Poultry Farming in Bangladesh: A Significant Reservoir of ESBL-E

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted between December 2019 and June 2021 found that 68% of fecal samples from poultry in Bangladesh were positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E). The study, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, highlighted the urgent need for improved biosecurity and waste management in the poultry supply chain. The investigation, which involved analyzing 220 fecal samples from live and dead birds, revealed a significantly higher prevalence of ESBL-E in urban live-bird markets compared to rural poultry farms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 68% (150/220) of fecal samples from poultry in Bangladesh were positive for ESBL-E, with a significantly higher prevalence in urban live-bird markets (88%, 97/110) than rural poultry farms (48%, 53/110).
  • The widespread presence of ESBL-E in poultry underscores the need for improved biosecurity and waste management practices across the poultry supply chain.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of addressing the risk of ESBL-E transmission through proper disposal of poultry wastes and enhanced biosecurity measures.
  • The study's findings highlight the need for standardization and implementation of robust biosecurity and waste management practices in Bangladesh's poultry industry.
  • Kazi Injamamul Hoque, a researcher from the Laboratory of Food Safety and One Health, Nutrition Research Division, icddr, b, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a key author of the study.
  • Mohammed Badrul Amin, Ajrin Sultana Sraboni, Omar Faruk Bhuiyan, Tanjin Tamanna Happy, Munirul Alam, Dinesh Mondal, and Mohammad Aminul Islam are also co-authors of the research.
  • The study's conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity and waste management practices to mitigate the risk of ESBL-E transmission through the poultry supply chain.

Statistics:

  • 68% (150/220) of fecal samples from poultry in Bangladesh were positive for ESBL-E.
  • The prevalence of ESBL-E in urban live-bird markets was 88% (97/110).
  • The prevalence of ESBL-E in rural poultry farms was 48% (53/110).
  • 220 fecal samples were analyzed in the study.
  • 220 samples were collected from 55 freshly slaughtered and 55 dead birds in urban live bird markets and rural poultry farms.

Sources:

  • Extended spectrum b-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in live and dead birds from rural poultry farms and urban live bird markets of Bangladesh. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025;16:1560890.
  • Frontiers in Microbiology can be contacted at: Frontiers Media Sa, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland.
  • Kazi Injamamul Hoque, Laboratory of Food Safety and One Health, Nutrition Research Division, icddr, b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.