Abstract

This study investigated the co-carriage of plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing lactose non-fermenting (LNF) Enterobacteriaceae isolated from poultry birds. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between September, 2016 and March, 2017. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. ESBL screening disc kit was used to detect ESBL activities. Detection of ESBL and PMQR genes was carried out by means of polymerase chain reaction. In total, 207 LNF Enterobacteriaeae isolates were recovered from the cloacal swabs of poultry birds within the Calabar Metropolis. ESBL-producing isolates were 162 (78.3%) while fluroquinolone resistant isolates were 194 (93.7%). Among the ESBL-producing isolates, resistance to Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Nalidixic acid was 55 (34.2%), 26 (16.1%), 35 (21.7%), 50 (31.1%), and 162 (100%), respectively. About 65% of the quinolone resistant isolates were positive for at least one of the PMQR and ESBL genes in this study. Strict antimicrobial screening, surveillance of resistant isolates as well as the judicious practice of antimicrobial administration in the poultry setting with special emphasis on fluoroquinolones is advised given the high prevalence of co-existent ESBL and PMQR genes.

Key words: LNF enterobacteriaeae, Extended spectrum beta-lactamases, quinolone resistance