PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PROFILE OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM POULTRY FARMS IN UMUAHIA

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