The Prevalence and Multidrug Resistance Profile of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Isolated from Poultry Farms in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria

Multidrug resistance profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae in poultry farms

Abstract

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the prominent foodborne pathogens found in livestock causing infectious diseases such as pneumonia, septicaemia, and diarrhea. This study determined the prevalence of multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in poultry farms in Abakaliki. Methods: A total of 135 samples were collected from three poultry farms, 45 each from drinkers, chicken transport cages and faecal droppings within Abakaliki metropolis. The samples were analyzed bacteriologically using standard microbiological techniques for isolation and identification. Antibiotics susceptibility testing of Klebsiella pneumoniae was done against different classes of antibiotics using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and Multiple Antibiotic Resistance Index was determined. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Products and Service Solutions version 20.0. Results: Out of 135 samples analyzed, the overall prevalence of Klebsiella pnuemoniae was 24 (17 .8%). However, drinkers harbored 6(13.3%), faecal droppings had 10(22.2%) and transport cages harbored 8(17.8%). Klebsiella pnuemoniae isolates showed moderate levels of resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin and erythromycin (16.7% to 33.3%). Klebsiella pnuemoniae isolates were 83.3% to 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Multidrug resistant Klebsiella pnuemoniae isolates were detected; 6(25.0%). There was no statistically significant association between the areas of poultry tested and the occurrence of MDR K. pneumoniae (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae was reported in poultry farms as 25.0%. This high prevalence of MDR K. pnuemoniae in the poultry birds is probably due to unregulated use of antibiotics. We recommend stringent antibiotic administration policies for poultry birds and surveillance on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in poultry farms.