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Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Wild Birds, Chicken, and the Environment in Malaysia
Mohamed-Yousif Ibrahim Mohamed1,2, Jalila Abu3, Zunita Zakaria1
1Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in the last decades has been considered a significant health hazard and pathogenic E. coli, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains, have long been identified as a zoonotic problem. This study aimed to investigate multidrug resistant pathogenic E. coli isolates from wild birds, chickens, and environment in selected Orang Asli and Malay villages in Peninsular Malaysia. The bacteriological culture-based technique, disc diffusion method, and multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (mPCR) assay was used to determine the occurrence of pathogenic E. coli strains in the several samples in the study. E. coli isolates showed a variety of multi-drug resistant (MDR) antibiotypes and Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) were the most predominantly identified pathogenic E. coli strains. The findings of this study demonstrated the significance of animal reservoirs and the environment as sources of pathogenic E. coli, resistant bacteria, and resistance genes. Hence, there is a need for adoption of a practical surveillance approach on MDR pathogens to control foodborne contamination.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains, particularly EPEC and EIEC, were found in wild birds, chickens, and environments in Malaysia. These findings highlight animals and the environment as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, necessitating surveillance to prevent foodborne illness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) poses a significant zoonotic health risk, especially antibiotic-resistant strains.
- Understanding the reservoirs and transmission routes of resistant E. coli is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic E. coli in wild birds, chickens, and environmental samples.
- To identify specific pathogenic E. coli strains and their resistance patterns in selected Malaysian villages.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological culture techniques were employed for bacterial isolation.
- Disc diffusion assays determined antimicrobial resistance profiles.
- Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (mPCR) identified pathogenic E. coli strains.
Main Results:
- A variety of multidrug-resistant (MDR) antibiotypes were observed in E. coli isolates.
- Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) were the predominant pathogenic strains identified.
- Significant presence of pathogenic E. coli, resistant bacteria, and resistance genes was found in animal and environmental reservoirs.
Conclusions:
- Animal reservoirs and the environment are significant sources of pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant E. coli.
- Effective surveillance strategies for MDR pathogens are essential to mitigate foodborne contamination risks.
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