Antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Escherichia coli from faeces of apparently healthy white fulani cattle (Bos indicus)

Abstract

Antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) from faecal samples of white Fulani cattle (Bos indicus) was determined in Anyigba, Kogi state. Sixty (60) faecal samples were collected from four Fulani settlements between February 2012 and July 2013. E. coli from faecal samples was isolated and identified using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Isolates were tested with 6 antimicrobials drugs commonly used in the treatment of human and veterinary infections by disk diffusion technique. Of these isolates 8.5% were sensitive to all the antibiotics. Azithromycin had the highest (76.6%) resistance, while cefuroxime and tetracycline were 51.1% and 40.4% respectively. Resistance to Ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin/clauvulanic acid was however low (10.6% and 17.0%). The study further revealed that 31.9% of the isolates were resistant to more than 3 antibiotics. The prevalence of co-resistance of azithromycin with Cefuroxime and Tetracycline was 46.7% among the multidrug resistant isolates. Strict hygienic measures are imperative in slaughter and processing of beef to avoid transmission of these antimicrobial resistant bacteria to food. Farmers using cow dung as organic manure should be enlightened on adequate measures of composting and decontamination to prevent the spread of these antibiotic resistant bacteria to farm produce, human and animals.