Isolation and characterisation of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli from Cloacal samples of broilers

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in poultry farms of Kozhikode district, Kerala. Cloacal swab samples (N=20) were collected from three broiler farms, with five samples taken from birds aged 11, 28, 36, and 41 days. Samples were processed for E. coli isolation and identification, with molecular confirmation by polymerase chain reaction using uidA gene. Out of 20 samples, 17 showed typical green metallic sheen colonies, of which 16 (94.11%) were confirmed positive by polymerase chain reaction. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that 10 isolates (62.5%) were multidrug-resistant, showing (100%) resistance to tetracycline, followed by resistance to ampicillin (62.5%), enrofloxacin (56.25%), erythromycin (50%), cotrimoxazole (43.75%), doxycycline (37.5%), streptomycin (18.75%), and cefotaxime/clavulanic acid (6.25%).The high antibiotic resistance in E. coli poses risks to poultry health and potential human transmission, highlighting the need for strict biosecurity, responsible antibiotic use, and effective monitoring in poultry production.