Occurrence of Extended Spectrum Beta – Lactamases and Sul 1 in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolated from poultry feeds

Contaminated animal feeds have been sources of food borne illness globally. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta – Lactamases (ESBLs) and Sul 1 gene in Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from commercial poultry feeds. A total of 107 Escherichia coli (71.0%) and Salmonella (29.0%) isolated from poultry feeds obtained from open markets and stores and identified by standard biochemical procedures were used for the study. Antibiotic sensitivity test using multi disc containing 11 antibiotics was carried out by disc diffusion. ESBLs and Sul 1 were determined by phenotypic and molecular means respectively. The presence of plasmids in ESBLs positive and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim resistant isolates were determined by the alkaline lysis procedures. The results showed 83% of the isolates to be multi-drug resistant (MDR). Plasmids were observed in all ESBLs positive isolates and in 63% sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim resistant isolates. Chi square analyses showed associations between sales outlet and type of feed with respect to occurrence of E. coli and Salmonella isolates, ESBL and Sul 1 genes (P