Detection of ESBL-Producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> and Methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> from Poultry Farms and Feed Shops in Zaria

Abstract

An increase in small-scale poultry farming, especially in developing countries, increases the risk of inappropriate antibiotic use and the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This study assessed the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of E. coli and S. aureus isolated from different samples (poultry feed, litter, water, and air) from six small poultry farms and three feed-retail shops in Zaria, Kaduna. Selective isolation and characterization, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and screening for ESBL-production (E. coli) and methicillin resistance (S. aureus) were conducted. 8.33% (3/36) and 37.5% (18/48) of E. coli and S. aureus were ESBL- E. coli and MRSA, respectively. ESBL- E. coli were isolated only from litter samples, while for MRSA, 66.7% (12/18), 27% (5/18), and 5.6% (1/18) originated from feed samples from all poultry farms and feed retail shops, litter of four poultry farms, and air of the one poultry farm, respectively. MDR was exhibited by 100%, 41.6%, and 25.0% of E. coli isolates from feed, litter, and water, respectively. For S. aureus, MDR was observed in 91.7%, 58.3%, 33.3%, and 16.7% of isolates from water, feed, air, and litter, respectively. 50-100% of E. coli from feed exhibited high MDR to beta-lactams, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and sulphonamide. Most S. aureus from feeds and air exhibited higher resistance to beta-lactams than to other antibiotics. Poultry litter and feeds were major sources of ESBL-E. coli and MRSA, respectively, and thus pose potential risks of AMR dissemination in the farm environment and among livestock workers. AMR surveillance in livestock settings is required for effective control measures.