Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Poultry Feces

Abstract

Enterococci, especially Enterococcus faecalis and faecium, have emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen and represent a serious threat to patients with impaired host defenses. E. faecalis and faecium are part of the normal intestinal microbial flora of poultry and man under most conditions, they are considered as an opportunistic pathogen. In the current study, an investigation of Enterococcus spp. isolated from poultry feces and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was studied, due to the worldwide attachment with poultry by human being. Samples were collected from different sites of Allahabad, India, 80 samples collected screened for the presence of E. faecalis and E. faecium and identified based on cultural and biochemical characteristics. Thirty-five isolates were identified as E. faecalis (57.37%), while 26 were E. faecium (42.62%). The pathogens isolated were tested for their susceptibility toward 10 different commonly prescribed antibiotics. Most of the isolates showed resistance toward antibiotics under study. E. faecalis strain suggested a higher percentage of possibility of infection estimated by 15% in comparison with E. faecium as it was found to be less in a screening. The high resistance rate also indicates the negative impact of the antibiotic therapy. To evaluate the extent of transmission and impact of such transmission on the effectiveness of the antibacterial use in human medicine, further study is imperative. Periodic monitoring of antibiotic resistance pattern to detect any change in it would be necessary for the effective treatment against these pathogens. Enterococci revealed an alarming rate of resistance to the standard antimicrobial agents used for therapy and raised MIC values to vancomycin. The importance and infection control were stressed.