Multi-drug resistance among shiga toxin producing escherichia coli isolated from bovines and their handlers in Jammu region, India

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in bovines and their handlers. Materials and Methods: Of the total of 126 E. coli isolates screened by multiplex PCR for the presence of Shiga-toxin genes, 15 STEC isolates were obtained comprising of 9 isolates from cattle, 3 from buffaloes, and 3 from bovine handlers, which were tested for their antibiotic sensitivity/resistance pattern to various antibiotics. Results: Twelve of the 15 STEC isolates (80%) showed resistance to three or more antibiotics. Chloramphenicol was the most effective with 86.6% sensitivity, followed by Norfloxacin (80%), Ciprofloxacin (73.3%), and Co-trimoxazole (73.3%). Whereas 66.6% of the STEC isolates were resistant to Amikacin and Ampicillin, the other 60% were resistant to Amoxycillin, Cefixime, and Kanamycin. Conclusion: Multiple drug resistance patterns among the STEC in the present study, especially high resistance to the frequently used antibiotics in both bovines and their handlers, implies that antibiotic resistance is often acquired due to their indiscriminate use; thereby, creating a need for rational and judicious use of antibiotics in the field.