different livestock: sheep (60), cattle (60), goats (60), and poultry (60). The faecal sample was aseptically inoculated onto a MacConkey agar plate and incubated overnight at 37 °C. The isolate was identified as E. coli based on its characteristic colony morphology on MacConkey agar, with lactose fermentation and pink-coloured colonies. The Presumptive E. coli colonies were again cultured on Eosin-methylene-blue (EMB) agar. The disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates using ten (10) antimicrobial agents. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of resistance genes of interest, particularly blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX. Seven (7) isolates were selected, including three isolates from cows (C1, C2, C3), two isolates from goats (G4 and G5) and two (2) isolates from poultry (P1 and P3). blaCTX was detected in C5 but absent in C1 and C2. blaTEM and blaSHV were detected in C1, C2 and C5. blaTEM and blaSHV were detected in G4, while blaTEM was detected in G5 only. Moreso, blaTEM was detected in P1, while both blaTEM and blaSHV were present in P3. The presence of these resistance genes in the isolates would promote the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance, threatening public health.

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