ABSTRACT

This study investigated the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria from poultry farms in Umuahia, Abia state and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates using the disk diffusion method. A total of 92 isolates (comprising 32 Escherichia coli, 9 Klebsiella spp, 26 Salmonella spp, 13 Shigella spp and 12 Staphylococcus spp) were obtained. The isolates were completely (100%) resistant to Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime, Cefixime, Cotrimoxazole, Erythromycin, Streptomycin and Tetracycline but 48.9% were susceptible to Gentamicin, 67.5% to Ofloxacin, 9.8% to Augmentin, 68.8% to Nitrofurantoin, 68.8% to Ciprofloxacin, 16.7% to Cloxacillin and 33.3% to Chloramphenicol. Out of the 32 Escherichia coli isolates, 53.1% were susceptible to Gentamicin, 71.9% to Ofloxacin, 75.0% to Nitrofurantoin and 68.8% to Ciprofloxacin. Out of the 9 Klebsiella spp isolates, 22.2% were susceptible to Gentamicin, 33.3% to Ofloxacin, 33.3% to ciprofloxacin and 44.5% to Nitrofurantoin. Out of the 26 Salmonella spp isolates, 50.0% showed susceptibility to Gentamicin, 76.9% to Ofloxacin, 76.9% to ciprofloxacin and 73.1% to Nitrofurantoin. Out of the 13 Shigella spp isolates, 30.8% were susceptible to Gentamicin, 69.2% to Ofloxacin, 76.9% to ciprofloxacin and 76.9% to Nitrofurantoin. Out of the 12 Staphylococcus spp isolates, 83.3% were susceptible to Gentamicin, 75.0% to Augmentin, 16.7% to Cloxacillin and 33.3% to Chloramphenicol. The high rate of antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates from different poultry farms to some of the antibiotics used have major implications for human and animal health with adverse economic implications. The study therefore recommends proper information dissemination to poultry farmers and poultry feeds producers on dangers of antibiotic resistant strains, prudent use of antibiotics by farmers, veterinarians and physicians, biosecurity plan and use of regulations to control poultry litter disposal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Certification i

Dedication ii

Acknowledgements iii

Table of Contents iv

List of Tables vi

List of Figures vii

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW 4

2.1 Poultry 4

2.2 Pathogenic Bacteria Associated with Poultry 4

2.3 Development of Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics 4

2.4 Incidence of Antibiotic Resistance in Poultry 8

CHAPTER THREE - MATERIALS AND METHODS 13

3.1 Sample Collection 13

3.2 Preparation of Culture Media 13

3.3 Culturing on Agar Media 13

3.4 Identification of Bacterial Isolates 14

3.5 Gram Staining 14

3.6 Biochemical Tests 15

3.6.1 Catalase Test 15

3.6.2 Methyl Red Test 15

iv

3.6.3 Voges- Proskauer Test 15

3.6.4 Indole Test 16

3.6.5 Citrate Utilization Test 16

3.7 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing 16

CHAPTER FOUR – RESULTS 18

CHAPTER FIVE – DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 33

5.1 Discussion 33

5.2 Conclusion 35

5.3 Recommendations 36

REFERENCES

APPENDIX