Antimicrobial resistance Profile of bacterial pathogens isolated from bovine bulk milk in Mekelle city,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an ever-increasing threat to global public health. Nowadays, clinically important bacteria are characterized not only by a single but also by multiple Antimicrobial resistance. Such multidrug resistant microorganisms are becoming a global challenge. The exact magnitude of Antimicrobial resistance is not well studied in Ethiopia but disjointed reports are common. The public health risk is expected to increase considering low awareness of the community, limited access to drug and veterinary service, poor regulatory status, and illegal veterinary drug circulation. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess zoonotic bacteria pathogen isolates from bovine bulk-milk and to determine their drug resistance profile. Fifty (50) bulk milk samples were collected from purposively selected dairy farms, and used for isolation and identification of E. coli and Salmonella species. Subsequent determination of antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out against those isolates. Among the 50 milk samples, 15 (30%), 18 (36%) and 16 (32%) were found infected with Salmonella, E.coli and other bacterial species, respectively. Both Salmonella and E.coli isolates were 100% resistant to Erythromycin. However, they were 62.5%, 37.5% and 12.5% susceptible to Tetracyclines, Sulphonamides and Penicillin G, respectively. The questionnaire has revealed that 90% of the respondents have practiced self-prescribing and administering of drugs to animals. Moreover, about 80% of the respondents did not have idea about drug resistance. This indicates the need for public education about rational use of veterinary drugs, zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Besides, strategic monitoring and evaluation seems crucial to overcome the existing gaps on the study area.