Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Production in Escherichia coli Isolated from Cattle Faeces in Owo Metropolis

Escherichia coli which synthesize extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) have been implicated in severe human diseases. There is substantial evidence that cattle faeces have a role in developing and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens, raising public health concerns. The study is aimed at detecting ESBL-producing E. coli associated with cattle faeces within Owo metropolis. Freshly passed faecal samples were taken aseptically from 9 apparently healthy cattle that were about to be slaughtered and placed in correctly labeled sterile capped universal bottles with sterile spatula. Using standardized method, Escherichia coli was isolated on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method, and the expression of ESBL was detected by the double disc synergy test. According to the findings, 25 (55.6%) of the 45 E. coli isolates showed probable production of ESBL during screening and 11 (44.0%) were confirmed to be ESBL producers. The isolates' antibiotic resistance pattern revealed that they were most resistant to gentamicin (81.8%) and least resistant to imipenem (9.1%). As a result, imipenem was the most effective antibiotic against ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. Antibiotypes of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates also showed that 9 (81.8%) of ESBL-positive E. coli isolates were multidrug-resistant. This studies confirmed that E. coli isolated from bovine faeces had high prevalence of antibiotic resistance and revealed that ESBL-producing bacteria are present in cattle and subsequent consumers. This necessitates the implementation of mitigating strategies to limit the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from animals to humans.