A petri dish with multicolored E. coli cultures representing antimicrobial resistance, set against a stylized map of Tanzania in the background
Research Highlight

Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli from Poultry Farms in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Evelynn Hartmann ,  ,  ,  , 

Understanding the Rise of Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry: A Case Study from Tanzania

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern that threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating infections. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medications, rendering standard treatments ineffective and infections persisting, potentially spreading to others. The rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), poses significant challenges to human medicine, veterinary medicine, and food safety.

One of the critical sources of AMR is the agricultural sector, where antibiotics are used not only for treating sick animals but also as growth promoters and preventive measures. This practice is particularly prevalent in intensive livestock farming, including poultry production. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobial agents in animal farming contribute to the spread of resistant bacteria, which can transfer to humans through direct contact or consumption of contaminated food products.

In Tanzania, poultry farming is a significant agricultural activity, with a chicken population estimated at 72 million. The country’s reliance on poultry for meat and eggs makes it an essential area for studying AMR patterns. Previous studies have indicated the presence of AMR among chicken isolates, highlighting the need for comprehensive research to inform appropriate actions and policies.

Study Results and Discussion

The study conducted in Tanzania’s Mwanza and Arusha regions aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli isolates from broiler and layer chickens. Researchers collected 402 cloaca swabs from poultry farms, and all samples tested positive for E. coli. A subset of 204 isolates was subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method.

The findings were alarming: all tested isolates showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent. Specifically, resistance to ampicillin was universal (100%), while gentamicin had the lowest resistance rate (10.3%). The majority of isolates (86.76%) were multidrug-resistant, with 31.1% showing resistance to four classes of antimicrobials. Furthermore, 10.29% of the isolates were Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producers, with all expressing the blaTEM gene and a minority (2/21) expressing the blaCTX-M gene.

These results indicate a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in the poultry sector, surpassing previous findings in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and other international studies. The study underscores the urgent need for surveillance and responsible antimicrobial use in the poultry industry to mitigate the spread of resistant bacteria.

Impact and Future Prospects

The study’s outcomes are a call to action for the Tanzanian poultry industry and global health communities. High levels of antimicrobial resistance in poultry can compromise animal health, food safety, and human health. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing One Health approaches that integrate human, animal, and environmental health strategies to combat AMR.

Future research should focus on tracing the transmission of resistance genes between poultry and humans and exploring alternative practices to reduce antibiotic use in farming. The study also recommends continuous antimicrobial surveillance and education for farmers on the prudent use of antibiotics.

In conclusion, while the study is not revolutionary, it adds valuable data to the growing body of evidence on AMR in the poultry sector. It highlights the need for concerted efforts to address this global health challenge and protect the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.

Reference

Kiiti, R. W., Komba, E. V., Msoffe, P. L., Mshana, S. E., Rweyemamu, M., & Matee, M. I. N. (2021). Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolated from Broiler and Layer Chickens in Arusha and Mwanza, Tanzania. International Journal of Microbiology, 2021, 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/6759046

You May Also Like

An abstract art depiction of an electrochemical biosensor detecting E. coli bacteria with visualized electrical signals on a gold electrode surface

Advancements in Rapid Detection of E. coli Using Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Biosensors

Priya Singh

A new electrochemical biosensor for rapid E. coli detection offers a faster, sensitive alternative to traditional methods, with potential applications in food safety and medicine.

Digital illustration of a PCR machine with abstract airborne particles representing bioaerosol monitoring in a lab environment

Enhancing Bioaerosol Monitoring: The Sensitivity and Environmental Interference of PCR Detection

Evelynn Hartmann

This study evaluates PCR’s sensitivity and environmental interference in detecting airborne microorganisms, offering a rapid alternative for air quality monitoring.

Abstract watercolor painting of children at play with representations of viruses indicating HFMD transmission in the Asia Pacific region

Epidemiological Patterns and Public Health Implications of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in the Asia Pacific Region

Priya Singh

Revealing the complex epidemiology of HFMD in Asia Pacific, the study underscores the need for robust surveillance, vaccine development, and effective public health strategies.