Phenotypic and Genotyping Identification of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Enterobacteriaceae Obtained from Animal Fecal Samples within Owerri Metropolis

Background: One of the major means for the spread or distribution of antibiotic resistance is through animal, either by consumption or as companions. Most of the antibiotic resistant bacteria investigated have been reported to exhibit multidrug resistance which can either be acquired or natural. The present study was targeted at investigating the epidemiology of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Using stratified randomized sample design, three hundred (n = 300) fecal samples [of cattle, and goats (n = 150 for each)] were collected from various abattoir in Owerri metropolis. The isolation, purification, and antibiotic sensitivity were carried out using standard procedures. The resistant genes were investigated using forward and reverse primers specific for the following genes blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV. Results: The result showed 97.67 % growth of Enterobacteriaceae. The highest Enterobacteriaceae isolated was in cattle fecal sample (61.00 %), while 2.33 % of the total samples did not show any growth for Enterobacteriaceae. Only three Enterobacteriaceae species were identified: Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Escherichia coli was the most abundant Enterobacteriaceae (42.32 %) and P. vulgaris was the least abundant (23.89 %). The isolates showed multiple resistances to most of the antibiotics tested. All the isolates were susceptible to Imipenem (IPM). The molecular characterization showed the presence of the three genes (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV) investigated. The blaCTX gene-band was the most prevalent (72.22 %) while the blaSHV gene-band was the lowest prevalent resistant gene (61.11 %). Conclusion: It was concluded that the genes: blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV were present in Enterobacteriaceae species (K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, and E. coli) isolated from abattoir in Owerri metropolis, Imo State.