ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from poultry farms in Umuahia, Abia State. A total of Two hundered and forty six (246) samples were randomly collected from four different source within the poultry farms. A loopful of the samples were cultured on Sorbitol MacConkey agar, Salmonella Shigella agar, Eosin Methylene Blue agar and Mueller Hinton agar for Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and incubated at 370C for 24hours. From the results obtained in the study, The total isolation rate of Salmonella species from different poultry farms in Umuahia  was 28(77.84%).Feacal droppings had 6(16.68%), Feed sample had 6(16.68%),Litter had  9(25%), while water had  7(19.46%). The overall isolation rate of E. coli was 18(50%) of which Feacal droppings had 7(19.46%),Feed sample had  4(11.12%), litter had 3(8.34%) while water had 4(11.12%). Out of the 36(100%) samples collected from poultry farms in umuahia, Salmonella was isolated from 28(77.84%) samples while E.coli was isolated from 18(50%) samples. The results of the Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from poultry farms in Umuahia shows that the highest level of resistance by E. coli were against Ceftriazone (27.8%) and Cefotaxime(27.8%). Low levels of resistance of E. coli were recorded for Nitrofurantoine(5.56%), Cefuroxime(5.56%), Cefepime(5.56%),Imipenem(5.56%) and Gentamicin (5.56%). The highest levels of sensitivity were against Cefuroxime(27.8%),Gentamicin(22.24%) and Ofloxacim(22.24%). Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for Salmonella spp. showed highest resistance against Augumentin (100%),Cefotaxime (53.55%),and Ceftriazone (39.27%). Highest level of susceptibility of Salmonella were to Ofloxacin (74.97%) and Gentamycin (39.27%). E. coli and Salmonella spp. pose serious public health and economic risks and have been isolated from chickens in poultry farms in Umuahia,Abia State with multiple antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were observed to be susceptible to ofloxacin. Indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has led to multidrug resistant strains of these bacteria. There is a need to improve the stewardship of the use of ofloxacin to avoid the emergence of resistance. Importantly, people purchasing either broiler or local chickens should ensure correct handling, preparation and cooking as there is a considerable risk of multidrug resistant bacteria being present from both sources, some of which could cause severe disease.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Certification ii 

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables vii

Abstract vii

CHAPTER ONE 

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Problem Statement 5

1.2 Significance of Study 6

1.3 Aim 6

1.4 Objectives 6

CHAPTER TWO 

2.0 Literature Review 7 

2.1 Poultry Production in Umuahia 8

2.2.0 Salmonella species 8

2.2.1 Introduction 8

2.2.2 Salmonella Infections 9

2.3.0 Escherichia coli 12

2.3.1 Introduction 12

2.3.2 Escherichia coli Infections 12

2.3.3 Antibiotic resistance 14

CHAPTER THREE 

3.0 Materials and Methods 17 

3.1 Study Design 17

3.2 Study Sites 17

3.3 Sample Collection 17

3.4.1 Biochemical Testing 18

3.4.2 Serotyping of Salmonella and E. coli isolates 18

3.4.3 Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing 19

CHAPTER FOUR 

4.0 Results 20

CHAPTER FIVE 

5.0 Discussion and Conclusions 24

5.1 Discussion 24

5.2 Conclusions 26

5.3 Recommendation 27

References 28