Phenotypic And Molecular Characterisation Of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli Obtained From Animal Fecal Samples In Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

Production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing E. coli in animals and differentmethods of identifications from Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, were investigated. Three hundred and fifty fecal samples, collected fromapparently healthy cattle and pigs, were cultured and identified following standard procedures. ESBL phenotypic detection was carried out using combination disc test, double disc synergism test, and ESBL brilliance agar screening. Molecular detection of TEM, SHV, and CTX-Mgenes was carried out using standard molecular method. One hundred and fourteen E. coli isolates were recovered from the 350 samples processed, out ofwhich 72 (63.2%) isolateswere positive for ESBLs withmultiple resistance to the antibiotics used. Eighty-one (71%) isolates were positive for ESBL by combination disc test, 90 (78.9%) were positive for double disc synergism test, and 93 (81.6%) were positive for ESBL brilliance agar. TEM and CTX-M genes were detected in 48 (42.1%) and 51 (44.7%) isolates, respectively. SHV gene was not detected in any of the isolates while TEM and CTX-M were detected in 33 (28.9%) isolates. This study showed high resistance of E. coli to antibiotics, particularly to the third generation cephalosporins. Regular monitoring and regulated use of antibiotics in livestock should be encouraged.