The role of Escherichia coli in the etiology of piglet diarrhea in selected pig producing districts of central Uganda

Background: Pig production in Uganda is highly constrained by rampant piglet mortalities with diarrhea being a key feature. The present study was conducted to determine possible involvement of Escherichia coli (E. coli) as agents of diarrhea in piglets and elucidate the factors for their spread and virulence, towards development of mitigation strategies in the smallholder pig value chains in Uganda. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from January to August 2020 on pre- and post-weaned piglets from households in Kayunga and Mityana districts of Central Uganda, selected by snowballing method to redundancy. Data about herd management and risk factors for colibacillosis were collected from selected farmers in the two districts. A total of 179 faecal samples were collected from randomly selected neonatal and pre-weaning piglets for bacteriological isolation of Escherichia coli. Virulence (enterotoxin and fimbrial) genes from the isolates were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results: From the 179 faecal samples, a total of 158 (88.3%) E. coli isolates were obtained. Virulence gene markers were detected in 18.4% (29/158) of the isolates. Among the investigated genes encoding for enterotoxin production, STb was the most prevalent (16/158, 10.13%), followed by STa (12/158, 7.59%), while gene for LT was not detected. The gene coding for F4 adhesin was the only one detected while F18 adhesin was not detected from the isolates. On multiple logistic regression analysis, only tertiary educational level (OR=0.141; 95% CI=0.30-0.666; p=0.013) and infrequent use of antibiotics (OR=0.231, 95% CI=0.062-0.859; p=0.029) among the farmers, were the two factors significantly protective of the piglets from diarrhoea. Conclusion: This study reports a high prevalence of enterotoxin gene markers among E. coli isolates in piglets and revealed the potential role of these bacteria in the aetiology of piglet diarrhoea and mortalities in Uganda. Additionally, this study identified risk factors that can be useful in formulating treatment and control strategies of infection caused by these bacteria. Further studies are needed to identify more adhesins these E. coli isolates employ for intestinal colonization, a step that will help inform vaccine development.

The relation between class i integrons and multidrug-resistance in extended-spectrum beta lactamase producing escherichia coli isolates

Background: The emergence and development of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains is due to inappropriate use of antibiotics and horizontal gene transfer between bacteria. The MDR strains of E. coli are highly associated with the presence of integrons; also, extended-spectrum beta lactamase producing isolates are usually resistant to various antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the incidence of class 1 integrons and its association with drug resistance in ESBL producing E. coli isolated from patients who were suffering from UTI.Methods: this study was conducted on 232 hospitalized patients with UTI, from which 160 E. coli strains were isolated. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and screening for ESBL production were performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller- Hinton agar. Confirmation for ESBL production was performed by combined disc diffusion test. All MDR ESBL producing E. coli isolates were examined by conventional PCR for the presence of intI1 gene and related gene cassettes.Results: One hundred sixty E. coli strains (69 %) were isolated from 232 hospitalized patients. The highest percentage of resistance was to azetronam (92%) followed by ceftazidime and cefotaxime (90%) then ciprofloxacin (79 %). seventy two E. coli isolates (45%) were found to be ESBL producers and out of them, 61 isolates (84.7 %) were MDR. Out of the 61 MDR ESBL-producing isolates, class I integron was identified in 56 isolates (91.8%).Conclusion: our findings indicate high prevalence of class 1 integrons and gene cassettes suggests possible risk for the dissemination of resistance genes and the spread of MDR bacteria

Plasmid curing in multi-drug resistant hospital and community uropathogenic Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT: Escherichia coli is the most prevalent organism responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospital and community sources. The present study was carried out to detect multi drug resistant (MDR) E coli from urine samples and the role of plasmids in drug resistance. One hundred urine samples were collected from the hospital and community within the University of Port Harcourt. Microscopic and chemical examination was carried out on the urine samples. E coli were isolated and antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on the isolates, the resistant E. coli were cured by acridine orange and further subjected susceptibility testing. Result obtained from the study showed 35% E. coli recovered from community samples and 65% from hospital samples. Antibiotic sensitivity testing before plasmid curing showed high level of resistance to Augmentin (99%), Cefuroxime (92%), Ceftazidime (78%) and Cefixime (71%). The lowest level of resistance was reported in Gentamicin (15%) and Nitrofurantoin (19%). All the isolates were resistant to Augmentin but upon plasmid curing the resistant rate of isolates to eight antibiotics reduced. Our findings showed that Augmentin and Cefuroxime (62 and 31%) were still resistant after the plasmids of the isolates were cured. For hospital and community sources Nitrofurantoin (1; 0%), Ceftazidime (3; 8%), Ciprofloxacin (1%), Gentamicin (10%) and Ofloxacin (10%). Sixty-two (62) percent of the hospital isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotics while 60% of the community isolates were multidrug resistant. Our study thus concludes that plasmids alone are not responsible for the resistance to antibiotics exhibited by E,coli from urine samples. Antibiotics should be produced to target genes that are responsible for resistance to prevent the spread of drug resistant organisms

Phenotypic detection of extended Spectrum ß-Lactamase and Metallo-ß-Lactamase produced by Escherichia Coli on automated teller machines within Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

It is no longer a fallacy that environmental objects are grossly contaminated by pathogenic microbes. ATMs especially which is used on daily basis by thousands of people have been reported to be potential habitat for these microbes. The worst-case scenario is the presence and ease of spread of Muti-Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing pathogens via these machines as a result of their huge patronage. The prevalence and fast spread of these MDR and ESBL producing strains constitute an emerging public health concern. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ESBL and MBL producing E. coli isolated on ATMs within Sokoto metropolis. A total of 194 isolates were obtained from the culture samples of 100 ATM swabs. The isolated E. coli were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests using the modified Kirby Baeur disc diffusion method on six (6) commercial antimicrobial discs (Oxoid, UK): Ceftazidime (CTZ, 30µg), Cefotaxime (CTX, 30µg), Gentamycin (CN, 10µg), Augumentin(AMC, 30µg), Ciprofloxacin(CIP, 5µg) and Imipenem(IPM, 10µg). The isolates were further screened for ESBL production and phenotypic confirmatory test. Confirmation of MBL production was also performed using antibiotic discs containing two Carbapenems (Imipenem IPM, 10µg and Meropenem MEM, 10µg). The result was interpreted using CLSI guideline 2015. Proteus spp (43%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria, followed by Shigella spp (31%) and E. coli 31(16%). Drug Resistant (MDR) ESBL producing E. coli of 93.3% and 4% MBL producer was recorded. It can be concluded that MDR and ESBL producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the most prevalent species isolated and that the species isolated are more sensitive to Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin and Imipenem

Effect of physical stresses on survivability and post-exposure antibiotic susceptibility of coliforms in environmental waters and wastewaters

Background: Coliform bacteria are majorly introduced into water bodies (river and wastewater) as a result of faecal pollution, agricultural run-offs and several anthropogenic activities. Despite the effectiveness of water treatment methods, pathogens still persist in water; hence the relevance of assessing the ability of these pathogens to survive the lethal actions of physical stresses and the possible impact on antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the organisms. Methodology: The survivability of Escherichia coli strains (NCM3722, FAP1 and ST2747), Enterobacter cloacae GGT036 and Shigella sonnei 53G was assessed in environmental and waste waters for 21 days. The effect of three treatment regimens (UV radiation, solar radiation and boiling) on the survival of the coliforms was evaluated. Also, the antibiogram of the isolates post­UV exposure was assayed. Results: Although there was significant reduction (≥ 3-log) in the population of the bacteria overtime, all the coliforms survived in the waters for 21 days. The effect of UV radiation was significant on all organisms (> 3 log reductions). Solar radiation for 60 minutes had significantly lesser effect than boiling for 15 minutes. Surviving cells of all isolates demonstrated multiple drug-resistance post exposure to UV radiation. Conclusion: This study revealed the ability of coliforms to persist in waters after treatment and proves that UV radiation may not be effective in attenuation of antibiotic resistance

The accuracy of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase detection in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in South African laboratories using the Vitek 2 Gram-negative susceptibility card AST-N255

Background: Phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) is based on the inhibition of ESBL enzymes by ß-lactamase inhibitors and on the comparison of cephalosporin activity with or without a ß-lactamase inhibitor. Many South African diagnostic laboratories rely on the Vitek 2 for automated susceptibility testing and for ESBL detection. However, the Gram-negative susceptibility card currently used locally (AST-N255) has been modified and its accuracy for ESBL detection is not known.Methods: We randomly selected 50 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli from a collection of clinical bloodstream isolates from Groote Schuur Hospital from 2015 to 2016, including ESBL-producing and non-ESBL-producing strains. We used standardised phenotypic (disc diffusion and broth microdilution) and genotypic (conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for blaCTX-M, blaSHV and blaTEM) methods for detection of ESBLs. We compared ESBL detection by Vitek 2 to a composite reference standard comprising ESBL detection either by both phenotypic methods or by one phenotypic method together with genotypic detection.Results: The sensitivity of Vitek 2 system for detection of ESBLs was 33/36 or 92% (78% ­ 97%) for E. coli, and 40/40 or 100% (91% ­ 100%) for K.pneumoniae, whilst specificity was 10/10 or 100% (72% ­ 100%) and 9/10 or 90% (60% ­ 98%), respectively. This is comparable with previous studies.Conclusion: Using a composite reference standard of the phenotypic and genotypic methods employed in this study, no Vitek-categorised ESBL E. coli or K. pneumoniae was found to be a non-ESBL with the exception of possible misinterpretation with K. pneumoniae SHV-hyper-producing isolates

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli among paediatric patients with urinary tract infection in St. Patricks' Hospital, Mile Four, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: The extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli strains which have been implicated in septicaemia among hospitalized children is a serious concern due to their high resistance rates to commonly used antimicrobial agents. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of urinary ESBL-producing E. coli in paediatric patients who had clinical evidence of urinary tract infections (UTI). Methodology: Clean catch specimens of urine collected from 100 eligible paediatric patients with clinical evidence of UTI in St. Patricks' Hospital, Mile Four, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, were cultured for isolation of E. coli using standard bacteriological techniques. Isolates were confirmed for ESBL production by double disk synergy test (DDST), and antibiotic susceptibility of the ESBL-producing ones was determined by the modified Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Twenty one (21%) E. coli were isolated out of which 11 (52 %) were ESBL producers, all of which were totally resistant (100%) to cefotaxime, ticarcillin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, 85% to aztreonam and 83% to ceftazidime. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) values ranged from 0.4 to 0.9, which implies high usage of antimicrobials Conclusion: The high prevalence of multi-drug resistant ESBL-producing E. coli obtained in this study shows that there has been overuse (abuse or misuse) of antibiotics in the study area. There is need for antimicrobial stewardship programme that will ensure prudent use of antimicrobial agents to forestall the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria

Résistance bactérienne au cours des infections urinaires chez les patients diabétiques au CNHU-HKM de Cotonou, Bénin

Introduction : La prévalence et le risque d'infection urinaire sont élevés chez le patient diabétique. L'objectif de notre travail était d'identifier les germes responsables d'infection urinaire et d'étudier leur comportement vis-à-vis des antibiotiques testés. Méthode: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale et descriptive ayant porté sur les comptes rendus de 78 cas d'examen cytobactériologique des urines (ECBU) réalisés sur une période de 45 mois s'étendant de janvier 2012 à septembre 2015. Le diagnostic de l'infection urinaire a été retenu en présence d'une bactériurie positive c'est-à-dire une bactériurie du milieu de jet ≥ 105 cfu/ml chez la femme et ≥ 104 cfu/ml chez l'homme ou une bactériurie d'urines prélevées dans une sonde à demeure ≥ 102 cfu/ml. Résultats: Sur les 666 diabétiques hospitalisés, 78 avaient réalisé un ECBU et parmi les ECBU réalisés 46 étaient positifs. L'âge moyen des patients inclus dans notre travail était de 53,1 ± 15,7 ans avec des extrêmes de 22 ans et 87ans. Le sexe féminin était plus représenté (58,4%) soit une sex ratio de 0,71. L'Escherichia coli était le germe le plus fréquent (47,83% des cas), suivi du Klebsiella pneumoniae (19,57% des cas), du Streptococcus agalactiae (6,52% des cas), Staphylococcus epidermidis (4,3%). Concernant les betalactamines testées, le taux de résistance était de 85% pour l'ampicilline, 84% pour l'amoxicilline, 91% pour l'oxacilline, 59% pour la ceftriaxone et 10% pour l'imipénème. Quant aux quinolones, le taux de résistance était de 74% pour la norfloxacine et 67% pour la ciprofloxacine. De faibles taux de résistance ont été retrouvés pour la nétilmicine (33%), le thiamphénicol (28%) et la nitrofurantoine (26%). Conclusion: Le germe le plus fréquent était l'Escherichia coli. Le taux de résistance bactérienne était très élevée pour les betalactamines et les quinolones mais relativement plus faible pour les phénicolés, les aminosides et les nitrofuranes. Ces données devraient être prises en compte lors de toute antibiothérapie à visée urinaire surtout probabiliste

Antibiotic resistance patterns and beta-lactamase identification in Escherichia coli isolated from young children in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa: The MAL-ED cohort

Background. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide. Mechanisms of resistance vary, and some can confer resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics.Objective. To characterise the antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from stool samples of young rural children exposed or unexposed to antibiotics. Methodology. The samples were collected from children aged 4 - 12 months who were participants in the Etiology, Risk Factors, and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health and Development (MAL-ED) project at the South Africa research site. We isolated 87 E. coli samples (clones) from 65 individual participants, all of which were subjected to disc diffusion assay to determine resistance. We characterised the minimum inhibitory concentration of antibiotics in a subset of strains as well as the mechanism by which these strains were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.Results. Our results revealed high resistance rates to co-trimoxazole (54.0%), penicillin (47.1%) and tetracycline (44.8%) in our isolates, and indicated that the beta-lactamase TEM-1 is a prevalent source of beta-lactam resistance. We also identified two isolates with the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase CTX-M-14.Conclusions. This study identified antibiotic-resistant E. coli in children with and without prior exposure to antibiotics, with some isolates showing resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Clinicians should bear in mind that transmission of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-resistant E. coli exists at the community level, and that children as young as 2 years may be harbouring these resistant phenotypes

Phénotypes de résistance des souches d'escherichia coli responsables des infections urinaires communautaires dans la ville de Yaoundé (Cameroun)

Introduction. L'objectif etait de rechercher les phenotypes de resistance des souches d'Escherichia coli (E. coli) dans les infections urinaires a Yaounde. Methodologie. Il s'agissait d'une etude prospective realisee de juin a decembre 2012. Les souches collectees dans quelques laboratoires ont ete identifiees par la galerie API 20E ; l'antibiogramme a ete realise par la methode des disques selon le CA-SFM 2012. La cytologie urinaire a ete effectuee par coloration de Papanicolaou. Resultats. Au total 103 souches d'E. coli ont ete isolees sur une cytologie urinaire avec des cellules transitionnelles reactives. L'antibiogramme a revele un haut niveau de resistance aux penicillines 76%-93;2% et inhibiteurs; cefalotine 60% et cefotaxime 69;9%. L'imipeneme a ete active sur toutes les souches. Les phenotypes de haut niveau de resistance etaient frequents chez les sujets de plus de 60 ans. Conclusion. Les phenotypes de resistance des souches d'E. coli ont ete frequemment retrouves dans la communaute

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli among Hospitalised Patients at Thika District Hospital

Background: Emerging resistance to antimicrobial drugs increases morbidity and mortality by hampering the provision of effective chemotherapy; and makes treatment more costly. The emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents is a global public health problem; especially in pathogens causing nosocomial infections. Objectives: To determine the carriage of E. coli from wounds and urine in catheterised inpatients at Thika District Hospital (TDH) and to determine antimicrobial resistance patterns to Beta-lactams; aminoglycosides and (fluoro) quinolones. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Thika District Hospital among hospitalised patients. Subjects: A total of 450 specimens were collected and forty two (42) Escherichia coli isolated. Pus swabs were collected from wounds and urine was collected aseptically from the inpatients with catheters. Escherichia coli were identified by culture methods and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations. Results: Susceptibility results in aminoglycosides were; resistance for amikacin; gentamicin and kanamycin was 20; 39 and 51 respectively. Resistance in penicillin was ampicillin 85 and piperacillin 83 . Resistance for sulfamethoxazole was 83; tetracycline 66 ; nalidixic acid 44; nalidixic acid 44 and chloramphenicol 39and chloramphenicol 39. In amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; resistance was 68 . Cephalosporins' resistance was ceftazidime 22 ; cefotaxime 56 . Resistance for imipenem and tazobactam was 7 and 12 respectively. Conclusion: Due to observations on resistance to antimicrobial agents commonly used in Thika District Hospital; this shows that there is need to revise antimicrobial policy in this region in the treatment of E. coli infections

Antibiotic resistance and virulence properities in escherichia coli stranins from cases of urinary tract infections

This study determined E. coli resistance to commonly used antibiotics together with their virulence properties in Ile-Ife; Nigeria. A total of 137 E. coli isolates from cases of urinary tract infection were tested for their sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics and possession of virulence factors using standard methods. Their ability to transfer resistance was also determined. The isolates demonstrated a high and widespread resistance (51.1 to 94.3) to all the antibiotics used except Nitrofurantoin (7.3). A total of 50 (36.5 ) of the isolates were resistant to 10 of the eleven antibiotics employed. Sixty three per cent (63) of the 107 trimethoprim resistant E. coli transferred their resistances while amoxicillin; gentamycin; augmentin; tetracycline and erythromycin were co-transferred with trimethoprim. Fifty one (37.2) of these multi-resistant isolates possessed one or more virulent factors. The study concluded that urinary tract infection due to E. coli in Ile-Ife may be difficult to treat empirically except with nitrofurantoin; due to high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. It is imperative that culture and susceptibility tests be carried out on infecting pathogen prior to treatment; in order to avoid treatment failure and reduce selective pressure that could result in the spread of uropathogenic E. coli in the environment

Antibiotic resistance and virulence properties in escherichia coli strains from cases of urinary tract infections

This study determined E. coli resistance to commonly used antibiotics together with their virulence properties in Ile-Ife; Nigeria. A total of 137 E. coli isolates from cases of urinary tract infection were tested for their sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics and possession of virulence factors using standard methods. Their ability to transfer resistance was also determined. The isolates demonstrated a high and widespread resistance (51.1 to 94.3 ) to all the antibiotics used except Nitrofurantoin (7.3 ). A total of 50 (36.5 ) of the isolates were resistant to 10 of the eleven antibiotics employed. Sixty three per cent (63 ) of the 107 trimethoprim resistant E. coli transferred their resistances while amoxicillin; gentamycin; augmentin; tetracycline and erythromycin were co-transferred with trimethoprim. Fifty one (37.2 ) of these multi-resistant isolates possessed one or more virulent factors. The study concluded that urinary tract infection due to E. coli in Ile-Ife may be difficult to treat empirically except with nitrofurantoin; due to high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. It is imperative that culture and susceptibility tests be carried out on infecting pathogen prior to treatment; in order to avoid treatment failure and reduce selective pressure that could result in the spread of uropathogenic E. coli in the environment

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Escherichia Coli Strains Isolated From Urine Samples in South Africa from 2007-2011

Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. Knowledge of its local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns can be used to inform choice of empiric antimicrobial therapy. In this article; we review data on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of E. coli isolated from unselected urine specimens; in both the private and public sectors of South Africa from 2007-2011. Between 65 000-84 000 E. coli urinary isolates were reported annually from 19 laboratories located across South Africa. Susceptibility to fluoroquinolone and beta-lactam antibiotics decreased significantly and steadily in both private and public sectors over the five-year period; although laboratory-based surveillance data may underestimate susceptibility rates due to selection bias and lack of differentiation between community- and hospital-acquired infections. Our data suggest that fluoroquinolones; co-amoxiclav and first- and second-generation cephalosporins can still be used for empiric treatment in many local settings; but clinicians should be alert to the risk of treatment failure. With the withdrawal of nitrofurantoin from the local market; other oral antibiotic options are limited; and fosfomcyin may become increasingly important. Given their sustained high susceptibility rates; aminoglycosides should be considered to treat pyelonephritis more often. Judicious use of laboratory testing is advised and further research and surveillance is warranted

Prevalence of Arcobacter, Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Salmonella Species in Retail Raw Chicken, Pork, Beef and Goat Meat in Osogbo, Nigeria

Three hundred (300) samples of fresh raw chicken; beef; goat and pork meat were screened for Arcobacter species by selective cultural procedures and for Escherichia coli; Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus enriched in peptone water and then streaked onto appropriate bacteriological agar. From the 300 samples analysed; S. aureus {138 (46)} was the most frequently isolated organism; followed by E. coli {78 (26)}; Arcobacter spp. {57(19)} and Salmonella spp {6(2)}. In this study; varying level of resistance of Escherichia coli 66(84.6); Salmonella 6(100) and Arcobacter 57(100) to amoxicillin was observed. The susceptibility pattern indicates that the bacterial isolates exhibited a varying level of resistance to two or more antimicrobial agents with maximum resistance to amoxicillin. The detection of these organisms in meat may constitute a serious public health concern. Hence; there is a need for the implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System monitoring of critical contamination points used in meat production to ensure food safety in Nigeria

The Prevalence and Antibiogram of Esherichia Coli from Clinical Specimens of Superficial Wounds; High Vagina and Antral Washouts in University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City; Edo State

This study seeks to determine the prevalence of recovery of Escherichia coli from clinical specimens of superficial wounds; high vagina and antral washouts. This study which was prospective and cross-sectional involved six hundred and sixty eight (668) participants who were patients seen at the various facilities in the hospital. Males were two hundred and forty (35.9) Females were two hundred and twenty eight (34.3) while children were two hundred (29.9). Specimens of wounds; aspirates and high vagina were cultured on chocolate; blood and McConkey and Eosin methylene blue agars. Specimens on blood agar were incubated both aerobically and anaerobically for 24hrs. Isolates were identified by their colonial morphology and biochemical reactions and tested for sensitivity. Escherichia coli isolates demonstrated strong resistance to some of the antibiotics while they showed moderate sensitivity to ceftazidime; ofloxacin; clarithomycin and amoxicillin clavulanate. The increasing resistance of Escherichia coli to the commonly used antibiotics in the community is a cause of concern; and measures were suggested for effective resistance control

Antibiotic resistant Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from day-old chicks, vom, Nigeria

Reports of large scale mortality of day-old-chicks were received at the National Veterinary Research Institute; Vom; Nigeria in 2007 to 2008. We investigated the cause of death using several virological and bacteriological techniques; isolated the pathogenic agents and carried out sensitivity tests. Our investigation revealed that Escherichia coli and Salmonella organisms were isolated in the outbreaks. A pattern of antibiotic resistance that seems to be increasing was also found. Considering the role of chickens and its products in the human food chain in Nigeria; and the close interaction between poultry and man; these resistant organisms may pose dangers to humans through the food chain or zoonotic infection and precipitate a similar pattern of resistance in man. We advocated for informed use of antibiotics in the food animals; especially poultry

Antibacterial activity of extracts of Three Croton Species Collected in Mpumalanga region in South Africa

Abstract: The antibacterial activities of three Croton species were compared using bioautography and the serial microdilution methods. The methanolic extracts of all the species had low activity against Escherichia coli. The highest activity was observed with Croton megalobotrys against Enterococcus faecalis with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.02 mg/ml. Croton steenkapianus extracts were the least active of the species investigated, only managing an MIC value of 0.625 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Croton megalobotrys leaf powder was serially extracted using solvents of various polarities. The lowest MIC value (0.06mg/ml) of the serially extracted fractions was observed with acetone against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The liquid-liquid fractions of the methanol extract of Croton megalobotrys were also tested. The lowest MIC value of 0.02 mg/ml was observed with n-hexane fraction against Enterococcus faecalis. The carbon tetrachloride fraction was further fractionated using column chromatography with silica as the immobile phase. The resulting seven fractions were tested for activity following the bioassay-guided practice, and it emerged that the first three fractions had active compounds against Staphylococcus aureus when the bioautography method was used

Prevalence de Escherichia coli enteropathogenes dans le lait non pasteurise produit a Abidjan; Cote d'Ivoire

L'objectif de cette etude etait de determiner la prevalence de Escherichia coli enteropathogenes (ECEP) dans le lait non pasteurise. Un total de 207 echantillons ont ete analyses pour l'identification de E. coli. Les souches ont ete caracterisees par reaction de polymerisation en chaine (PCR) pour la detection des genes eaeA et bfp et un test a ete effectue sur lignee cellulaire Hep-2 pour la determination des phenotypes d'adhesion caracteristiques. La prevalence des E. coli presentant des genes de virulence dans le lait non Pasteurise est de 3;4(7 souches). La frequence des ECEP typiques (eaeA; bfp) est de 1;2. Les ECEP atypiques (eaeA+; bfp-) ont ete reveles dans 1;6des souches. Une adhesion localisee aux cellules Hep-2 a ete observee chez 3 (43) des souches possedant des facteurs de virulence. Le lait non pasteurise represente un facteur de risque de developpement d'infection a ECEP chez les enfants consommateurs

Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolated from Different Water Sources in the Mmabatho Locality; Northwest Province; South Africa

The antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli (E. coli); isolated from different water sources in the Mmabatho locality were evaluated. Water samples were collected from the local wastewater- and water-treatment plants; the Modimola Dam and homes in the area; and then analysed for the presence of E. coli; using standard methods. Presumptive isolates obtained were confirmed by the analytical profile index test. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by the disc diffusion method. Of the 230 E. coli isolates tested; marked antibiotic resistances (over 70) were observed for erythromycin; tetracycline; ampicillin; chloramphenicol and norfloxacin. Multiple antibiotic resistance patterns were also compiled. Overall; the phenotype T-Ap-E was frequent for E. coli isolated from the local wastewater and water-treatment plants; Modimola Dam and tap water. Cluster analysis performed showed a unique antibiotic resistance pattern which suggested a link between isolates from all sampling points. The findings indicated that improper wastewater treatment may have a potential impact on the dissemination and survival of E. coli; as well as other pathogenic bacteria in water for human and animal consumption. This may result in water- and food-borne disease outbreaks with a negative effect on antibiotic therapy