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Agriculture

Escherichia coli Meningitis Study Details New Findings on Antimicrobial Resistance in Nigeria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have made new discoveries in the field of Escherichia coli meningitis, specifically focusing on antimicrobial resistant Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in Nigeria. The study aimed to investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistant ExPEC in poultry and the potential transmission of E. coli isolates from healthy chickens to poultry owners and the environment. A total of 71 E. coli isolates from seemingly healthy chickens, their handlers, and their shared environment in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria were analyzed. The results showed that 70.4% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and 66.2% were resistant to fluoroquinolones. Whole genome sequencing of 14 isolates revealed the presence of 30 different resistance determinants, with most of the sequenced isolates harboring plasmid-mediated resistance genes.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 71 E. coli isolates were collected from seemingly healthy chickens, their handlers, and their shared environment in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
  • 70.4% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), indicating a high level of antimicrobial resistance.
  • 66.2% of the isolates were resistant to fluoroquinolones, a common class of antibiotics.
  • Whole genome sequencing of 14 isolates revealed the presence of 30 different resistance determinants.
  • Most of the sequenced isolates harbored plasmid-mediated resistance genes, including aph(3')-Ib, aph(6)-Id, floR, sul1, sul2, tet(A), and tet(B).
  • The study highlights the importance of using a One Health approach to address antimicrobial resistance in poultry and humans.
  • The findings suggest that apparently healthy birds may carry antimicrobial resistant genes and virulence genes, which could be transmitted to humans.

Statistics:

  • 71 E. coli isolates were analyzed in the study.
  • 70.4% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR).
  • 66.2% of the isolates were resistant to fluoroquinolones.
  • 30 different resistance determinants were identified through whole genome sequencing.
  • 14 isolates were whole genome sequenced.
  • 20 different replicons were found in the isolates, with IncF1B being the most frequently detected.

Sources:

  • Antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry farms using One Health perspective in Abeokuta, Nigeria. BMC Microbiology, 2025,25(1):1-14. (BMC Microbiology - http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcmicrobiol/)
  • NewsRx. Study Results from Federal University of Agriculture Update Understanding of Escherichia coli Meningitis (Antimicrobial resistance and virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry farms using One Health perspective in ...). Life Science Weekly. September 2, 2025; p 7203.

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