Abstract

Richard Nyingierefaa Ibiene*, Obire Omokaro and Williams Janet Olufunmilayo

ABSTRACT

Antibiotic use in livestock rearing for growth promotion, therapeutic and preventative actions gives rise to resistance in bacteria which can be transmitted directly to humans. This study was aimed at investigating the antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from the Caeca of Gallus gallus domesticus (Old layer and Broiler) from mile 3 market of Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers state. Thirty samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological procedures. A significant difference was observed in the heterotrophic count between broiler and old layer at (P? 0.05). The mean total heterotrophic bacteria count was 7.02±0.05a and 6.99±0.04b for broiler and old layer respectively. However, coliform count did not show any significant difference as mean total coliform count for broiler and old layer were 4.92±0.04a and 4.87±0.07a respectively. Eight genera of bacteria were isolated: Escherichia coli (11.5%), Enterobacter (16.7%), Klesiella (10.4%,), Salmonella (7.2%), Providencia (14.6%) , Shigella (8.3%), Vibrio (16.7%) and Staphylococcus (14.6%). Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test by disc diffusion method. Susceptibility testing revealed varying levels of resistance amongst isolates. Isolates were highly resistant to at least three antibiotics with augmentin, gentamycin and streptomycin showing the highest resistance amongst isolates. However, Staphylococcus isolates showed resistance to ampicillin (50%), rocephin (50%) and erythromycin (50%).There are concerns about poultry as a conduit for transmission of resistant bacteria to humans. Adequate monitoring of antibiotic use, misuse and abuse in livestock raring should be encouraged to help moderate development and spread of antibiotic resistance in the populace.