Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation by microbial pathogens pose a significant challenge to poultry production systems due to the persistent risk of dissemination and compromise of bird health and productivity. In this context, the study aimed to investigate the occurrence of different multiresistance phenotypes and the biofilm-forming ability of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from broiler chicken excreta in poultry production units in Ceará, Brazil. Samples were collected from three distinct broiler breeding facilities and subjected to isolation, identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, phenotypic screening for β-lactamases enzymes, and biofilm formation evaluation. Seventy-one strains were identified, being Escherichia coli (37%) and Proteus mirabilis (32%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11%), Providencia stuartii (9%), Klebsiella aerogenes (6%), Alcaligenes faecalis (4%), and Salmonella sp. (1%). A significant proportion (87%) of multiresistant strains were detected. For the phenotypic evaluation of β-lactamases production, strains with resistance to second and third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems were tested. About 4 of 6 and 10 of 26 were positive for inducible chromosomal AmpC β-lactamase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), respectively. Regarding biofilm formation, it was observed that all MDR strains were capable of forming biofilm. In this sense, the potential of these MDR bacteria to develop biofilms becomes a significant concern, representing a real threat to both human and animal health, as biofilms offer stability, antimicrobial protection, and facilitate genetic transfer.
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