Prevalence and antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains isolated from poultry farms in Azaguie, Côte d'Ivoire

Poultry farming, a promising sector in Côte d'Ivoire, is faced with a number of infectious diseases that are causing heavy losses at various stages of the value chain. The aim of this study is to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of Escherichia coli strains circulating in broiler farms in Azaguié, a locality in the south of Côte d'Ivoire. The methods used are isolation and phenotypic identification, antibiogram for bacterial sensitivity and synergy test for the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. Fifty-seven (57) strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from droppings from 14 broiler farms in Azaguié. The study of bacterial sensitivity showed high rates of resistance to amoxicilin + clavulanic acid (48.48%), ceftazidime (21.21%), gentamicin (60.61%), colistin (100%) and nalidixic acid (57.57%). However, low levels of resistance were obtained with Cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone, with a rate of 6.06%. These results show the importance of raising awareness among poultry farmers about the use of antibiotics in order to reduce the level of antimicrobial resistance in this region.