Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in Sonali chicken meat in Bangladesh: Study

A recent study published in the international scientific journal 'Nature' has revealed the presence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in Sonali chicken meat, a popular food source in Bangladesh. The research, conducted collaboratively by Sylhet Agricultural University and Bangladeshi researchers based at various global universities, uncovered these concerning findings.

The study highlights that antimicrobial resistance, or antibiotic resistance, is an increasingly growing threat to global public health. Particularly, 'E. coli' bacteria that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) are creating a serious risk to human health. These bacteria block the effectiveness of various antibiotics, including penicillin and cephalosporins, leading to treatment failures.

The main aim of the study was to identify different types of drug-resistant 'E. coli' in Sonali chicken meat and analyze their molecular characteristics. For this, 390 raw meat samples were collected from six upazilas of Narsingdi district between July and December 2023. The tests revealed that 68.21% of the samples contained 'E. coli' bacteria, of which 7.89% were enteropathogenic and 92.11% were non-enteropathogenic 'E. coli'.

The researchers conducted antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method and found that the 'E. coli' strains were 100% resistant to ampicillin. Resistance to erythromycin was observed in 87.59% of the cases, and high resistance was also found against third-generation cephalosporins. The lowest resistance was seen in amoxicillin-clavulanate, at just 3.01%. Additionally, 41.73% of the samples tested positive for the presence of ESBL production, with non-enteropathogenic 'E. coli' strains showing even higher levels.

The researchers have warned that such antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to public health and food safety. It is crucial to ensure proper, conscious, and responsible use of antibiotics in Sonali chicken farms. Failure to do so may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of antibiotics in the near future, resulting in even greater health risks.