Molecular Prevalence of Multi-drug Resistant Escherichia coli in Dressed Broiler Chickens in Sokoto, Nigeria

Escherichia coli causes life-threatening human diseases caused by ingesting contaminated animal products such as milk and meat. Infections are widely distributed among poultry of all ages and types and are primarily related to poor hygienic practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the presence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in dressed broiler chickens by conventional bacterial isolation, molecular characterisation, and antibiotic sensitivity testing. Multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli were isolated from dressed broiler chickens from slaughter points in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria, using conventional isolation methods, molecular characterisation, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The overall prevalence of E. coli based on phenotypic identification was 28% (43/165), and genotypic identification (PCR) was 16.4% (27/165). Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed 96.3% resistance to ampicillin, 81.5% to tetracycline, 77.8% to trimethoprim, and 59.3% to sulphonamides. However, 81.5% were susceptible to gentamycin, 51.9% to ciprofloxacin, and 40.7% to sulphonamides. A significant number (88.9%) were reportedly multidrug-resistant (MDR), with some resistance genes detected. Further studies on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance should be conducted to reduce the dissemination of pathogenic microbes through the food chain. This would contribute to the ongoing intervention against the spread of antimicrobial resistance, especially in a commonly and readily consumed unsuspecting food source.