Molecular characterization of bla NDM , bla OXA-48 , mcr-1 and bla TEM-52 positive and concurrently carbapenem and colistin resistant and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in chicken in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat and the use of antibiotics growth promoters in food animals has been implicated as a potential contributing factor in the emergence and spread of AMR. This study was conducted to investigate colistin and carbapenem resistance and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli from live broiler chicken and chicken meat in Kelantan, Malaysia. Results Among the E. coli isolates, 37.5% (27/72 were positive for at least one of the resistance genes and one isolate was positive for mcr-1, bla TEM-52, bla NDM and bla OXA-48 whereas 4.17% (3/72) and 2.78% (2/72) were positive for mcr-1, bla TEM-52 and bla OXA-48, and mcr-1, bla TEM-52 and bla IMP . Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) results revealed the presence of widespread E. coli strains belonging to the sequence types ST410 and ST155 and other extra-intestinal E. coli (ExPEC) strains. Phylogroup A made up the majority 51.85% (14/27) followed by phylogroup B1 22.22% (6/27). Conclusions The findings imply the potential threats of colistin, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing and carbapenem resistant E. coli in food animals to the public health and underscores the need for judicious use of antibiotics in animal production and good hygiene practices to curb the rising risks of AMR.

Keywords

• Escherichia coli
• ESBL
• CRE
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Food animals
• Public health