Vol. 9, Issue 6, Part H (2024)

Author(s): Arya VS, Amalendu Renukuttan, Asha K, Vinod VK, Jess V, Kavitha Rajagopal, Aswathi PB and Hariharan R

Abstract: The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae has become an increasing concern in recent years, owing to its ability to evade the biocidal activities of antibiotics and its potential to cause severe infections in both humans and animals. One of the members of this family, Enterobacter cloacae is well known for its carriage of antimicrobial genes and also for its potential to cause nosocomial infections. This study investigated the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) in the broiler production chain, in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. Out of the total 210 samples analysed, 94 samples tested positive for E. cloacae via culture method, out of which 89.36 per cent of isolates were confirmed as E. cloacae using PCR. The organism was detected in 12.72 per cent of the cloacal swab samples from live birds, 68.42 per cent of the broiler chicken meat samples, 48.21 per cent of the slaughter waste, and 26.19 per cent of the environmental samples. The phenotypic characterisation of the isolates using double disc synergy test revealed that 67.9 per cent were ESBL-producers and the PCR based screening showed that 73.80 per cent of the ESBL-producers harboured all the three selected ESBL genes viz., bla_CTX-M, bla_TEM and bla_SHV. The findings highlighted public health concerns, particularly due to the high detection rate of this drug- resistant organism in the broiler production chain, posing risks to the consumers. The study underscored the necessity for continuous monitoring and improved biosecurity measures in broiler production to control the spread of this opportunistic organism, which can produce serious human infections.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2024.v9.i6h.1923