Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichiacoli and Salmonella isolated from retail broiler chicken carcasses in Zambia

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of foodborne pathogens is of public health concern, especially in developing countries such as Zambia. This study was undertaken to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella isolated from retail broiler chicken carcasses purchased from open markets and supermarkets in Zambia. A total of 189 E. coli and five Salmonella isolates were isolated. Identification and confirmation of the isolates were done using Analytical Profile Index (API 20E) (Biomerieux®) and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion technique using a panel of 9 antibiotics. WHONET 2018 software was used to analyze AST results. The E. coli isolates were mostly resistant to tetracycline (79.4%), ampicillin (51.9%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (49.7%). Two of the five Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. This study has demonstrated the presence of AMR E. coli and Salmonella on retail broiler chicken carcasses from open markets and supermarkets, which is of public health concern.

Determination of antimicrobial resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolates from farm workers in broiler poultry production and assessment of antibiotic resistance awareness levels among poultry farmers in Lusaka, Zambia

“…Phiri et al observed the prevalence of AMR to be 94.6% and resistance to tetracycline (81.4%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (65.4%), and ampicillin (72.9%) among E. coli isolates from broilers at abattoirs and open markets ( 11 ). Similarly, Muligisa-Muonga et al found prevalence of AMR to be 88% and resistance to tetracycline (79.4%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (49.7%), and ampicillin (51.9%) of E. coli isolates from retail broiler carcasses ( 12 ).…”

“…Broiler chickens traded on the market were either processed at a recognized slaughter facility or at the home of the farmer, particularly done by back yard farmers. Chickens processed at home posed a relatively higher risk of carrying AMR pathogens than those processed in a slaughter facility because of increased likelihood of cross-contamination resulting from unhygienic processing conditions ( 11 , 12 , 34 ). The cross contamination and spread of AMR microorganisms to the environment and the public, in general, could also be due to the marketing of live birds at local open markets and roadside stalls, with limited sanitation, where humans and food animals interface ( 38 – 41 ).…”

“…Studies conducted in Zambia, including Lusaka Province on AMR in broiler chickens, showed E. coli resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim ( 11 , 12 ). Phiri et al observed the prevalence of AMR to be 94.6% and resistance to tetracycline (81.4%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (65.4%), and ampicillin (72.9%) among E. coli isolates from broilers at abattoirs and open markets ( 11 ).…”

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia: implications and significance on one health

“… 65 Besides, E. coli isolates from wildlife and livestock were highly resistant to ampicillin (27%), ceftazidime (14.3%), cefotaxime (9.5%) and kanamycin (9.5%). 66 In these animal species, a prevalence of 36.5% MDR was reported in broilers 63 % and 18.8% in wildlife. 66 However, the study of the prevalence and AMR profiles of E. coli isolated from laying hens in Zambia was not reported prior to this study.…”

“…In Zambia, antimicrobial-resistant E. coli have been isolated from humans, 61 , 62 broiler chickens, 63 , 64 dairy 65 and wildlife and livestock. 66 In broilers, E. coli , was observed to be resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin, whereas, in dairy, it was resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin.…”