Diarrheagenic, multidrug-resistant, and ESBL-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> in poultry products

Escherichia coli is a significant pathogen associated with foodborne outbreaks. This study investigated the presence of diarrheagenic, antimicrobial-resistant, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli in free-range poultry products in a tropical region. MALDI-TOF/VITEK® 2 system and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assays were used to detect E. coli, phenotypical antimicrobial resistance profile, virulence, and β-lactam genes. Escherichia coli was identified in 92.3% of poultry meat samples (24/26) and 15.8% of egg samples (6/38 pools). Of these isolates, 60% (18/30) were characterized as diarrheagenic E. coli. The findings revealed a high prevalence of diarrheagenic E. coli strains, including hybrid pathotypes (38.9%, 7/18). Of the 30 (46.7%) E. coli strains, 14 strains showed phenotypic antimicrobial resistance, with 35.7% (5/14) classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). In addition, 26.7% (8/30) showed phenotypic ESBL production, and 46.7% (14/30) amplified β-lactam resistance genes. Our results highlight the potential contribution to foodborne diseases and emergence of antimicrobial resistance through the dissemination of diarrheagenic, MDR, and ESBL-producing E. coli. This underscores the urgent need to adopt a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.