Antimicrobial resistance observed in Escherichia coli isolates from pigs.

SUMMARY A total of 74 Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets were examined for sensitivity to 10 antimicrobials, using the disc diffusion method. The samples for the investigations were rectal swabs from piglets with clinical signs of diarrhea or parts small intestine with pathoanatomical changes from piglets that died. All the samples originated from suckling piglets aged 1-30 days. E. coli isolates showed highest of resistance to tetracycline (91%) and ampicillin (81%). Resistance to streptomycin, neomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin was established in 69%, 64%, 61% and 54% strains of E. coli. The lowest percentage of resistance to ceftiofur was established in 5% strains. The results of this study indicate a high resistance of isolated strains of E. coli to the antimicrobials that are often used in veterinary practice. These results have important implications with regards to the spread and persistence of resistance in bacterial populations and to the prudent use of antimicrobial agents