Antimicrobial Resistance of E. Coli in Commercial Broiler

Naseer Ahmed; Umair Ahmed; Muzaib Asim; Zeeshan Haider; Saqib Iqbal; Sadaf Ilyas; Riaz Ali; Muhammad Ali Abdullah Shah; Muhammad Kamran; Iqra Aslam

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i9.2273

Authors

Naseer Ahmed Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Umair Ahmed Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Muzaib Asim Department of Applied Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Zeeshan Haider Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Saqib Iqbal Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Sadaf Ilyas Department of Zoology, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan
Riaz Ali Research Officer, Poultry Research Institute, Jaba Mansehra, KPK, Pakistan
Muhammad Ali Abdullah Shah Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Kamran Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
Iqra Aslam Department of Applied Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i9.2273

Keywords:

Escherichia coli (E. coli), Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Multidrug resistance (MDR), Poultry farms, Clavulanic acid, Disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer).

Abstract

The antimicrobial resistance profile of E. coli isolates from cloacal and intestinal swabs of broilers in commercial poultry farms was studied. Susceptibility to nine antibiotic discs: amoxicillin (AML), clavulanic acid (CLA), enrofloxacin (ENR), gentamicin (GEN), oxytetracycline (OTC), trimethoprim (TMP), ciprofloxacin (CIP), doxycycline (DO) and tylosin (TYL) was tested on 50 isolates using the disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). There was significant variance in the level of antibiotic efficiency, with the highest mean inhibition zone diameter recorded for Clavulanic Acid (20.21 mm) and the least for doxycycline (8.23 mm), suggesting high susceptibility and resistance. ANOVA indicated significant differences between antibiotics (F = 12.52, p < 0.000001), and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test confirmed that Clavulanic Acid performed the best against other drugs. Multidrug resistance (MDR) (resistance to three or more antibiotics) was detected in 64.6% of isolates, with serious consequences for animal and public health. The researchers concluded that the high levels of resistance combined with the plasmid-mediated transfer of resistance make resistance treatment in the poultry sector a priority for responsible antibiotic use, farm-level interventions, and continued research on resistance mechanisms, environmental determinants of resistance, and alternatives to antibiotics.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

1. Abd Elatiff, Asmaa, A El-Sawah, Azza, M Amer, Mohamed, M Dahshan, Al-Hussein, & AS Shany, Salama. (2019). Serogrouping and resistance gene detection in avian pathogenic E. coli isolated from broiler chickens. Journal of Veterinary Medical Research, 26(1), 48-54.

https://doi.org/10.21608/jvmr.2019.43333

2. Aberkane, Chahrazed, Messaï, Ahmed, Messaï, Chafik Redha, & Boussaada, Tarek. (2023). Antimicrobial resistance pattern of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli with detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing isolates in broilers in east Algeria. Veterinary World, 16(3), 449.

https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.449-454

3. Agunos, Agnes, Deckert, Anne, Léger, David, Gow, Sheryl, & Carson, Carolee. (2019). Antimicrobials used for the therapy of necrotic enteritis and coccidiosis in broiler chickens and turkeys in Canada, farm surveillance results (2013–2017). Avian Diseases, 63(3), 433-445.

https://doi.org/10.1637/11971-091718-reg.1

4. Ahmed Alrasheed, Amel, Ahmed Alrasheid, Ayat, Mohamed Abdalla, Wafaa, Mohammed Saeed, Samar, & Haidar Ahmed, Hind. (2023). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and phytochemical analysis of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Pod and Thymus vulgaris L. leaf ethanolic extracts on escherichia coli urinary isolates. International Journal of Microbiology, 2023(1), 4171547.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4171547

5. Aklilu, Erkihun, Harun, Azian, & Singh, Kirnpal Kaur Banga. (2022). Molecular characterization of bla NDM, bla OXA-48, mcr-1 and bla TEM-52 positive and concurrently carbapenem and colistin resistant and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in chicken in Malaysia. BMC Veterinary Research, 18(1), 190.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-022-03292-7

6. Al-Mustapha, Ahmad Ibrahim, Alada, Shafi Abdullah, Raufu, Ibrahim Adisa, Lawal, Adedeji Nurudeen, Eskola, Katarina, Brouwer, Michael SM, . . . Heikinheimo, Annamari. (2022). Co-occurrence of antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genes in extensively drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from broilers in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Journal of global antimicrobial resistance, 31, 337-344.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2022.11.002

7. Al Azad, Muha Ajijur Rahman, Rahman, Md Masudur, Amin, Ruhul, Begum, Mst Ismat Ara, Fries, Reinhard, Husna, Asmaul, . . . Lampang, Kannika Na. (2019). Susceptibility and multidrug resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from cloacal swabs of live broiler chickens in Bangladesh. Pathogens, 8(3), 118.

https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens8030118

8. Alam, Gazi Sofiul, Hassan, Mohammad Mahmudul, Ahaduzzaman, Md, Nath, Chandan, Dutta, Pronesh, Khanom, Hamida, . . . Magalhaes, Ricardo Soares. (2023). molecular detection of tetracycline-resistant genes in multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from broiler meat in Bangladesh. Antibiotics, 12(2), 418.

9. Amancha, Geovanna, Celis, Yamile, Irazabal, Jorge, Falconi, Mercy, Villacis, Karla, Thekkur, Pruthu, . . . Verdonck, Kristien. (2023). High levels of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella from poultry in Ecuador. Revista Panamericana de Salud Publica, 47, e15.

https://doi.org/10.26633/rpsp.2023.15

10. Amer, Mohamed M, Mekky, Hoda M, Amer, Aziza M, & Fedawy, Hanaa S. (2018). Antimicrobial resistance genes in pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from diseased broiler chickens in Egypt and their relationship with the phenotypic resistance characteristics. Veterinary World, 11(8), 1082.

https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2018.1082-1088

11. Anwar Sani, Rianna, Sunandar, Sunandar, Rachmawati, Annisa, Pertela, Gian, Susanti, Oli, Rahayu, Kanti Puji, . . . Jahja, Elvina J. (2024). Antimicrobial Usage and Antimicrobial Resistance in Commensal Escherichia coli from Broiler Farms: A Farm-Level Analysis in West Java, Indonesia. Antibiotics, 13(12), 1181.

12. Aworh, Mabel Kamweli, Kwaga, Jacob KP, Hendriksen, Rene S, Okolocha, Emmanuel C, Harrell, Erin, & Thakur, Siddhartha. (2023). Quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli at the interface between humans, poultry and their shared environment-a potential public health risk. One Health Outlook, 5(1), 2.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42522-023-00079-0

13. Azizi, Mohammad Naeem, Zahir, Ahmadullah, Mahaq, Obaidullah, & Aminullah, Noor. (2024). The alternatives of antibiotics in poultry production for reducing antimicrobial resistance. World Vet. J, 14(2), 270-283.

14. Benameur, Qada, Gervasi, Teresa, Dahloum, Lahouari, Rechidi‐Sidhoum, Nadra, Boutaiba Benklaouz, Meki, & Yakubu, Abdulmojeed. (2023). Multidrug‐resistant Escherichia coli isolated from cleaned and disinfected poultry houses prior to day‐old chick placement (0047-2425). Retrieved from

https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20456

15. Benameur, Qada, Tali-Maamar, Hassiba, Assaous, Farida, Guettou, Badia, Rahal, Kheira, & Ben-Mahdi, Meriem-Hind. (2019). Detection of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli in the ovaries of healthy broiler breeders with emphasis on extended-spectrum β-lactamases producers. Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases, 64, 163-167.

16. Bessalah, Salma, Khorchani, Touhami, Hammadi, Mohamed, Faraz, Asim, & Mustafa, Ayman Balla. (2023). Inhibitory potential of natural plant extracts against Escherichia coli strain isolated from diarrheic camel calves. Open Veterinary Journal, 13(9), 1082–1090-1082–1090.

https://doi.org/10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i9.3

17. Bhargavi, Dadimi, Sahu, Radhakrishna, Nishanth, Maria Anto Dani, Doijad, Swapnil Prakash, Niveditha, Pollumahanti, Kumar, Obli Rajendran Vinodh, . . . Vergis, Jess. (2023). Genetic diversity and risk factor analysis of drug-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from broiler chicken farms. Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases, 93, 101929.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101929

18. Biswas, Ripan, Debnath, Chanchal, Bandyopadhyay, Samiran, & Samanta, Indranil. (2022). One Health approaches adapted in low resource settings to address antimicrobial resistance. Science in One Health, 1, 100011.

19. Chaitanya, S. (2024). Pathology and molecular characterisation of immunosuppressive viral pathogens in chickens. Maharashtra animal and fishery sciences university,

20. Chan, Kok-Gan. (2016). Whole-genome sequencing in the prediction of antimicrobial resistance. Expert review of anti-infective therapy, 14(7), 617-619.

https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2016.1193005

21. Choudhari, Pradhnya, Ghodasara, Dinesh J, Kabariya, Digjay V, Bhanderi, Bharat B, & Momin, Sohilabbas G. (2020). Isolation, antibiogram and molecular characterization of Escherichia coli in broiler flocks.

22. De Jong, Anno, El Garch, Farid, Hocquet, Didier, Prenger-Berninghoff, Ellen, Dewulf, Jeroen, Migura-Garcia, Lourdes, . Skarzynska, Magdalena. (2022). European-wide antimicrobial resistance monitoring in commensal Escherichia coli isolated from healthy food animals between 2004 and 2018. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 77(12), 3301-3311.

https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkac318

23. De Koster, Sien, Ringenier, Moniek, Lammens, Christine, Stegeman, Arjan, Tobias, Tijs, Velkers, Francisca, . . . Dewulf, Jeroen. (2021). ESBL-producing, carbapenem-and ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli in Belgian and Dutch broiler and pig farms: a cross-sectional and cross-border study. Antibiotics, 10(8), 945.

24. del Pilar Díaz, María, & Paya, Gustavo Gratiniano González. (2018). Colibacilosis en gallinas reproductoras. Revista Sistemas de Producción Agroecológicos, 9(2), 52-76.

https://doi.org/10.22579/22484817.717

25. Diaz Carrasco, Juan M, Casanova, Natalia A, & Fernández Miyakawa, Mariano E. (2019). Microbiota, gut health and chicken productivity: what is the connection? Microorganisms, 7(10), 374.

26. Ebrahem, Amera F, El-Demerdash, Azza S, Orady, Rania M, & Nabil, Nehal M. (2024). Modulatory effect of competitive exclusion on the transmission of ESBL E. coli in chickens. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 16(3), 1087-1098.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-023-10095-1

27. Furusawa, Minori, Widgren, Stefan, Evers, Eric G, & Fischer, Egil AJ. (2024). Quantifying health risks from ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in Dutch broiler production chains and potential interventions using compartmental models. Preventive veterinary medicine, 224, 106121.

28. Guastalli, Elisabete Aparecida Lopes, Buim, Marcos Roberto, Guastalli, Bruno Henrique Lopes, & Ávila, Fernando Antonio de. (2018). Avaliação da patogenicidade in vivo e do perfil de resistência antimicrobiana de amostras de Escherichia coli isoladas de galinhas de postura comercial. Arquivos do Instituto Biológico, 85, e0112016.

https://doi.org/10.1590/1808-1657v77p1532010

29. Gunawardana, Thushari, Ahmed, Khawaja Ashfaque, Popowich, Shelly, Kurukulasuriya, Shanika, Lockerbie, Betty, Karunarathana, Ruwani, . . . Gomis, Susantha. (2022). Comparison of therapeutic antibiotics, probiotics, and synthetic CpG-ODNs for protective efficacy against Escherichia coli lethal infection and impact on the immune system in neonatal broiler chickens. Avian Diseases, 66(2), 165-175.

30. Hashem, M Abo, El-Mahallawy, HS, Moursi, M, Abd El-Fattah, R, & Enany, M. (2022). Beta-lactam and Fluoroquinolone Resistant Extraintestinal Escherichia coli from Broiler Chickens and Ducks: Public Health Threat. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 73(4), 4689-4696.

https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.27341

31. Hasona, Ibtisam Faeq, Helmy, Salwa Mahmoud, & El Gamal, Adel Mohammad. (2023). Prevalence, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chickens in Egypt. Paper presented at the Veterinary Research Forum.

32. Huber, Laura, Agunos, Agnes, Gow, Sheryl P, Carson, Carolee A, & Van Boeckel, Thomas P. (2021). Reduction in antimicrobial use and resistance to Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli in broiler chickens, Canada, 2013–2019. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 27(9), 2434.

https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2709.204395

33. Ibrahim, Nelima, Boyen, Filip, Mohsin, Md Abu Shoieb, Ringenier, Moniek, Berge, Anna Catharina, Chantziaras, Ilias, Dewulf, Jeroen. (2023). Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and its correlation with antimicrobial use on commercial poultry farms in Bangladesh. Antibiotics, 12(9), 1361.

34. Ifedinezi, Onyinye Victoria, Nnaji, Nnabueze Darlington, Anumudu, Christian Kosisochukwu, Ekwueme, Chiemerie Theresa, Uhegwu, Chijioke Christopher, Ihenetu, Francis Chukwuebuka, . . . Onyeaka, Helen. (2024). Environmental antimicrobial resistance: implications for food safety and public health. Antibiotics, 13(11), 1087.

35. Ilyas, Sana, Rasool, Muhammad Hidayat, Arshed, Muhammad Javed, Qamar, Muhammad Usman, Aslam, Bilal, Almatroudi, Ahmad, & Khurshid, Mohsin. (2021). The Escherichia coli sequence type 131 harboring extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases genes from poultry birds. Infection and Drug Resistance, 805-813.

https://doi.org/10.2147/idr.s296219

36. Islam, Md Saiful, Hossain, Md Jannat, Sobur, Md Abdus, Punom, Sadia Afrin, Rahman, AMM Taufiquer, & Rahman, Md Tanvir. (2023). A systematic review on the occurrence of antimicrobial‐resistant Escherichia coli in poultry and poultry environments in Bangladesh between 2010 and 2021. BioMed Research International, 2023(1), 2425564.

37. Jama-Kmiecik, Agnieszka, Sarowska, Jolanta, Frej-Mądrzak, Magdalena, & Choroszy-Król, Irena. (2020). Zakażenia wywołane przez pozajelitowe patogenne szczepy E. coli–rozprzestrzenianie się oporności na antybiotyki poprzez produkty spożywcze. Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej, 74, 399-405.

38. Jassim, Wafa Muhammed, & M. Shareef, Aqeel. (2023). Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli Isolated From Broiler Chickens with Colibacillosis in Duhok Province. Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences.

https://doi.org/10.21608/ejvs.2022.156403.1383

39. Kanokudom, Sitthichai, Assawakongkarat, Thachaporn, Akeda, Yukihiro, Ratthawongjirakul, Panan, Chuanchuen, Rungtip, & Chaichanawongsaroj, Nuntaree. (2021). Rapid detection of extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolated from fresh pork meat and pig cecum samples using multiplex recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow strip analysis. PloS one, 16(3), e0248536.

40. Koga, Vanessa L, Scandorieiro, Sara, Vespero, Eliana C, Oba, Alexandre, de Brito, Benito G, de Brito, Kelly CT, . . . Kobayashi, Renata KT. (2015). Comparison of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors among Escherichia coli isolated from conventional and free‐range poultry. BioMed Research International, 2015(1), 618752.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/618752

41. Laopiem, Sudtisa, Witoonsatian, Kriangkrai, Kulprasetsri, Sittinee, Panomwan, Pun, Pathomchai-Umporn, Chutima, Kamtae, Raktipon, Sinwat, Nuananong. (2025). Antimicrobial resistance, virulence gene profiles, and phylogenetic groups of Escherichia coli isolated from healthy broilers and broilers with colibacillosis in Thailand. BMC Veterinary Research, 21(1), 160.

42. Lemlem, Mulu, Aklilu, Erkihun, Mohammed, Maizan, Kamaruzzaman, Fadhilah, Zakaria, Zunita, Harun, Azian, & Devan, Susmita Seenu. (2023). Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli in broiler chicken farms in Malaysia. PloS one, 18(5), e0285743.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285743

43. Li, Jun, Hao, Haihong, Dai, Menghong, Zhang, Heying, Ning, Jianan, Cheng, Guyue, . . . Yuan, Zonghui. (2019). Resistance and virulence mechanisms of Escherichia coli selected by enrofloxacin in chicken. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 63(5), 10.1128/aac. 01824-01818.

44. Li, Zugang, Jia, Chaoying, Hu, Zizhe, Jin, Yancheng, Li, Tianzhi, Zhang, Xiaoxue, . . . Wang, Xiangru. (2024). Antimicrobial Resistance and Genomic Characteristics of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from the Poultry Industry in Henan Province, China. Microorganisms, 12(3), 575.

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030575

45. Limbachiya, Bhargav B, Mathakiya, Rafiyuddin A, Patel, Krishna J, & Joddha, Harshrajsinh B. (2022). Determination of antibiotic susceptibility of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Indian J. Vet. Sci. Biotechnol, 18(4), 26-31.

46. Lin, Tongtong, Zhang, Jiayuan, Diao, Shuo, Yan, Jinke, Zhang, Kexin, Cao, Jichao, . . . Shen, Xiaopeng. (2025). The impact of aztreonam–clavulanic acid exposure on gene expression and mutant selection using a multidrug-resistant E. coli. Microbiology Spectrum, e01782-01724.

https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01782-24

47. Lv, Chao, Shang, Jun, Zhang, Wengang, Sun, Bingqing, Li, Min, Guo, Chaoyi, . . . Zhu, Yongzhang. (2022). Dynamic antimicrobial resistant patterns of Escherichia coli from healthy poultry and swine over 10 years in Chongming Island, Shanghai. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 11(05), 50-62.

48. Mallioris, Panagiotis, Teunis, Gijs, Lagerweij, Giske, Joosten, Philip, Dewulf, Jeroen, Wagenaar, Jaap A, . . . Mughini-Gras, Lapo. (2023). Biosecurity and antimicrobial use in broiler farms across nine European countries: toward identifying farm-specific options for reducing antimicrobial usage. Epidemiology & Infection, 151, e13.

https://doi.org/10.1017/s0950268822001960

49. Martínez-Álvarez, Sandra, Sanz, Susana, Olarte, Carmen, Hidalgo-Sanz, Raquel, Carvalho, Isabel, Fernández-Fernández, Rosa, . . . Torres, Carmen. (2022). Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli from the broiler farm environment, with detection of SHV-12-producing isolates. Antibiotics, 11(4), 444.

https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11040444

50. McIver, Katherine S, Amoako, Daniel Gyamfi, Abia, Akebe Luther King, Bester, Linda A, Chenia, Hafizah Y, & Essack, Sabiha Y. (2020). Molecular epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli from farm-to-fork in intensive poultry production in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Antibiotics, 9(12), 850.

https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9120850

51. Mesa-Varona, Octavio, Mader, Rodolphe, Velasova, Martina, Madec, Jean-Yves, Granier, Sophie A, Perrin-Guyomard, Agnes, . . . Jouy, Eric. (2021). Comparison of phenotypical antimicrobial resistance between clinical and non-clinical E. coli isolates from Broilers, Turkeys and Calves in four European countries. Microorganisms, 9(4), 678.

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040678

52. Mgaya, Fauster X, Matee, Mecky I, Muhairwa, Amandus P, & Hoza, Abubakar S. (2021). Occurrence of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli in raw meat and cloaca swabs in poultry processed in slaughter slabs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Antibiotics, 10(4), 343.

https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10040343

53. Mtemisika, Conjester I, Nyawale, Helmut, Benju, Ronald J, Genchwere, Joseph M, Silago, Vitus, Mushi, Martha F, . . . Mshana, Stephen E. (2022). Epidemiological cut-off values and multidrug resistance of escherichia coli isolated from domesticated poultry and pigs reared in mwanza, Tanzania: a cross-section study. Animals, 12(7), 835.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12070835

54. Mudenda, Steward, Bumbangi, Flavien Nsoni, Yamba, Kaunda, Munyeme, Musso, Malama, Sydney, Mukosha, Moses, . . . Siluchali, Godfrey. (2023). Drivers of antimicrobial resistance in layer poultry farming: evidence from high prevalence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and enterococci in Zambia. Veterinary World, 16(9), 1803.

https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.1803-1814

55. Mudenda, Steward, Malama, Sydney, Munyeme, Musso, Hang’ombe, Bernard Mudenda, Mainda, Geoffrey, Kapona, Otridah, . . . Mfune, Ruth Lindizyani. (2022). Awareness of antimicrobial resistance and associated factors among layer poultry farmers in Zambia: implications for surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs. Antibiotics, 11(3), 383.

https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11030383