Vol. 9, Special Issue 9 (2020)

Author(s):
B Deepthi, M Srivani, RN Ramani Pushpa and Chaitanya Y

Abstract:
Faecal samples collected from 70 companion dogs were cultured for isolation of E. coli and confirmed by PCR targeting E16S gene. A total of 51 E. coli isolates were recovered and screened for ESBL resistance by phenotypic and genotypic methods. For selective isolation of ESBL producing E. coli, samples were inoculated onto cefotaxime containing Mc conkey agar, and this process resulted in recovery of 38 isolates. These suspect ESBL producers were further confirmed by combination disc method and double disc synergy test which revealed an overall incidence of 56.8% (29/51). Multiplex PCR assays revealed presence of blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA and blaCTX-M group1, 2 and 9 genes in 12, 5, 2, 5, 8 and 3 isolates respectively. Two isolates have combination of blaCTX-M group genes. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in companion animals was described as a risk factor for faecal colonization of ESBL producing E. coli and transmission to humans. Hence, data on antibiotic resistance patterns of companion animals is quintessential.