Reflections on Drivers for the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria Detected from Chickens reared on Commercial Layer Farms in Mukono District, Uganda

Purpose We investigated the fecal carriage of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli and potential practices influencing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dynamics among poultry farm settings in Mukono District, Uganda. Methods Twenty-nine commercial layer farms were visited and samples collected from 10 birds. The samples were then subjected to culture and sensitivity testing. The investigative framework for antimicrobial stewardship practices (IFAP) was used as a participatory tool to generate data through interviews and observations on antimicrobial use, drivers for use, players, and actions following non-responsive treatment outcomes. Results The cultures done on 290 cloacal swabs yielded a total of 273 Escherichia coli isolates (94.1% recovery rate) which were tested in vitro for their sensitivity to different antibiotics. The prevalence of multi-drug resistant E. coli was 59.3% (162/273). A high prevalence of resistance to tetracycline (91.6%, n = 250) and trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole (70.3%, n = 192) was noted. In this collection of isolates, the prevalence of molecular determinants associated with the predominant phenotypes was; tetA (79.3%; 138/174), tetB (17.2%; 30/174), tetC (7.5%; 13/174), sul1 (11.5%; 20/174), and sul2 (60.3%; 105/174). Responses derived using the IFAP revealed several vices related to misuse and overuse of antibiotics, a threat to the poultry industry. The farmers also reported habits of selling off sick birds for slaughter when treatment outcomes were non-responsive. Such a practice could drive dissemination of antimicrobial resistant organisms and antibiotic residues to the consumers of those poultry products. Conclusion The IFAP tool was useful and can be modified, and adopted for use in engaging agricultural communities in participatory AMR surveillance. A high carriage of multi-drug resistant E. coli was detected in the birds. On these farms, the worrying antimicrobial stewardship practices discovered could be sponsoring the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the Ugandan context.