Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance Patterns, and Genetic Characterization of ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in Chicken Samples from Tangerang, Indonesia
T Ariyanti1*, SM Noor1, F Rachmawati1, PM Widiyanti1, Andriyani1, E Sukmawinata1, H Pisestyani2, Suhaemi1, S Mulyati1 and Sukatma1

1 Research Center for Veterinary Science, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
*E-mail: tatiariyanti23[at]gmail.com
2 IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

Abstract

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli poses a significant threat to both human and animal health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of ESBL-producing E. coli in poultry-related samples from Tangerang, Indonesia. A total of 264 samples were collected from farms (70 fecal, 90 egg, and 4 water samples) and markets (50 meat and 50 egg samples). ESBL-producing E. coli were isolated using selective media and confirmed through PCR. Twenty ESBL-producing E. coli isolates (7.6%) were recovered from chicken feces and eggs. ESBL production was further confirmed by PCR detection of the blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV genes. The blaSHV gene was most prevalent (70%), followed by blaCTX-M (20%) and blaTEM (15%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 13 antibiotics revealed varying resistance levels: tetracycline (55%), ampicillin (30%), ceftazidime (30%), ceftriaxone (25%), enrofloxacin (25%), gentamicin (25%), chloramphenicol (10%), ciprofloxacin (10%), sulfamethoxazole (10%), and amoxicillin (5%). No resistance was observed for cefoxitin, doxycycline, or meropenem. Notably, 70% of isolates were resistant to 1-5 antibiotics, while 15% were resistant to 6-9 antibiotics. These findings highlight the presence of multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in the poultry production chain in Tangerang, with a high prevalence of clinically important ESBL genes. This raises concerns about potential transmission to humans and underscores the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in veterinary practices and enhanced surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in the food production system to safeguard public health.

Keywords: Escherichia coli, ESBL, gene, antibiotic resistance, chickens

Topic: Food Security and Food Processing