Abstract

Escherichia coli multi-resistance to a variety of antimicrobials is a result of gene mutation on plasmids, integrons and transposons. The aims of this work were to: (1) detect genotype and phenotype antibiotic resistance genes in E. coli, and (2) determine whole-genome sequencing to discover E. coli gene multi-drug resistance in chicken meat. Samples were gathered, processed, and analysed bacteriologically; thereafter an antimicrobial sensitivity test was performed and E. coli isolates were identified serologically. Results of E. coli were 40% from 100 chicken samples. The most potent antibiotics against E. coli were Cephalosporins, Quinolones and Oxytetracycline. The serological investigation was as follows: 30% (O157:H7) of STEC, 30% (O142) of ETEC, 10% (O26:H11) of EHEC and 10% EPEC. Subunit B of Shiga-like toxin (SLT) gene showed a symmetrical band, while, Heat-labile toxin (LT) gene was estimated in both plasmid preps in addition to DNA genomic strains. STEC is hazardous to the chicken meat consumers. The study recommended necessary improvement in the hygienic procedures during all processing steps, and minimized the non-important usage of antibiotics to prevent antibiotics resistant.

Key words: Integrons, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Gentamicin, heat-labile toxin, plasmids.