Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing escherichia coli in poultry and water in Lusaka district

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase are enzymes that hydrolyse the beta-lactam ring on most of the beta-lactam antibiotics which comprise of penicillins, cephalosporins, and the monobactam aztreonam thereby rendering the antibiotics ineffective to treatment. These antimicrobial resistant strains have become a global public health challenge affecting both humans and domestic livestock such as cattle, pork and poultry. In Lusaka, poultry is considered as a universal protein source consumed by a larger population of people. Coupled with this is a relatively increased number of shallow well water points located in various peri-urban communities within Lusaka district where part of the people access drinking water from. Antimicrobial resistant ESBL-producing Escherichia coli bacteria have been detected in some domestic poultry and shallow well water sources world over. In addition, the frequent usage and administering of antibiotics in the treatment of various diseases in poultry could contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant E .coli strains in the normal intestinal flora. The objective of the research was to detect the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli in poultry and water in Lusaka district. This study was conducted in Lusaka district, the capital city of Zambia with a total population of 1,747,152. A total of 384 poultry faecal samples and 145 shallow well water samples were collected between September 2014 and March 2015 and later submitted for laboratory analysis by the Laboratory Technicians at the University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Paraclinical Studies, Microbiology Laboratory. Mapping of unprotected shallow wells was conducted using GPS and spatial distribution of ESBL producing E. coli isolates was determined. Seventy seven potential ESBL producing E. coli isolates were later characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of ESBL genes and also tested for antimicrobial sensitivity. Overall 54.5% (95% CI; 43.2 – 65.5%) of total samples analyzed possessed ESBL genes, 42.9% for poultry and 11.6% for water. 85.7% (95% CI; 75.7 – 92%) of the total samples analyzed for antibmicrobial disc sensitivity suggested that ESBL producing E. coli isolates had conferred resistance to beta-lactum antibiotics and other common antimicrobial agents. The results obtained require strengthening and reinforcement of the antibiotic administering policy for poultry and surveillance on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in other food animal products