Antibiotics (May 2024)

Antimicrobial Use Survey and Detection of ESBL-<i>Escherichia coli</i> in Commercial and Medium-/Small-Scale Poultry Farms in Selected Districts of Zambia

  • Taona Sinyawa,
  • Misheck Shawa,
  • Geoffrey M. Muuka,
  • Fusya Goma,
  • Paul Fandamu,
  • Joseph Yamweka Chizimu,
  • Cynthia Sipho Khumalo,
  • Malala Mulavu,
  • Masuzyo Ngoma,
  • Herman Moses Chambaro,
  • Harvey Kakoma Kamboyi,
  • Masahiro Kajihara,
  • Hirofumi Sawa,
  • Yasuhiko Suzuki,
  • Hideaki Higashi,
  • Geoffrey Mainda,
  • Musso Munyeme,
  • John Bwalya Muma,
  • Christian Owusu Nyantakyi,
  • Beverly Egyir,
  • Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050467
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 5
p. 467

Abstract

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Escherichia coli from food animals is a rising problem, and heavy antimicrobial use in poultry is a contributing factor. In Zambia, studies linking poultry-associated AMR and antibiotic use (AMU) are rare. This study aimed to investigate commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers’ usage of antimicrobials based on a questionnaire survey in ten districts of Zambia. In addition, the study characterized extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates obtained from poultry in the same districts. Data regarding knowledge and usage of antimicrobials were collected from commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. At the same time, cloacal samples were collected and analyzed. One hundred and fifty E. coli isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using eight antibiotic classes. The isolates were further screened for ESBL production by streaking them on cefotaxime (CTX)-supplemented MacConkey agar, then subjecting them to sequencing on a NextSeq. The questionnaire survey showed that more medium-/small-scale than commercial poultry farmers used antimicrobials (OR = 7.70, 95% CI = 2.88–20.61) but less prescriptions (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.00–0.08). Susceptibility testing revealed that resistance was highest to ampicillin (128/148, 86.5%) and tetracycline (101/136, 74.3%) and that the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) (28/30, 93.3%) was high. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of eight (8/30, 26.7%) isolates with CTX Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ≥ 4 µg/mL revealed the presence of ESBL-encoding genes blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-55, and blaTEM. WGS also detected other AMR genes for quinolones, aminoglycosides, phenicols, tetracycline, macrolides, and folate-pathway antagonists. Altogether, the questionnaire survey results showed a higher proportion of AMU and lower prescription usage among medium-/small-scale farmers. In addition, our results emphasize the circulation of ESBL-producing E. coli strains with associated MDR. It is critical to educate farmers about AMR risks and to encourage responsible usage of antimicrobials. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen regulations limiting access to antimicrobials. Finally, there is a need to establish a one health system to guide public health response.

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