Multi-drug resistance profile of extended spectrum β-Lactamases producing Escherichia coli isolated from sheep in Mosul city

Abstract

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) Escherichia coli have become a major threat due to their ability to overcome different types of antibiotics. However, Extended Spectrum β-lactamase E. coli (ESBLE) imposes an additional threat due to their ability to resist the 3rd generation cephalosporins. Accordingly, our study aimed to investigate the antibiogram profile of ESBLE isolates obtained from sheep. A Total of 40 ESBLE isolates were included in this study which represents sheep fecal and milk samples. Twelve antibiotics were selected to perform antibiotic sensitivity tests following standard microbiological methods. The results of the study showed that the highest resistance percentages were recorded for tetracycline 97.5%, ciprofloxacin 80%, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 65%, and streptomycin 57.5%. While other antibiotics recorded lesser values. On the other hand, all isolates were susceptible to gentamycin and tobramycin each at 92.5%, followed by chloramphenicol and levofloxacin each at 82.5% and nitrofurantoin 72.5%. While fewer values of sensitivity were recorded for streptomycin, trimethoprim /sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and, tetracycline. The study concluded that ESBLE of sheep origin that have additional resistance features to other antibiotics could be a major threat for spreading resistance and contaminating the environment and finally impose negative impact for response to antibiotic treatment in humans.