The prevalence of extended spectrum β–lactamase producing E. coli isolated from chickens in El-sharkia Governorate

Abstract

E. coli producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in poultry has a major concern due to the possible transmission between them and human that may cause a public health threat. Our study is directed to estimate the prevalence of resistance pattern and characterization of ESBL producibility and genes in E. coli isolated from chicken respiratory tract from chiken farms in El-Sharkia Governorate. 250 samples from 50 chicken farms were collected. Isolation and identification of E. coli serotypes were performed. In addition, Antibiotic Resistance Profile (ARP) against β-lactam antibiotics, ESBL phenotypic screening and PCR for ESBL genes; SHV and TEM, were done. The results showed that 140 isolates out of 250 total isolates (56%) were morphologically and biochemically positive for E. coli. Different serogroups of isolated E. coli exhibited high resistance rates against 14 antibiotics. 35.7 % of E coli isolates were recorded to be phenotypically ESBL-positive producing bacteria. Genotypically, ESBL genes including bla TEM and bla SHV genes were detected in 50 E. coli samples in (100%) and 30 (60%), respectively. In conclusion, the high prevalence of E. coli producing ESBL genes in poultry farms of El-Sharkia Governorate would account for economic and public health threat in the society.