Determination of prevelance and molecular characterization of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli in poultry from J&k, India

The study was aimed at finding the prevelance of Extended Spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) producing E. coli in poultry and to characterize them with respect to blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV gene. Out of total 200 faecal samples collected, 400 presumptive ESBL producing E. coli were isolated. Of the 400 isolates, 150 (37.5%) were found to be resistant to cefotaxime and ceftazidime. Resistance to cefotaxime was observed in 60.0% and ceftazidime in 40.0% isolates and 46.6% isolates showed resistance to both. All the 150 isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers by Double disc synergy test. The overall prevelance from this study is 37.5% and is the first report of its kind in Jammu region (J&K). Further, all the ESBL producers were tested for the presence of bla gene. Of 150 ESBL isolates, 110 (73.2%) carried the blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaSHV gene/s. Of these 110 isolates, 27.2% carried blaTEM gene alone, 48.1% carried blaCTX-M gene, 1.81% carried blaSHV only and 22.72% isolates carried both blaTEM /blaCTX-M genes.