Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of E. Coli Isolated from Raw Eggs and Dressed Chicken in Uyo

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to evaluate the total bacteria contamination, prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of E.coli isolated from raw eggs and dressed chicken, in Uyo, Nigeria. A total of 20 samples (10 eggs and 10 chicken), were purchased from retail outlets in Akpan andem and Etuk streets market, Uyo, then pooled to form a composite sample. Samples were cultured and isolated using Nutrient and MacConkey agar for Total viable and coliform counts, while Eosin Methylene Blue agar was employed for detection and isolation of E. coli, using standard microbiological methods. The mean total viable count of the chicken samples were 9.5×103±32.53Cfu/g and 1.7×104±84.85Cfu/g for the two markets respectively, while the mean total coliform counts were 9.25×103±10.61Cfu/g and 9.3×103±9.90Cfu/g for the two markets respectively. These microbial loads were within the recommended standards for raw chicken. No E.coli was detected in the egg content samples but in the chicken samples. Predominant microorganisms from the chicken flesh included nine (9) genera of bacteria viz:- Escherichia, Enterobacter, Proteus, Serratia, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Morganella and Micrococcus. E.coli showed sensitivity to Ofloxacin, Augmentin, Peflacine, Ciprofloxacin and Streptomycin, but resistance to Ceftazidime, Gentamycin, Ceporene, Ceftriaxone and Cefuroxime. The incidence of some organisms of public health significance calls for good hygiene practice and proper cooking of the meat before consumption.