EXTENDED SPECTRUM Β-LACTAMASE PRODUCING <i>ESCHERICHIA COLI</i> IN DISEASED CHICKENS FROM COMMERCIAL FARMS IN NORTHWEST, NIGERIA

The Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (ESBL - E. coli) - as a global indicator to monitor the success in curbing the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and its potential to transfer resistance to other gut bacteria, and its ease of culture especially in resource-poor settings in Africa. This study was carried out to investigate the extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL - E. coli) in diseased chickens from commercial farms in Sokoto and Kebbi States. A total of 450 cloacal swabs were collected, screened and analyzed using standard culture, isolation biochemical characterization, and molecular techniques. Three hundred and seventy 370 (82.2%) were positive to culture and isolation while one hundred and four 104 (23.1%) were positive to biochemical tests. Following polymerase chain reaction techniques only one hundred and one 101 (22.4%) isolates were confirmed Escherichia coli. Screening and Detection of ESBL Producing E. coli Isolates in Diseased Chickens from Sokoto and Kebbi States. Following sensitivity testing two (0.4 %) isolates were found to be resistant to cefotaxime and ceftazidime. The double disk synergy test of this isolate displayed a zone of inhibition closed to amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (AUG 20+10 μg) in these two isolates suggestive of ESBL production. Molecular detection of blaCTX was observed in all the two isolates while blaSHV, and blaTEM are negative. This Low (0.4 %) ESBL-producing-EC may be due to low usages of cefotaxime, ceftazidime in the study areas and these are critically important antimicrobials agents. Factors such as antibiotic use, farm management practices, and horizontal gene transfer could be responsible for the emergence of ESBL-producing bacteria. The occurrence of ESBL in E. coli has always been associated with resistance to other classes of antibiotics, especially tetracycline. Continuous monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance patterns in poultry farms should be conducted to track emerging resistant strains and guide appropriate interventions. Further research should be conducted to understand the mechanisms and spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli in poultry, as well as their potential public health impact.