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Genetic research

Rising Antibiotic Resistance in Poultry Farming Exposes Risks to Human Health

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research published in Microbial Pathogenesis has revealed the alarming prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in poultry products in Morocco. Out of 154 sampled products, 62.34% were found to contain Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, with two isolates showing a high level of resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillins and fluoroquinolones. The presence of resistance genes, such as blaCTX-M-65, blaEC-15, blaTEM-1, and quinolone resistance genes gyrA_S83L and parC_S80I, was detected through whole-genome analysis.

Key Takeaways:

  • 62.34% of poultry products contained E. coli bacteria, highlighting the widespread contamination of poultry products in Morocco.
  • Two isolates were found to be resistant to multiple antibiotics, including penicillins and fluoroquinolones, posing a significant risk to human health.
  • The detection of ESBL genes, such as blaCTX-M-65, in poultry products is a worrying trend, as it indicates the potential transmission of antibiotic resistance to humans.
  • Whole-genome screening revealed the presence of additional resistance genes, in addition to ESBL genes, further exacerbating the risk of antibiotic resistance in humans.
  • The virulence profile of the E. coli isolates did not show the presence of Shiga toxin genes, but detected other virulence factors, such as colicin V and iroABCDEN genes.
  • The study highlights the importance of improving antibiotic stewardship and hygiene practices in poultry farming to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Statistics:

  • 154 poultry products were sampled, with 96 (62.34%) containing E. coli bacteria.
  • 2 isolates showed a high level of resistance to penicillins and fluoroquinolones.
  • The study detected the presence of 4 resistance genes, including blaCTX-M-65, blaEC-15, blaTEM-1, and quinolone resistance genes gyrA_S83L and parC_S80I.
  • 6 other resistance genes were detected through whole-genome analysis.

Sources:

  • "First detection of CTX-M-65 ESBL gene in Morocco: Evidence of Transcontinental Transmission Linked to commercial Exchange." Microbial Pathogenesis, 2025:107855.
  • University Hassan II, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment and Agri-food, Faculty of Sciences and Technology Mohammedia, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco.
  • Bouchra Karraouane, German Kopprio, Brahim Bouchrif, Houda Ennassiri, Mireille Favard Ennachachibi, and Abdelaziz Hmyene.
  • Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 24-28 Oval Rd, London NW1 7DX, England.

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