Occurrence of Multi Drug Resistant Commensal Escherichia coli in Apparently Healthy Lambs and Kids from Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of multi-drugs resistant commensal Escherichia coli (E. coli) in apparently healthy kids and lambs from Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria.

Study Design: A cross sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling method.

Methodology: In all, 200 fecal samples were collected from apparently healthy lambs and kids using sterile swaps (100 samples each). The lambs and kids were grouped into 3 categories based on age which include 0 to ≤ 1 month, >1 to ≤ 2 months and >2 to ≤ 3 months. A total of 90 (45%) commensal E. coli isolates were detected using Standard bacteriological and biochemical tests. Kids had significantly (P<0.05) higher isolation rate (70%) compared to lambs (20%). A significant association and linear trend in the proportions of commensal E. coli isolates between the age categories was observed. Lambs and kids up to 1 month old 12 (13.3%) had lower isolation rate compared to the other age groups 2 months old 39 (83%) and 3 months old 39 (56.5%). Antibiogram pattern of the isolated commensal E. coli was evaluated against 10 antibiotics which showed high resistance against Pefloxacin (100%), Amoxicillin (97.7%), Chloramphenicol (94.4%), Ceftriaxone (93.3%), Cefuroxime (92.2%), Nitrofurantoin (67.8%) and Streptomycin (51.1%). The isolates were highly susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (95.5%) and Ofloxacin (95.5%). All isolates of the commensal E. coli90 (100%) showed varying multiple drugs resistance patterns ranging from 3 to 8 antibiotics.

Conclusion: These results indicated that commensal E. coli can be potential reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes and there may be possibility of horizontal transmission to animals and humans. Using only effective antibiotics in management of E. coli infections is strongly recommended. Laws regulating prescriptions and dispensing of veterinary drugs ought to be fully implemented and there is need to create public awareness on dangers of indiscriminate use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed.