Distribution and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli from Fish Farms within Abakaliki Metropolis

Background and Objectives: The emergence of antibiotic resistant determinant in fish farms and its spread is on the increase and has evolved into strains that are resistant to many classes of antibiotics. Thus, it is critical to identify the distribution and antibiotic resistance profile of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli from fish farms within Abakaliki Metropolis.

Methodology: Aseptically, fifty (50) milliliters of fishpond water was collected from twenty locations in fifteen (15) fish farms and were analyze using standard microbiological culture and identification of Escherichia coli. Detection of phenotypic extended spectrum β-lactamases production was performed using Double-Disk Synergy Test (DDST). Antibiotic susceptibility studies of extended spectrum β-lactamases producing Escherichia coli was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and the results were construed using the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) zone diameter breakpoints.

Results: Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli distribution from fishpond water revealed overall occurrence rate of 34(11.3 %). The proportion of ESBL producing Escherichia coli was 5(25.0 %) from fish farm L followed by Farm A, Farm E, Farm G, which both accounted for 20.0 % respectively while the least occurrence of 1(5.0 %) was recorded against Farm I. ESBL-producing E. coli were resistant to cephalosporin particularly Ceftriaxone (88.2%), Ceftazidime (91.2 %), Cefotaxime (94.1) and Cefepime (85.3 %). This was followed by Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (91. 2 %), Azetronam (97.1 %). In all, Ciprofloxacin (82.4 %), Imipenem (97.1 %), and Meropenem (100 %) were the most effective antibiotic against ESBL-producing E. coli isolate.

Conclusion: This study reveals the prevalence of the ESBL phenotype in fish farms. The increasing prevalence of resistance to routinely used antibiotics in medical and veterinary therapies among the study isolates from aquaculture products poses a significant challenge to the treatment of human and animal diseases. As a result, adequate antibiotic intervention is essential to ensure the continued efficacy of antibiotics for aquaculture and human health, as well as the industry's viability.