Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Escherichia coli isolated from food producing small ruminants and their environment in Awadh region of U. P.

Abstract

Nowadays antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and emergence of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics especially in Enterobacteriaceae is a major cause of concern. Unregulated and insufficient use of antibiotics in animal leads to emergence of multi-drug resistance (MDR) bacteria, posing significant public health threats. In present study, total 200 samples were collected from Ayodhya and Barabanki districts of Awadh region of U.P. Total 46.5% isolates were confirmed as E. coli by PCR analysis using species specific uspA gene with highest 60.0% from goat faecal samples followed by 56.0%, 40.0%, 36.0% and 28.0% from sheep faecal, environmental floor swab, chevon and water samples respectively while 74.19% and 72.04% isolates were confirmed as ESBL producer by DDST and ESBL E-strip tests respectively. Genotypic analysis revealed the overall prevalence of bla-_CTX-M-1 (72.91%) followed by bla-_TEM and bla-_SHV with 43.75% and 29.17% respectively. Antibiogram of all phenotypically confirmed E. coli isolates was done against 20 antibiotics of 12 different classes, which revealed 76.47% to100% resistance against ampicillin, 3^rd and 4^th generation cephalosporins, while 100% sensitive to aminoglycosides, polymyxins B and chloramphenicol. Findings of this study suggest routine AMR monitoring of animal origin food, regulated use of antibiotics in food animals, awareness among stockholders and improved hygiene practices even small herds of sheep and goat and meat shops. Thus a comprehensive one health strategy is need of hour to control AMR and secure food safety and public health.