Biology subjects

Akter, M. N.

Publications and source records attributed to Akter, M. N..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Identification and Antibiogram Assay of Escherichia coli Isolated from Chicken Eggs

BackgroundEscherichia coli contamination of chicken eggs is an important food-safety concern, while antimicrobial-resistant E. coli may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance through the food chain. However, information on egg-associated E. coli and its antimicrobial susceptibility in Natore District, Bangladesh, is limited. ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of E. coli in chicken eggs collected from commercial farms, markets and indigenous/backyard flocks in Natore District, identify the isolates based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility. Materials and MethodsA total of 84 egg-shell swab samples, comprising 28 samples each from commercial farms, markets and indigenous chicken flocks, were collected from seven upazillas of Natore District between January and June 2023. Samples were cultured on selective and differential media, and presumptive isolates were confirmed by Gram staining, motility and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method against seven antimicrobial agents. ResultsE. coli was detected in 56/84 (66.67%) egg samples. Prevalence was highest in indigenous eggs (22/28, 78.57%), followed by farm eggs (18/28, 64.28%) and market eggs (16/28, 57.14%). Among 22 confirmed isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance was highest to neomycin (90.91%) and erythromycin (86.36%), followed by oxytetracycline (77.27%), amoxicillin (68.18%), ciprofloxacin (63.63%), levofloxacin (59.09%) and doxycycline (36.36%). No isolate was sensitive to neomycin or erythromycin. ConclusionThe high prevalence of E. coli and substantial antimicrobial resistance among egg-associated isolates indicate an important food-safety and public-health concern. Improved hygienic egg handling, prudent antimicrobial use and continued antimicrobial-resistance surveillance are warranted throughout the poultry production and marketing chain.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2026

Isolation, Identification and Antibiogram Assay of Escherichia coli from the Environment of Live Bird Markets in Bangladesh

BackgroundLive bird markets (LBMs) may facilitate the persistence and dissemination of Escherichia coli and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria because of intensive bird handling, environmental contamination and inadequate sanitation. However, information on E. coli contamination and antimicrobial susceptibility in LBM environments in Rajshahi District, Bangladesh, remains limited. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence, identify the cultural and biochemical characteristics, and assess the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of E. coli isolated from water, soil and bird-dropping samples collected from LBMs in Rajshahi District. MethodsA total of 60 environmental samples, comprising 20 water, 20 soil and 20 bird-dropping samples, were collected from LBMs across all ten upazillas of Rajshahi District between January and June 2023. E. coli was isolated and identified using cultural characteristics, Gram staining and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby- Bauer disc diffusion method against seven antimicrobial agents using CLSI interpretive criteria. ResultsE. coli was detected in 33 of 60 samples, giving an overall prevalence of 55.00%. Prevalence was highest in bird-dropping samples (75.00%), followed by water (55.00%) and soil (35.00%). Among the 33 isolates, resistance was highest to oxytetracycline (78.79%) and amoxicillin (63.64%), followed by ciprofloxacin (48.48%), doxycycline (33.33%), levofloxacin (9.09%), erythromycin (9.09%) and neomycin (6.06%). Sensitivity was highest to neomycin (60.61%), followed by levofloxacin and erythromycin (51.51% each). ConclusionThe high prevalence of E. coli and substantial resistance to several commonly used antimicrobials indicate considerable microbiological and antimicrobial-resistance concerns in LBM environments. Improved sanitation, biosecurity, hygienic poultry handling and prudent antimicrobial use are warranted to reduce environmental contamination and potential transmission of resistant bacteria.

microbiology↗