Antibiotic Resistance among Escherichia coli O‐serotypes from the Gut and Carcasses of Commercially Slaughtered Broiler Chickens: a Potential Public Health Hazard

Abstract

Presumptive coliform counts and the distribution of Escherichia coli O‐serotypes were investigated in chicken rectal contents (175) abdominal cavities (152) and on the carcasses of 44 which had been commercially raised, slaughtered and prepared for sale. Large numbers of E. coli resistant to at least one antibacterial agent were found at each site; comparison of the O‐serotypes suggested heavy contamination of the carcass with strains from the gut. The range of O‐serotypes was similar to that found in man and some public health implications of cross‐infection particularly by handling uncooked birds in the kitchen, are discussed.