Abstract
Zoonotic and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli (hereafter, E. coli) is a global public health threat which can lead to detrimental effects on human health. Here, we aim to investigate the antimicrobial resistance and the presence of mcr-1 gene in E. coli isolated from chicken feces. Ninety-four E. coli isolates were obtained from samples collected from different locations in Bangladesh, and the isolates were identified using conventional microbiological tests. Phenotypic disk diffusion tests using 20 antimicrobial agents were performed according to CLSI-EUCAST guidelines, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for a subset of samples. E. coli isolates showed high resistance to colistin (88.30%), ciprofloxacin (77.66%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (76.60%), tigecycline (75.53%), and enrofloxacin (71.28%). Additionally, the pathotype eaeA gene was confirmed in ten randomly selected E. coli isolates using primer-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence of mcr-1 gene was confirmed using PCR and sequencing analysis in six out of ten E. coli isolates. Furthermore, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed a similarity between the catalytic domain of Neisseria meningitidis lipooligosaccharide phosphoethanolamine transferase A (LptA) and MCR proteins, indicating that the six tested isolates were colistin resistant. Finally, the findings of the present study showed that E. coli isolated from chicken harbored mcr-1 gene, and multidrug and colistin resistance. These findings accentuate the need to implement strict measures to limit the imprudent use of antibiotics, particularly colistin, in agriculture and poultry farms.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health problem of increasing concerns
We focused on the antimicrobial resistance mcr-1 gene which causes colistin resistance
The biochemical reactions on triple sugar iron (TSI) agar slants were typical of E. coli
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health problem of increasing concerns. Antimicrobial use, on the other hand, leads to the development and consequent spread of AMR, which is a major global health issue [1]. Over 60% of all antibiotics produced are currently used in livestock production, including poultry [4]. The widespread use of important antimicrobials in animal production is likely to escalate the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens and commensal species. E. coli is a major pathogen with a wide range of importance in commercially raised poultry, causing significant economic losses [9]. According to a recent study, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in food-producing animals increased over the last decade. There is growing evidence linking poultry antimicrobial consumption to AMR in humans [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
