Abstract

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance has gained global notoriety due to its public health concern, the emergence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria, and lack of new antimicrobials. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/ampicillin Class C (AmpC)- producing Escherichia coli and other zoonotic pathogens can be transmitted to humans from animals either through the food chain, direct contact or contamination of shared environments. There is a surge in the rate of resistance to medically important antibiotics such as carbapenem, ESBL, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones among bacteria of zoonotic importance. Factors that may facilitate the occurrence, persistence and dissemination of ESBL/AmpC-Producing E. coli in humans and animal includes; 1). oral administration of antimicrobials to humans primarily (by physician and health care providers) and secondarily to animals, 2). importation of parent stock and day-old chickens, 3). farm management practice and lack of water acidification in poultry, 4). contamination of feed, water and environment, 5). contamination of plants with feces of animals. Understanding these key factors will help reduce the level of resistance, thereby boosting the therapeutic effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of animal and human infections. This review highlights the occurrence, risk factors, and public health importance of ESBL/AmpC-beta-lactamase producing E. coli isolated from livestock.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase/ampicillin Class C.