Production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The overuse of antimicrobials in poultry has led to the development and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the poultry industry. One of the most effective mechanisms of resistance found in Escherichia coli is the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL); there are several ESBLs, including the TEM, SHV, and CTX-M families. This resistance mechanism and the risks associated with transmitting these resistant microorganisms between animals, the environment, and humans can occur through direct contact and consumption of infected animals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of E. coli in samples isolated from three broiler farms in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and screen the isolates for ESBL genes. The findings of this study demonstrated the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in all farms studied. The findings of this study highlight the urgency for a program to monitor the poultry industry value chains at the regional level to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, we recommend that the enzyme subtypes produced by bacterial isolates should be determined to effectively characterize the distribution of genes related to antimicrobial resistance.