Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
A Pilot Study on the Prevalence and Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Chicken and
Sushma Paudel1, Sumitra Tamang1, Preety Singh1
1Himalayan WhiteHouse International College, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal.
Abstract:
The increasing trend of multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) has been a major concern for the healthcare settings in Nepal and globally. In Nepal, previous studies on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have received limited attention to animal-sourced food, which represents a significant route for the zoonotic transmission of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study aimed to assess antibiotic resistance and multidrug resistance patterns of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from intestinal and gizzard samples of chicken and pork meat collected from five municipalities in Kathmandu. From 13 samples (11 chicken and 2 pork), a robust collection of 136 Gram-negative bacteria was isolated and subjected to susceptibility testing against 16 different antibiotics. The bacterial isolates, representing 11 distinct types, were successfully identified: Escherichia coli (33.82%) and Shigella spp. (11.76%) were the predominant bacteria, followed by Yersinia (8.8%), Citrobacter (8.8%), Proteus (8.8%), Klebsiella (5.1%), and Plesiomonas (5.1%), among others. Notably, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria was notably high, with half (50%) of the isolates exhibiting resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Additionally, 73.9% of E. coli, 14.28% of Klebsiella, 58.33% of Yersinia, and 41.67% of Citrobacter are found to be multidrug resistant. Thus, this study showed that the meat samples exhibited a high burden of MDR-GNB, indicating a high risk of food-borne illness and zoonotic transmission, calling for AMR monitoring and mitigation strategies.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) are prevalent in chicken and pork meat in Kathmandu, Nepal. This poses a significant risk for foodborne illness and the zoonotic spread of antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative bacteria is a growing global health concern.
- Limited research in Nepal has focused on AMR in animal-sourced food, a key route for zoonotic transmission.
- Understanding AMR in food animals is crucial for mitigating public health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antibiotic resistance and multidrug resistance patterns of Gram-negative bacteria in chicken and pork meat from Kathmandu.
- To identify the prevalence of specific bacterial species and their resistance profiles.
- To assess the risk of foodborne illness and zoonotic transmission associated with contaminated meat.
Main Methods:
- Collection of intestinal and gizzard samples from chicken and pork meat across five municipalities in Kathmandu.
- Isolation and identification of 136 Gram-negative bacterial strains from 13 meat samples.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 16 different antibiotics for all isolates.
Main Results:
- 136 Gram-negative bacteria were isolated, with Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. being predominant.
- A high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria was observed, with 50% of isolates resistant to multiple antibiotic classes.
- Specific high rates of multidrug resistance were found in E. coli (73.9%), Yersinia (58.33%), Citrobacter (41.67%), and Klebsiella (14.28%).
Conclusions:
- Meat samples in Kathmandu harbor a significant burden of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
- This indicates a substantial risk for foodborne illnesses and zoonotic transmission of antibiotic resistance.
- Urgent AMR monitoring and mitigation strategies are necessary to address this public health threat.
More Related Videos
08:19Modified Most Probable Number Assay to Quantify Salmonella in Raw and Ready-to-Cook Chicken Products
Published on: January 31, 2025
09:44Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance