Detection of the blaTEM gene on multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli producing extended spectrum β-lactamase from ducks in live poultry markets in Surabaya, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND

Escherichia coli bacteria are a normal flora in the digestive tract of animals and humans. However, some E. coli isolates are pathogenic, causing disease in humans and animals. Escherichia coli is one of the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria responsible for increasing antibiotic resistance. ESBL is a β-lactamase enzyme that can hydrolyze penicillin, first-, second-, and third-generation cephalosporins, and aztreonam.

AIM: This study aimed to identify ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria in duck cloacal swab samples taken from seven live poultry markets in Surabaya.

METHODS

A total of 158 duck cloacal swab samples were obtained, isolated, and identified with 85% (134/158) positive for E. coli bacteria using Mac Conkey Agar media, Gram staining, and then continued with biochemical tests as follows: Triple Sugar Iron Agar, Methyl red, Sulfide Indole Motility, Simmons Citrate Agar, and Voges-Proskauer.

RESULTS

ESBL detection using a double-disc synergy test (DDST) showed that 60% (12/20) of patients were positive for ESBL. Confirmation of the polymerase chain reaction test confirmed that 58.3% (7/12) of samples were positive for the blaTEM gene, with different percentages of positivity in each market.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an important contribution to understanding E. coli as one of the ESBL-producing bacteria in live poultry markets, as well as the importance of monitoring and controlling the incidence of antibiotic resistance in food safety of animal origin.