A cross sectional study on the prevalence of MDR Staphylococci and E. coli from livestock in Karnataka, India

Abstract In India, despite extensive studies on multi drug resistant bacterial pathogens in humans and animals, there is a wide gap in systematic surveillance in farming animals to have a clear vision on the prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). In this cross-sectional study, a total of 236 samples from livestock (cattle = 128), poultry = 45), swine = 2) and small ruminants = 61)) were collected during 2019-20 from Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka to identify and characterize multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens particularly Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli. The phenotypically identified isolates were confirmed by molecular screening, further antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion, broth microdilution and confirmatory tests (combined disc diffusion method). Resistant gene markers mecA and mecC genes were targeted in Staphylococcus spp. and extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL), AmpC type beta lactamase and carbapenem genes in E. coli isolates and screened by PCR. A total of 225 isolates recovered, 88% were Staphylococcus spp. and 47.5% were E. coli isolates. Overall prevalence of Multiple Drug resistance (MDR) was 20.35% and 35.71% in Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli, respectively. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus was found in 12% of Staphylococci and 9% of E. coli isolates which carried ESBL/AmpC/New Delhi metallo β-lactamase (NDM) genes. This study provides an insight into the prevalence of AMR in Staphylococci and E. coli and their transmission potential to humans through food chain.