Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli O157: H7 Serotype from Chicken Droppings Produced by Free - Ranged and Poultry Birds in Cross River, Nigeria

This study investigated the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from chicken droppings produced by free ranged and poultry birds at different locations within Cross River State, Nigeria and their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics. A total of 360 cloacal swab samples each were randomly collected from poultry (confined) and free ranged (unconfined) chickens. Standard cultural, biochemical, and serological (latex agglutination) methods were used to isolate E. coli O157:H7. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disc diffusion method. Out of a total number of 360 anal swab samples collected from poultry and free-ranged chicken, 24 (6.67%) strayed and 7 (1.94%) poultry samples were positive for E. coli O157:H7 and the prevalence values differed significantly ( p<0.05) among the group of birds. Values for age category among the free-ranged birds also differed significantly ( p<0.05) with strayed chicks (1-3weeks old) having highest value of 10.89%. Out of the 9 isolates screened, 8 (88.89%) were resistant to tetracycline, 7 (77.78%) to ampicillin and nitrofurantoin and 6 (66.67%) to chloramphenicol. All isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. This study reveals that the intestinal track of chicken harbors the bacterial pathogen hence interventions are needed to reduce transmission of E. coli O157:H7 via poultry products