Antibiotic resistance is a significant challenge in human and veterinary medicine. It has become a serious issue for the livestock industry and public health. Foodborne illnesses are a concern, and antibiotic-resistant pathogens can cause difficult-to-treat infections. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a culprit in foodborne illnesses. Poultry meat, due to antibiotic use, can harbor resistant bacteria. This study investigates antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains from ostrich feces in Iran.
In a cross-sectional study conducted in Lorestan province, Iran, antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains isolated from ostrich feces was investigated. A total of 100 samples were collected from healthy ostriches on farms. Enrichment and isolation methods were used, and the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method determined antibiotic susceptibility profiles. The study aimed to assess risk factors and the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in chicken cloacae. Statistical analysis revealed associations between different risk factors and pathogen occurrence.
Results: In a study of Escherichia coli isolates from ostrich feces, 43 of the 100 study samples were found to be infected with Escherichia coli, and of these,15% of all samples or 34.88% of all isolates were identified as serotype O157:H7. The isolates exhibited high resistance to tetracycline and clindamycin while showing sensitivity to nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, ceftriaxone, and imipenem.
A national monitoring program for STEC strains in food systems is crucial due to antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli O157. This necessitates updated antibiotic practices and further epidemiological studies to understand regional variations and the role of ostriches in pathogen distribution.