Vol. 10, Special Issue 7 (2025)

Author(s): Kavimathi S, Ezhilvelan S, Narendra Babu R, Raja P, Vasanthi C and Selvan P

Abstract: Inappropriate use of antimicrobials has led to the development, recurrent emanation and dissemination of resistant bacteria, and as a consequence, antibiotic resistance has become a scourge of the poultry industry. A total of 200 chicken meat samples were collected from retail meat outlets from local markets in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and the antibiotic susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolated from them was assessed. Gene-specific primers (uspA for E. coli) was used to characterise the isolated bacteria by molecular methods to confirm the presence of pathogenic E. coli in the meat samples. The isolates' susceptibility to commercially available antibiotics was evaluated by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The isolates were grouped as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant, based on the measurement of zones of inhibition, following CLSI standards and. The results revealed a prevalence of E. coli in 65% of broiler chicken meat samples, highlighting the importance of E. coli as a potential pathogen in meat borne illness. The E. coli isolated in the study exhibited muli-drug resistance emphasising the need to exercise discretion in use of antibiotics use and institute suitable measures to bolster food safety so as to ensure the constant decline in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the poultry industry.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i7Sb.2424