Antimicrobial-Resistant E. coli in Goats in Qatar: Nationwide Evidence of MDR and ESBL Occurrence

Background/Objectives: Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in goat-derived E. coli within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remain limited, and are largely restricted to studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with no published reports from Qatar. This study provides the first baseline characterization of AMR and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) profiles of E. coli isolated from goats in Qatar. Methods: A total of 280 fecal samples were collected from goats across nine locations in Qatar (140 healthy and 140 diseased goats; 12 samples did not yield E. coli cultures). A selective agar medium was used to isolate E. coli, and the isolates were subsequently confirmed using the VITEK^® 2 Compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to determine resistance profiles, and PCR assays were used to detect ESBL-associated genes. Results: 268 E. coli isolates were recovered from 280 samples. AMR analysis revealed a high prevalence of tetracycline resistance among E. coli isolates (53%), consistently observed across all nine sampling locations. Ampicillin resistance was also widespread. AMR was detected in isolates from both healthy and diseased goats; however, gentamicin resistance was found exclusively in the isolates from diseased animals. Overall, 44 isolates (16%) were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), while nine isolates (3%) demonstrated ESBL production based on cefotaxime resistance. MDR and ESBL-producing E. coli were detected across all nine locations and in both healthy and diseased animals, with MDR strains occurring more frequently than ESBL producers. PCR analysis identified ESBL-associated genes, namely, bla_CTX-M in nine isolates and bla_TEM in three isolates. Conclusions: Goats in Qatar harbor multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli, highlighting their role as AMR reservoirs within a One Health framework. The high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics, particularly tetracycline and ampicillin, across health statuses and geographic locations suggest potential influences of local management practices and environmental factors. The detection of ESBL genes, notably bla_CTX-M and bla_TEM, underscores the need for prudent antimicrobial use and the implementation of integrated One Health surveillance programs to mitigate potential public health risks and to support national AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship efforts across the region.