CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATES FROM RETAIL POULTRY MEAT

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli in poultry production as an indicator of public health risks associated with retail poultry products. Methods: Poultry samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Escherichia coli isolates were recovered through conventional culture techniques, followed by biochemical characterization and confirmation with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against a panel of clinically relevant antibiotics. Results: Exceptionally high resistance rates were observed to beta-lactams (92%) and fluoroquinolones (90%), indicating widespread resistance to these critically important drug classes. Substantial resistance was also detected to sulfonamides (50%). Moderate resistance levels were recorded for aminoglycosides (32%) and amphenicols (32%), while comparatively higher susceptibility was retained to tetracyclines (12%), monobactams (6%), and carbapenems (4%). Multidrug resistance was prevalent among the isolates. Conclusion: The findings reveal high resistance rates to first-line antibiotics in poultry-associated Escherichia coli, likely driven by historical antimicrobial use in agriculture. The preservation of susceptibility to last-resort agents such as carbapenems is encouraging. These results emphasize the urgent need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, robust surveillance systems, and strict implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles across the poultry production chain to curb the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant strains through the food supply and safeguard public health.