Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Biofilm-forming Ability of E. coli and Non-Typhoidal Salmonella spp. from Dairy Cattle Farm settings: A Public Health Concern

Author: Dias Marita, Vinod Valil Kunjukunju, Bibin Mohan, Moonnamthodi Moosarikkal Reshma, Padikkamannil Abishad, Asha Karthikeyan, Renuka Nayar and Jess Vergis

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Abstract

The present study was envisaged to analyse a total of 164 samples (feed: 60, water: 60 and handwash: 44) for the presence of E. coli and non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), by microbiological and molecular methods. Overall occurrence rates of 64.63%, 19.47% and 10.36% were observed for E. coli, Salmonella spp. and NTS, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility testing confirmed that 21.69% of E. coli isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 19.81% being ESBL producers, among which the highest MDR isolates were recovered from trough water (28.8%), followed by feed (21.21%) and handwash (10.71%). Among the NTS isolates, 20.41% showed MDR pattern, and 11.76% were ESBL producers. In this study, a moderate biofilm-forming ability was exhibited by MDR test strains of E. coli at 24 and 48 h when compared with MDR-NTS strain which revealed weak biofilm formers at 48 h. Hence, further studies need to be pursued to address the challenges of AMR in the dairy industry

Keywords

Antimicrobial resistance, Biofilm, Organised dairy cattle farm, E. coli, Non-typhoidal Salmonella, Multi-drug-resistance

Conclusion

The study reveals the widespread occurrence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in dairy farm settings. Most E. coli isolates in this study were recovered from trough water, whereas NTS was isolated mainly from feed samples, with alarming drug-resistance patterns. These pathogens can spread from animals to people via the food chain either directly or indirectly. The findings of this study demonstrate the need for a thorough surveillance system for antimicrobial usage as well as an AMR in livestock with a holistic approach to navigate these issues successfully; the key components being access to clean water, safe feed, and hygiene. The judicious use of antibiotics in dairy cattle, good farm management practices such as the personal hygiene of farm workers and manure treatment must also be implemented to minimize the risk of transmission of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms to humans. Large herds are an important predictor of resistance to multiple types of antimicrobials as they suffer from more disease problems and use antimicrobials more frequently than small herds. In addition, antibiotic-resistant gene transmission pathways are more complex than those on small farms. One potential risk with the present study design was that conclusions were drawn based on the susceptibility testing of samples obtained from small dairy farms. So, further research using samples from large dairy herds is essential to identify and thoroughly understand the key risk factors significantly influencing the development of MDR enteric pathogens. A One Health philosophy with a holistic mindset can address these issues through effective farm management systems

References

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How to cite this article

Dias Marita, Vinod Valil Kunjukunju, Bibin Mohan, Moonnamthodi Moosarikkal Reshma, Padikkamannil Abishad, Asha Karthikeyan, Renuka Nayar and Jess Vergis (2024). Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Biofilm-forming Ability of E. coli and Non-Typhoidal Salmonella spp. from Dairy Cattle Farm settings: A Public Health Concern. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(3): 212-218