Incidence of Drug Resistance and Transmissible R Factors In Strains of E. Coli Isolated from Faeces of Healthy Pigs

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty-six strains of E. coli were isolated from faeces of 107 pigs at different ages and without clinical signs of infectious diseases. The resistance of the strains to sulphonamide, tetracycline, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and nalidixic acid was determined. In 74 % of the animals the predominant E. coli flora was found to be resistant to one or more of the drugs mentioned. Fifty-three % of the strains were resistant. Multiple resistance was predominant among resistant strains (67 %). R factors transmissible to a sensitive strain of E. coli K12 W3132 were demonstrated in 28 %. The proportion of resistant strains was largest in young animals (0–14 weeks) accounting for 65 % of the strains isolated, as compared to 43 % of strains from pigs and sows (6 months or more). The incidence of resistance to sulphonamide, tetracycline, and streptomycin was high, whereas most of the strains were sensitive to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. All strains were sensitive to nalidixic acid. The incidence of resistance to antibiotics in a population of pigs to whom these drugs are not fed but applied as therapeutic agents solely seems rather high. When based on clinical findings only, the value is therefore questionable of sulphonamide, tetracycline and streptomycin treatment of infectious diseases caused by E. coli.