Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of pathogenic Eschericia coli in small scale pig farm
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Date
2026-10
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Gulu University
Abstract
The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health issue largely driven by antibiotic misuse. Monitoring AMR levels, through bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), is crucial. The research aimed at: 1) determining the prevalence of pathogenic E. coli in small scale pig farms in Gulu City, 2) assessing the antimicrobial resistance profile of E. coli O157 to six frequently administered antibiotics, and 3) determining antimicrobial resistance genes for six frequently administered antibiotics. Fecal samples from small-scale pig farms were analyzed for E. coli using culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), targeting E. coli O157. Positive samples underwent resistance testing using Single Disk Diffusion (SDD), and finally PCR detecting resistance genes for specific antibiotics. The results indicated high prevalence of E. coli (87%) in pig feces, with a 55% prevalence of E. coli O157. E. coli O157 prevalence was associated with pig sex. Alarming antibiotic resistance rates were observed in E. coli O157, particularly to ampicillin (72.7%), erythromycin (65.5%), colistin (47.3%)%), gentamicin (34.5%), streptomycin (25.5%), and ciprofloxacin (7.27%), while 48% of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Colistin resistance was associated with pig age, and ampicillin resistance with geographic location. Genotypic analysis identified a high prevalence of resistance genes, including mcr-3 for colistin (73%), aac(6)-Ib-cr ciprofloxacin (71%), ereA erythromycin (65%) , aadA1 streptomycin (56%) , and aac(3)-IV gentamicin (53%). These findings highlight the need for more effective monitoring and management of AMR in animal husbandry.
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Approved dissertation confirmed by supervisors
Keywords
Antimicrobial resistance, Escherichia coli O157, Pigs, Multidrug resistance, single disk diffusion, polymerase chain reaction.