Abstract

Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) is an enzyme that is capable of hydrolyzing third generation cephalosporin. It is a threat to public health, This study is to investigate the occurrence of ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in chicken farms and ways of remedying it. Four chicken farms made up of broilers and cockerels farms were used. One hundred and ninety eight Escherichia coli and six Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were used for this study. The isolates were screened for beta lactamase production using acidimetric method. The beta lactamase producing isolates were further confirmed for ESBL production using the double disk synergy test. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was determined using the Kirbry-bauer disk diffusion method and finally, the isolates were subjected to 0.lng/ml of acridine orange for curing. Results revealed that the occurrence rates of Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae were 97.1 and 2.9%, respectively; while that of beta lactamase producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae were respectively 55.4 and 2.0%. The occurrence of ESBL producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae were, respectively 23.0 and 0.5%. The occurrence of ESBL positive E. coli in chickens, chickens’ environment and chicken rearers were respectively 15.7, 6.3 and 1.5% (P>0.05). Also, the occurrence in Madam Fibi’s farm (2 days old white cockerels) and Baltic farm Sabon line (3 weeks old white cockerels’ farm) were respectively 3.9 and 5.4% (P<0.05). The antibiotic susceptibility profile revealed that ESBL producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae were 100% resistant to ampicillin, ceftriazone and ceftazidime. They also showed resistance to other antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, etc. The curing rate of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae were 18.8 and 0%, respectively. Chicken farms harbor ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, some of which can be cured.