Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli and Its Correlation with Antimicrobial Use on Commercial Poultry Farms in Bangladesh

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, posing risks to human and animal health. This research quantified antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in E. coli isolates from poultry fecal and environmental samples in Bangladesh and explored their association with antimicrobial use (AMU). We screened 725 fecal and 250 environmental samples from 94 conventional broilers and 51 Sonali farms for E. coli presence using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. AMU data were collected at flock levels, expressed as treatment incidence (TI), while minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for 14 antibiotics were determined on five fecal E. coli isolates per farm and on all environmental isolates. MIC results were interpreted using human clinical breakpoints and EUCAST epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs). Acquired resistance against commonly used antimicrobial agents such as ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and ampicillin, was extremely high and predominantly clinically relevant. There was a moderate correlation between fecal and environmental antibiotic resistance index (ARI), but there was no significant correlation between AMU and AMR, suggesting that the observed AMR prevalence is unrelated to current AMU in poultry, but may be due to high historical AMU. A high level of multidrug resistance, including against critically important antimicrobials, was found in both farm types. Therefore, an AMR/AMU surveillance program is urgently needed in the poultry production sector of Bangladesh.

Automated summary

This research quantified antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolates from poultry fecal and environmental samples in Bangladesh and explored their association with antimicrobial use. The study found high levels of acquired resistance against commonly used antimicrobial agents, but no significant correlation between antimicrobial use and resistance. The presence of multi-drug resistance, including against critically important antimicrobials, was also observed. This highlights the urgent need for an antimicrobial resistance/antimicrobial use surveillance program in the poultry production sector of Bangladesh.