Phenotypic characterization of gentamicin-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from raw chicken meat samples in Türkiye: A public health concern

The inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry production is considered to have contributed to the global increase and dissemination of multidrug-resistant pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of gentamicin- resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from chicken meat samples and to evaluate their antimicrobial resistance profiles in Sivas province, Türkiye. A total of hundred fresh chicken meat samples (breast, drumstick, and wings) were collected from September to December 2022. After pre-enrichment of the samples material in buffered peptone water, the broths were streaked onto Tryptone Bile X-Glucuronide agar containing 8 µg/mL gentamicin. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations. A total of 50 gentamicin- resistant E. coli strains were isolated from chicken meat samples. The strains showed high resistance to Ampicillin (100 %), followed by Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (88 %) and Ciprofloxacin (64 %), respectively. Multidrug-resistance was found in 96 % (n = 48) of the isolates. All gentamicin-resistant coli strains were susceptible to Amikacin, Carbapenems, and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. The presence of resistant E. coli in raw chicken meat confirms its potential role of as source for the spread of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug-resistant strains in retail food. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of E. coli strains isolated from raw chicken meat within the framework of the public health concept.