Molecular prevalence and resistance profile of <i>Escherichia coli</i> from poultry in Niger State, Nigeria

Globally, Escherichia coli (E. coli) are an important cause of foodborne illness and a public health threat, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and resistance of E. coli to commonly used antibiotics in poultry farms in Niger State. A total of 164 samples were collected, consisting of 82 each of fresh and fecal dust from visited farms. E. coli was isolated by culture, characterized using biochemical methods, and molecular confirmation was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subsequently, confirmed isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The total prevalence of 6.1% (10/164) was obtained by PCR. Dust samples 12.2% (10/82) have a statistically significant (p<0.001) higher prevalence as compared to fecal samples with no E. coli detection at all. Notably, all isolates were 100.0 % resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. A high rate of resistance was found to tetracycline (90.0%), trimethoprim (70 %), sulphonamide (70 %), nalidixic acid (50.0 %) and moderate resistance to ciprofloxacin (40.0%), chloramphenicol (40.0%) and gentamicin (40.0%). Remarkably, 70 % of the isolates were multidrug resistant and also, 20 % of the isolates were pan-drug resistant (PDR). Antimicrobial stewardship from relevant authorities and farmers, especially in combination with educational activities and public awareness campaigns, will help reduce the increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance.