EXTENDED SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASE PRODUCING Escherichia coli IN READY–TO-EAT BUSH MEAT AND FRESH PRODUCE IN LAGOS AND OGUN STATE.

Abstract

Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) provides resistance to a broad-spectrum of cephalosporins; it is usually found in transmissible plasmids which encode for ESBL in the host organism. The β-lactamases are usually susceptible to inhibitors such as clavulanic acid and sulbactam, which may assist with identification of these strains in the laboratory. Studies on pathogens in ready-to-eat (RTE) bush meat and fresh fruit have already been conducted with the potential of antibiotic resistance factor. The aim of this study was to detect ESBL(s) produced by Escherichia coli isolated from bushmeat and fresh produce in Nigeria. A total of sixty one (61) samples comprising of 55 bush meat and 6 fresh produce samples were collected from different South-western states (Osun, Ogun, and Ondo and Lagos states) in Nigeria. Isolation of pathogenic Escherichia coli was carried out on SMAC (Sorbitol MacConkey agar) and MAC (MacConkey agar). The double disc synergy test was performed to detect ESBL production in the E. coli isolates. Phenotypically 6 out of 11 isolates were confirmed as ESBLproducing E.coli. The strains MS1U1, MD1U2, MK1P2 tested positive for blaSHV, blaCTXM, blaTEM genes using PCR. This study shows the presence of ESBL E. coli in RTE bushmeat and fresh fruit produce and possible risk of transfer antimicrobial resistant E. coli to game meat handler and consumers which would difficult to treat.