Escherichia coli is a commensal microorganism while spread of its resistant pathotypes may cause life threatening issues. In
this study, fecal samples (n =150 each) of broiler, slaughterers and non-slaughterers were observed for resistance rate of their
E. coli isolates against 16 antibiotics. Significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher E. coli counts (3.4×105 CFU/g) were observed in fecal
samples of broiler than slaughterers (3.1×104 CFU/g) and non-slaughterers (2.8×104 CFU/g). Higher antibiotic resistance
rates were observed in broiler isolates than slaughterer against all the tested antibiotics except Oxytetracycline, Cephalexin
and Ceftriaxone; for which the differences were non-significant. As compared to isolates of non-slaughterers, isolates of
slaughterers had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher antibiotic resistance rates against 8 of the tested drugs. The results revealed
that 100% broiler, 78% slaughterer and 17% non-slaughterer isolates were simultaneously resistant to more than 4
antibiotics. Both Tet-A and Tet-B genes (tetracycline-resistance genes) were concurrently detected in 21% of broiler, 15% of
slaughterer and 5% of non-slaughterer isolates. Differences in antibiotic resistance rates between the isolates of slaughterers
and non-slaughterers clearly depicts one of the possible spreading route of resistant E. coli from broiler to human population.
Hence, it is recommended that slaughterers must adopt hygienic protocols to avoid the spread of resistant bacteria.
Mamoona Amir, Muhammad Riaz, Yung Fu Chang, Saeed Akhtar, Habibullah Nadeem, Zulfiqar Ahmad, Muhammad Nadeem. (2019) SPREAD OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT Escherichia coli FROM BROILER TO HUMAN POPULATIONS, , Volume 56, Issue 4.
