Quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli at the interface between humans, poultry and their shared environment- a potential public health risk
Mabel Kamweli Aworh, Jacob K. P. Kwaga, René S. Hendriksen, Emmanuel C. Okolocha, Erin Harrell, Siddhartha Thakur
One Health Outlook
Abstract
PMQR genes were prevalent in E. coli isolates recovered from healthy humans, chickens and poultry farm/market environments. PMCR genes (mcr-1.1) occurred in PMQR-positive isolates recovered from manure and drinking water originating from poultry farm/market environments. It was found that the gene encoding ESBL coexisted with qnrS-positive isolates of human and avian origin. Horizontal transfer of PMQR genes among E. coli isolates in the human-poultry-environment interface has public health implications for the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Relevant government agencies should enforce regulations to restrict the use of critically important antimicrobials in poultry production.