Emergency of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from broiler chickens in Egypt

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Enterobacte-riaceae, pose a challenge to human and animal health care systems. Antibiotic resistance in non-lactose fermenting pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa is increasing, making these clinical pathogens more difficult to treat. The most predominant Pseudomonas species that cause mortality among birds, especially chickens, is P. aeruginosa. The present study detected multi-drug resistance and ESBL-production among P. aeruginosa isolated from broiler chickens in different poultry farms. A total of 450 broiler chickens from 150 private farms were examined for the presence of P. aerugi-nosa using bacteriological and molecular methods. Samples were collected from the internal organs of the birds and subjected to bacteriological examination and identification. The bacteriological exa¬mination revealed that 29 farms (19.33%) were positive for P. aeruginosa. On the other hand, by PCR, only 25 farms (16.66%) were positive. All P. aeruginosa isolates were subjected to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 15 antimicrobial agents by the disc diffusion method. P. aeruginosa isolates showed resistance to a wide range of antimicrobial agents, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (80%), followed by streptomycin (56%), colistin sulfate (48%), cef-tazidime (32%), gentamicin and ciprofloxacin (28% each). In contrast, resistance levels to cefo-taxime, oxytetracycline, and norfloxacin were 24%, 20%, and 16%, respectively. The lowest resis-tance was against apramycin (12%), fosfomycin, imipenem, and ertapenem (8%). All P. aerugi-nosa isolates were sensitive to amikacin and meropenem. The antibiotic-resistant pattern of the iso-lated P. aeruginosa revealed that the multi-drug resistance (MDR) level was 14/25 (56%). Only 16 isolates (64%) were ESBL producing. From the ESBL isolates, 9/16 (56.25%) were MDR. Molecular detection for antibiotic resistance gene revealed that blaTEM was detected in 20/25 (80%) of P. aeruginosa isolates. From the blaTEM gene-positive P. aeruginosa, 16/20 isolates (80%) were ESBL producers, and 11/20 (55%) were MDR. The results indicated that MDR and ESBL producing P. aeruginosa frequency reached an alarming level in poultry isolates in Egypt. In conclusion, the misuse of antibiotics leads to the development of resistant bacteria that may transfer from poultry to humans. Strict supervision and enforcement of laws to control antibiotic usage in the food chain within established safe levels must be done.

Keywords

• blatem
• broiler
• esbl
• mdr bacteria
• p. aeruginosa