Journal of Biometrics & Biostatistics

Antimicrobial Resistance of ESBL Producing Coliforms Isolated from Retail Meat Samples

Abstract

Zahra Batool, Asma Haque, Fatima Jala and Yasra Sarwar

Extended Spectrum Beta lactamases (ESBLs) are special enzymes which are found in groups and can hydrolyze the third generation cephalosporins. Their Production is the commonest cause of resistance to beta-lactam antibacterial agents among Gram-negative bacteria. There is spread of drug resistance among food animals due to the use of antimicrobials. Pathogens develop resistance in their animal reservoirs and then these resistant strains are transmitted to humans where they may cause infections which are difficult to treat. In this study the antimicrobial resistance due to ESBL producing coliforms in humans and in edible animal meat was examined. The main objective of this study was to determine the fact that a substantial increase in antimicrobial resistance posed by ESBL producing coliforms in humans is due to edible animal meat. Various chicken, meat and beef samples were collected from different sites in Faisalabad. The samples were enriched in Trypticase Soy Broth and were streaked on Nutrient Agar then on MacConkey Agar to check the presence of Gram negative bacteria. Gram Negative isolates were isolated by gram staining and biochemical test (Triple Sugar Iron; TSI). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed through disc diffusion method. In which 28% isolates were resistant to Cefixime, 20% to Ceftriaxone, 24% to Clavulanic acid and 30% to Cefotaxime. As the next step, a set of PCR was optimized for amplification of major genes of ESBL conferring resistance to selected antibiotics. As a result 20% Bla (CTX-M), 4% Bla(OXA), 2% Bla(PER) and 1% Bla(Ges) were amplified through PCR. These are the major genes of ESBL which are going to become more and more resistant towards the first, second and third generation cephalosporins.