Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of <em>E. coli</em> Isolated from Barn Swallow Droppings in Bushenyi and Sheema Towns, Uganda

Introduction: The objective of this research was to determine the occurrence of antimicrobial resistant E. coli from barn swallow droppings. There is evidence suggesting that wild birds can spread resistant bacteria through migration and that resistant bacteria can be transmitted from birds to humans and vice versa. Development of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria in wild living birds remains a major alarming public health concern. Spreading of antimicrobial resistant organisms may result into exposing antibiotic resistant genes to humans making treatment difficult and expensive. This study was focused on analysis of fecal samples from barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) droppings in Bushenyi Town and Sheema town, Uganda, for the presence of antibiotic resistant E. coli strainsMaterials and methods: Bird fecal samples were cultured to isolate E. coli. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing using standard procedures. The results were interpreted using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.Results: Out of 58 samples tested, 21 samples were positive for E. coli which is equivalent to 36.2%. All isolates were found resistant to Augmentin, amoxicillin and Ampiclox. Resistance to other antibiotics starting from the most resistant bacteria were as follows; erythromycin (85.7%), ceftazidime (71.4%) and chloramphenicol (61.9%). It was noted that E. coli is still susceptible to gentamicin (100%), ofloxacine (90.5%) and imipenem (76.2%) in Sheema and Bushenyi. Resistance to ciprofloxacin (57.1%) and Nalidixic acid (23.9%) is still intermediate; All isolates were resistant to one or more of the tested antibiotics. 77.8% and 83.3% of isolates from Sheema and Bushenyi respectively were resistant to at least three or more classes of antibiotics tested (Multi-drug resistance).Conclusion: Detection of antibiotic resistant E. coli in Barn swallows not only indicates a potential risk of transferring resistance to humans but also shows the status of antibiotic resistance within the ecosystem in which the Barn swallows interact with humans. This study has shown that isolated E. coli from bird droppings are resistant to most antibiotics that were used. This can potentially pose a risk of spread of resistance from wild birds to humans in these areas. Much attention is needed to reduce the risks of transmission of resistance from birds and help us to better understand the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment.