Detection of Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Fishes and Shellfishes in Creek Road/Bonny Estuary, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Resistance bacteria may be transferred to humans through the consumption of fishes and shellfishes. Hence, this study characterised E. coli isolates from fishes and shellfishes in Creek Road/Bonny Estuary, with the use of molecular techniques. Seventy two (72) fishes and shellfishes were examined for the presence of E. coli. Most probable number (MPN) technique, Eijkman test and molecular techniques were used for the isolation and identification of E. coli. The analysis was performed seasonally, which was during the end of rainy season (November), start of rainy season (April) and middle of rainy season (July). Eleven (11) isolates of E. coli (randomly selected) recovered from the fishes and shellfishes were screened for resistance genes in the pathgotypes of E. coli (EHEC, EPEC, EAEC, ETEC and EIEC, including SHV, CTX-M, TEM and MCR genes. The results showed that both coliforms and E. coli were recovered from the fishes and shellfishes. The distribution of the resistance genes in the E. coli isolates from fishes and shellfishes is: fishes – SHV (9.5%); CTX-M (11.1%); TEM (7.9%); MCR (0%); str1 and str2 (6.3%); esV and bfA (3.2%); aaiC (7.9%); elt (6.3%); invE (4.7%) and shellfishes - SHV (5.6%); CTX-M (5.6%); TEM (7.4%); MCR (0%); str1 and str2 (3.7%); esV and bfA (0%); aaiC (0%); elt (0%); invE (3.7%). In fishes and shellfishes, the most detected of all the genes are CTX-M and TEM, respectively. The data from this study suggest that fishes and shellfishes can be reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes. These genes can easily be transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw or improperly cooked fishes and shellfishes, creating public health problem.