The Enterobacteriaceae, a family of aerobic and Gram-negative rods that naturally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, have been implicated in many human diseases. This family of bacteria has recently been experiencing a rise in incidence of resistance to antibiotics, as reported in many countries of the world, thus posing a bigger threat to healthcare delivery [1] [2]. They are particularly of clinical importance in the cause of nosocomial and community acquired bacterial infections. With the continued economic activities in poultry practice, cattle ranching and increased exposure of both crop fields and humans to antibiotic-resistant bacteria present in chicken and cow excreta, human contacts with enterobacterial infections are inevitable and have constituted a threat to public health [3].

More so, previous studies have attributed the irrational use of antibiotics in the practice of animal husbandry as the reason for the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria [3] [4]. Resistance of the Enterobacteriaceae to commonly used antibiotics in the last decade has been of an alarming proportion, causing increased public health concerns [5] [6]. The mechanisms of resistance to such antibiotics are usually through efflux pumps, enzyme modification of the antibiotic, selective pressure and antibiotic inactivation [4] [5] [6] [7]. Commonly used antibiotics are becoming less useful owing to resistance and most of the antibiotics considered as last resort are also becoming ineffective for the same reason [8].

Furthermore, carbapenems are β-lactam group of drugs that are currently used as antibiotics of last resort for treating infection because of the problem of multidrug-resistance especially among Gram-negative rods [2] [9] [10]. This resistance has largely been attributed to the production or acquisition of Carbapenemases among enterobacteriaceae family [11]. Originally, organisms belonging to the enterobacteriaceae family were susceptible to carbapenems, but this is no longer true due to the emergence of Carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae in the last couple of years and so posing a serious health concern [10]. The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2013 reported that Carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE), which emerged within the past two decades, among other multidrug-resistant organisms, have remained the major cause of untreatable and hard-to-treat infections among hospitalized patients, and are considered an urgent threat to human health [2] [10]. Detecting CRE early in human and animal hosts is highly recommended in controlling infections by them as well as their spread [2].

Consequently, contamination of food and food-producing animals with MDR bacteria harboring MBLs and AmpC enzymes could be a source of antibiotic resistance [12]. Over the last few decades, several extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae (EPE) have emerged in both human and animal health management globally, with the animals being touted as the transmission link of ESBLs/AmpCs for humans [10] [11] [13]. In addition to this, Ejikeugwu et al., reported AmpC producing Enterobacteriaceae, as well as MDR and production of MBL amongst Klebsiella spp isolated from cow anal swabs in studies carried out in Nigeria [12] [14]. Although some studies have been carried out in Nigeria at poultry and animal houses, yet paucity of data is available on antimicrobial resistance resulting from poultry droppings and cow dungs especially in South-Eastern Nigeria; thus, creating a research gap for this study. In this study, we proposed the hypothesis that antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae recovered from both poultry droppings and cow dungs could be attributed to intrinsic genetic factors possessed by these organisms that enhance the production of MBL and AmpC enzymes. Hence, this study was aimed at identifying and screening for drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from chicken droppings and cow dungs in Onitsha, Anambra state, in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

A total of 43 (69.4%) Enterobacteriaceae recovered from this study out of 62 (100%) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) isolates obtained from this study. Table 1 shows the frequency of Gram-negative bacteria recovered from the samples collected from 40 (80%) chicken droppings and 22 (44%) cow dungs. K. pneumoniae and E. coli had the highest frequency in chicken droppings (15%), while K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae had the highest frequency in cow dung (18.1%). The Enterobacteriaceae recovered all showed to be lactose fermenters with pink colonies on MAC, whereas non-lactose fermenters showed pale colonies on MAC and were all negative for oxidase test. Characterization of the isolates biochemically using the API^®20E kit identified the isolates accordingly (Table 1).

Table 2 and Table 3 show the antibiogram profiles of the isolates to the tested antibiotics together with their respective MARI. All the isolates from chicken dropping, except Citrobacter braaki, were resistant to Augmentin while the isolates Serratia odorifera and Enterobacter cloacae were resistant to all the antibiotics tested (Table 2). Ceftriaxone and Ofloxacin had the best antibacterial activity against the isolates from both sites. All the isolates from cow dungs were resistant to Augmentin while Shewanella putrefaciens was resistant to all the antibiotics tested (Table 2). Table 2 and Table 3 show the multidrug resistant

*Frequency = adjusted to 1 decimal place.

KEY: OFL = Ofloxacin 5 µg; CAZ = Ceftazidime 30 µg; CRX = Cefuroxime = 30 µg; GEN = Gentamicin 10 µg; CTR = Ceftriaxone 30 µg; AUG = Augmentin 30 µg; CXM = Cefixime 5 µg; NIT = Nitrofurantoin 300 µg; *MARI = adjusted to 3 decimal places.

KEY: OFL = Ofloxacin 5 µg; CAZ = Ceftazidime 30 µg; CRX = Cefuroxime = 30 µg; GEN = Gentamicin 10 µg; CTR = Ceftriaxone 30 µg; AUG = Augmentin 30 µg; CXM = Cefixime 5 µg; NIT = Nitrofurantoin 300 µg; *MARI = adjusted to 3 decimal places.

profile of the isolates with most of the isolates showing resistance to three or more antibiotics (above 0.2) hence are considered as multi-antibiotics resistant strains. Table 4 shows the results of the screening tests for AmpC production among the 16 MDR isolates. From the test, Escherichia coli, Proteus penneri, Pantoea spp, Shewanella putrefaciens were positive for AmpC production. The results of the screening tests for Metallo–β-lactamase (MBL) production (Table 5) among the 16 multidrug-resistant isolates revealed that Serratia odorifera and Enterobacter cloacae were positive for Metallo–β-lactamase (MBL) production. Table 6 shows the results of the screening tests for possible ESBL production

among the 16 multidrug-resistant isolates. The result showed that none of the isolates were positive for ESBL production.

The nonstop incidence of antimicrobial resistance caused by selective pressure, continued abuse and misuse of antibiotics and the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry have created a very serious problem in the treatment of bacterial infections and has become a daunting task for public health practitioners worldwide since only a very few antibiotics are effective for use. The increasing emergence of multidrug resistance is making the issue more problematic.

In this study, we investigated the presence, identity and antimicrobial profile of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from chicken and cow dung in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. The results revealed the presence of forty three (69.4%) enterobacteriaceae. This demonstrates their dominance among the 62 gram negative isolates recovered. E. coli (15%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (15%) were bacteriologically recovered from the chicken droppings swab samples as the most prevalent organisms which is in tandem with the report of Ejikeugwu et al. [14] who isolated similar organisms from anal swap samples from abattoir. However, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae were the most prevalent Enterobacteriaceae isolated from cow dungs with a percentage of 18.2% each. Both bacteriological recoveries (chicken droppings and cow dungs) agree with the findings of Amador et al. [3] in Portugal who isolated various Enterobacteriaceae from Portuguese livestock manure. These bacteria are members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and part of the human normal flora.

The evaluation of the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the recovered isolates under study is paramount as antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animal excreta are an emergent concern. The resistance profiles of all Enterobacteriaceae isolates were evaluated by exposure to eight antibiotics of four different classes for the phenotypic characterization of the isolates. These were chosen to represent the main antibacterial classes used in human medicine and livestock production in Nigeria. The resistance of all isolates from chicken dropping, except Citrobacter braaki, to Augmentin as well as the resistance of Serratia odorifera and Enterobacter cloacae to all the antibiotics tested can be attributed to the use of extended spectrum cephalosporins such as cefoxitin and cefotazim in livestock. The results of this research buttress the findings of [11] who reported that the presence of Carbapenemases producing Enterobacteriaceae in animals is becoming worrisome. These organisms, all of which are of public health importance, are in line with the report [2] who reported that Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are organisms of medical importance. As well as [18] in Southern China who recorded high level of Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. from clinical infection and fecal survey samples in Portugal [3]. The antibiogram profiles of the bacterial isolates from both sites revealed that some of the bacterial isolates were highly resistant to commonly used agents although some of the isolates were sensitive to Ofloxacin and moderately sensitive to Ceftazidime. Most of the isolates were resistant to three or more antibiotic classes hence are considered as multi-antibiotics resistant strains. The results of isolates from chicken dropping show that only one isolate, Providencia stuartii, gave a MARI of <0.20 as it had a MARI of 0.13 with others having 0.20 and above while Ewingella americana and Providencia stuartii both had a MARI of 0.13 among organisms isolated from the cow dung. The multiple antibiotics resistance index (MARI) is a protocol used to explain the spread of bacteria resistance and resistant genes in any bacterial population [19] [20]. Generally, Multiple antibiotics resistance index above 0.20 means that bacteria isolates originating from such an environment has been exposed to indiscriminate use of several antibiotics in time past [19] [21]. The multi-drug resistance to the antibiotics of different classes observed in this study may be due to the increasing administration of quinolones to treat avian infections [3]. The unnecessary use of antibiotics for enhancement of growth and prevention of diseases in farm animals has impressed selective pressures that induce more resistance among bacteria in the community. From the sixteen isolates examined phenotypically for the production of metallo β-lactamase (MBL), two (12.5%) isolates were positive for the production of this enzyme. The production of MBL is this study is similar to a previous study conducted by Ejikeugwu et al. [12] in which MBL was detected in Klebsiella species isolated from cow anal swabs. Only two AmpC producing Enterobacteriaceae was detected when the isolates were phenotypically screened for the enzyme. This is similar to an earlier report by Ejikeugwu et al. [14] in which AmpC enzymes were significantly detected in the E. coli and Klebsiella species isolated from cow anal swabs from an abattoir in Abakaliki, Nigeria. These results illustrate that the AmpC and metallo β-lactamase (MBL) producing species isolated in this study are multidrug resistant. They also produce AmpC and metallo β-lactamase (MBL) enzymes which allow them to be resistant to the 2^nd and 3^rd generation cephalosporins which are clinically used to manage and treat serious bacterial infections. Furthermore, all the isolates screened phenotypically for ESBL production showed negative, this is in contrast to the review done by Madec et al. [11] where a study conducted among 699 S. enterica isolates from 1152 retail chickens reported a 24.6% rate of ESBL producers in Shanghai, China. This current study is relevant and a springboard to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the non-nosocomial environment such as abattoir. More so, it provides acceptance to the possible abuse and irrational use of antibiotics in animal husbandry and for other non-clinical purposes. Hitherto, fecal excrement of chicken and cows in constant contact with humans who are husbandry rearers, pose high risk of cross contamination and further affects the antimicrobial resistance status and ultimately, the public health standards of nations.

Study Limitations: The molecular characterization of the isolates to further confirm the identity of the isolates wasn’t conducted at the time of this writing due to limited funding. Also, the genes responsible for drug resistance could not be identified for the same financial constraints.

The bacteria of public health importance isolated from these sites and their antibiogram profile have shown the need for proper monitoring and management of animal wastes in order to mitigate the threat to human health in the spirit of One Health as well as contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance.

What is known about this topic?

World over:

• Resistance of the Enterobacteriaceae to commonly used antibiotics in the last decade has been of an alarming proportion, causing increased public health concerns.

• The last few years have witnessed the proliferation of several extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae (EPE) in both human and animal health management globally.

• Animals have been touted as the transmission link of ESBLs/AmpCs for humans and demanded urgent response.

What this study adds

This study has showed that:

• There is the presence of resistant strains among enterobacteriaceae found in chicken and cow droppings.

• The need for proper monitoring and management of animal wastes in order to mitigate the threat to human health in the spirit of One Health.

• More evidence that animals could serve as the transmission link of ESBLs/AmpCs in humans.

This research was conducted by a project group between the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu Anambra state Nigeria and the Physician Assistantship/Public Health Department of Central University, Accra, Ghana. We would like to acknowledge all members of our team and staff of the laboratory for their continuous commitment to our research efforts.

None to declare.

The study did not receive external funding; instead, it was self-funded.

CCA initiated the concept of the research, performed the Lab work and wrote the first draft. ANO elaborated the idea, designed the work and as well as supervised the lab work. PAE and MUO helped with laboratory works while JK participated in writing the manuscript. All the authors have read and agreed to the final manuscript.

Anene, C.C., Oli, A.N., Edeh, P.A., Okezie, M.U. and Kretchy, J.-P. (2021) Antimicrobial Resistance among Enterobacteriaceae Found in Chicken and Cow Droppings and Their Public Health Importance. Advances in Microbiology, 11, 694-711. https://doi.org/10.4236/aim.2021.1111050

STROBE Statement—Checklist of items that should be included in reports of cross-sectional studies

NA: Not applicable. *Give information separately for exposed and unexposed groups. Note: An Explanation and Elaboration article discusses each checklist item and gives methodological background and published examples of transparent reporting. The STROBE checklist is best used in conjunction with this article (freely available on the Web sites of PLoS Medicine at http://www.plosmedicine.org/, Annals of Internal Medicine at http://www.annals.org/, and Epidemiology at http://www.epidem.com/). Information on the STROBE Initiative is available at http://www.strobe-statement.org/.

MARI: Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Index

MBL: Metallo-β-lactamase

API: Analytical Profile Index

CRE: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

MAC: MacConkey Agar

SSA: Salmonella-Shigella Agar

EMB: Eosin Methylene Blue Agar

GNB: Gram Negative Bacteria