An abstract art representation of a poultry farm interconnected with DNA strands and antibiotic pills, symbolizing AMR spread in the industry
Research Highlight

Exploring the Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant E. coli in Nigeria’s Poultry Industry

Alexander Lowell ,  ,  ,  , 

Introduction

For young scientists eager to understand the challenges of antibiotic resistance, the poultry industry offers a critical case study. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern worldwide, and its impact on both human health and animal production cannot be overstated. A recent study delves into the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) among poultry workers, chickens, and their environments in Abuja, Nigeria, providing valuable insights into this global issue.

Background and Methods

The study, conducted as a cross-sectional analysis, included samples from poultry workers, chickens, and the environments of poultry farms and live bird markets (LBM). The researchers employed both phenotypic and genotypic methods to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the E. coli isolates, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and in silico multilocus sequence types (MLST) to explore their genetic relatedness.

Findings

The results were alarming: out of 429 samples, 26.8% were positive for E. coli, with 91.8% of these isolates being multidrug-resistant. The study found high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics such as tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, streptomycin, and ampicillin. Notably, two environmental isolates contained plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes, a concerning discovery given colistin’s role as a last-resort antibiotic.

Implications and Conclusions

The presence of MDR E. coli across poultry workers, chickens, and their environments suggests a significant risk of transmission along the food chain. The study underscores the need for stringent AMR regulations and prudent use of antimicrobials in animal production. It also highlights the importance of educating those in close contact with poultry about the risks of MDR E. coli.

References

Aworh, M. K., Kwaga, J. K. P., Hendriksen, R. S., Okolocha, E. C., & Thakur, S. (2021). Genetic relatedness of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from humans, chickens and poultry environments. Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 10(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13756-021-00930-x

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