Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7 from chicken droppings produced by free ranged and poultry birds at different locations within Cross River State, Nigeria and their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. A total of 360 cloacal swab samples each were randomly collected from poultry (confined) and free ranged (unconfined) chickens. Standard cultural, biochemical, and serological (latex agglutination) methods were used to isolate <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disc diffusion method. Out of a total number of 360 anal swab samples collected from poultry and free-ranged chicken, 24 (6.67%) strayed and 7 (1.94%) poultry samples were positive for <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7 and the prevalence values differed significantly (<i>p<0.05</i>) among the group of birds. Values for age category among the free-ranged birds also differed significantly (<i>p</i><0.05) with strayed chicks (1-3weeks old) having highest value of 10.89%. Out of the 9 isolates screened, 8 (88.89%) were resistant to tetracycline, 7 (77.78%) to ampicillin and nitrofurantoin and 6 (66.67%) to chloramphenicol. All isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. This study reveals that the intestinal track of chicken harbors the bacterial pathogen hence interventions are needed to reduce transmission of <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7 via poultry products.
Highlights
Escherichia coli is documented as the most-studied bacterium [1]
Ojo et al confirmed the presence of E. coli O157:H7 strains in the faeces of poultry sampled from different farms in Nigeria [18]
A similar study conducted by [21] reported that out of 194 cloacae samples examined for E. coli O157:H7 from Poultry farms in Ethiopia, 13.4% were found to be positive for E. coli O157:H7
Summary
Escherichia coli is documented as the most-studied bacterium [1]. The primary and secondary habitats of Escherichia coli are the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. E. coli resides in the lower digestive tract, which it colonizes in the first 24h after hatching [2]. Poultry is a major fast growing source of food in the world today [5]. Poultry is an essential component of the Nigerian economy, providing income for small-scale farmers and a good source of high quality protein for the ever growing population of Nigeria. Poultry occupies a prominent position in the provision of animal protein and this account for about 25% of local meat production in Nigeria [6]
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