Virulence Genes and Resistance Profile of Escherichia coli Isolated in Meat Meal Samples

Background: Feed is the main route of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and is responsible for a large part of the cost of poultry production, so the inclusion of alternative foods in diets for monogastrics has been a constant. Among alternative foods most used in modern poultry farming are animal meal, however, when contaminated they constitute a route of transmission of several pathogenic agents, including Escherichia coli. In addition, there is a zoonotic potential, as poultry products are intended for human consumption. The objective of this research was to detect virulence genes, as well as to evaluate the resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolates from meat meal samples. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 40 Escherichia coli isolates were analyzed and the virulence genes surveyed iss, ompT, hlyF, iutA, and fimA identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The antimicrobial agents tested were: amoxycillin (30 μg), ceftiofur (30 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), doxycycline (30 μg), florfenicol (30 μg), fosfomycin (200 μg), gentamicin (10 μg), norfloxacin (10 μg) and oxacillin (1 μg). It was possible to observe the occurrence of the iss resistance gene in 100% of Escherichia coli isolates, followed by hlyF (85%), fimA (75%), ompT (17.5%) and iutA (5%). Regarding the simultaneous detection for the genes, a greater association between the genes iss, hlyF and fimA (60%) was verified. All isolates showed resistance to oxacillin (100%), followed by doxycycline (25%), amoxicillin (22.5%), norfloxacin (17.5%), ceftiofur (15%), florfenicol (12.5%), fosfomycin (12.5%), ciprofloxacin (10%) and gentamycin (2.5%). In this study, a variation of the multiple antimicrobial resistance index (IRMA) was observed between 0.22 and 0.77. Discussion: The indiscriminate use of of antimicrobials as performance enhancers in production animals, may have contributed to the increase in antimicrobial resistance, with the occurrence of multiresistant Escherichia coli carrying virulence genes. Virulence genes present in Escherichia coli isolates are studied to understand the degree of influence they exert in the establishment of the disease, one of the most researched genes is the iss gene, involved in the processes that promote serum resistance. In this study, iss (100%) was present in all the isolates analyzed, although it is not the only mechanism used by these bacteria to reach internal organs and trigger an infection, this gene encodes an important mechanism associated with high levels of virulence. The second highest prevalence found was of the hlyF gene (85%), the high prevalence of hlyF suggests virulence potential, involved with the production of hemolysin and improvement of outer membrane vesicles associated with the release of toxins. The fimA gene (75%) was detected in a slightly lower percentage when compared to iss and hlyF. With the second lowest prevalence, the ompT gene (17.5%), is involved in a process that includes the proteolytic degradation of antimicrobial peptides and with the lowest prevalence the iutA gene (5%). Certain combinations of virulence genes make the strains easier to survive, adhere to, colonize and even the ability to develop septicemic conditions. Multiresistant E. coli strains, is a fact of concern for both animal and human health, since the presence of multiresistant strains, originating from poultry, can be transmitted from chicken carcasses. In this sense, the importance of sanitary control of the inputs used in animal feed is emphasized, as well as the prudent use of antimicrobials in animal production, with a view to producing a safe food, minimizing not only the economic losses, but also the risks to human health. Keywords: antimicrobial, bacterial resistance, colibacillosis, poultry.

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Distribution of Serotypes, Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes among Streptococcus agalactiae Isolated from Bovine in China

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.97254 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhe Zhang ◽

Feng Yang ◽

Xin-pu Li ◽

Jin-yin Luo ◽

Long-hai Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽

Significant Interaction ◽

Virulence Genes ◽

Bovine Mastitis ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Economic Losses ◽

And Staphylococcus Aureus

Background: Bovine mastitis, a global disease that is responsible for large economic losses each year due to lower milk yield and reduced milk quality. In some countries, especially in China, Streptococcus agalactiae has become one of the most frequently detected pathogen. Antibiotic treatment and vaccine immunization are important strategies for the control of infectious diseases. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate distribution of bovine mastitis pathogens and antimicrobial resistance of S. agalactiae, and contribute to the treatment of bovine mastitis.Materials, Methods & Results:Clinical mastitis samples (n= 1,122) were collected from 27 dairy farms located in 15 different provinces of China during 2012-2018. Thepathogens were identified by 16S rDNA method. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by disc diffusion method. Molecular characteristics was distinguished based on PCR. The results showed that the main pathogens were Streptococcus agalactiae (n= 324, 26.2%), Escherichia coli (n= 287, 23.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (n= 131, 10.6%). The serotypes of Streptococcus agalactiae were serotype II (53.6%), Ia (44 %) and VII (1.2%), respectively. Streptococcus agalactiae were resistant to kanamycin (93.8%), gentamicin (49.4%), vancomycin (49.4%), tetracycline (35.8%), clindamycin (34.6%) and erythromycin (32.1%). The main resistance genes were ermA (53.1%) and ermB (85.2%). Resistance to erythromycin was attributed to the genes ermA (P < 0.05) and resistance to tetracycline was attributed to the genes tetK, tetM, tetO (P < 0.01). The virulence genes scpB (81.4%), cyl (100%), glnA (76.6%), cfb (98.8%), hylB (98.8%), scaA (69.1%) were detected in almost all isolates.Discussion: In the present study, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the pathogens isolated most frequently from clinical mastitis. In the case of S. agalactiae, we performed capsular serotyping of isolates. As a result, serotype II (53.6%), Ia (44 %) and VII (1.2%) were detected whichrevealed variation in the distinct geographical areas. We found that serotypes (Ia and II) and β-hemolytic have significant correlation (P < 0.01) in all isolated strains. We made an assumption that either in processes of capsular and haemolytic appearance effected the expression of another. The unclear mechanism remains to be resolved in the future. Penicillin was recommended as a preferred antibiotic for the treatment of both human and bovine S. agalactiae infection. In the present study, resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin were observed in 32% and 34.6% of our strains, respectively. The results indicated that the ermB gene was most frequent among the erythromycin-resistant S. agalactiae. However, we found that the susceptibility to erythromycin and gene ermA have a significant interaction, while susceptibility to erythromycin and gene ermB have a not significant interaction by analyzing the relationship of phenotypic and genotypic resistance. The severity of S. agalactiae infections may be determined by various virulence factors. Surface enzyme ScpB, a C5a peptidase, encode by scpB gene, could promote bacterial invasion of epithelial cells by attenuating recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the site of infection. In the present study, the scpB gene was found in 81.4% of all strains. The results suggested the cyl, cfb, hylB and scpB genes may play an important role in the virulence of Streptococcus agalactiae pathogens.

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An Integrated Perspective on Virulence-Associated Genes (VAGs), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and Phylogenetic Clusters of Pathogenic and Non-pathogenic Avian Escherichia coli

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.758124 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Seyede Elham Rezatofighi ◽

Arash Najafifar ◽

Mahdi Askari Badouei ◽

Seyed Mostafa Peighambari ◽

Mohammad Soltani

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Virulence Genes ◽

Bacterial Pathogen ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Drug Resistant ◽

Phylogenetic Groups ◽

E Coli ◽

Clonal Relatedness ◽

Almost All

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an important bacterial pathogen that causes avian colibacillosis and leads to huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Different virulence traits contribute to pathogenesis of APEC infections, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has also been an overwhelming issue in poultry worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to investigate and compare the presence of virulence-associated genes (VAGs), AMR, and phylogenetic group's distribution among APEC and avian fecal E. coli (AFEC) strains. E. coli from birds with colisepticemia and yolk sac infection (YSI) (APEC) plus E. coli strains from the feces of healthy birds (AFEC) were compared by the aforementioned traits. In addition, the clonal relatedness was compared using Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR). Although all strains were susceptible to fosfomycin, ceftriaxone, and cefixime, almost all strains (98%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR). All strains (except two) harbored at least three or more VAGs, and the virulence scores tended to be higher in pathogenic strains especially in the colisepticemic group. All phylogenetic groups were found in isolates from YSI, colisepticemia, and the feces of healthy birds; however, the frequency of phylogroups varied according to the source of the isolate. B1 and C phylogroups were statistically more likely to be found among APEC from YSI and colisepticemic E. coli groups, respectively, while phylogroup A was the most frequently occurring phylogroup among AFEC strains. Our findings also revealed that AMR and VAGs are not essentially co-evolved traits as in some instances AMR strains were more prevalent among AFEC. This reflects the divergent evolutionary pathways of resistance acquisition in pathogenic or non-pathogenic avian E. coli strains. Importantly, strains related to phylogenetic group C showed higher virulence score and AMR that requires further attention. To some extent, ERIC-PCR was able to group strains by isolation source, phylogroup, or virulence genes. Further integrated studies along with assessment of more detailed genotypic and phenotypic features could potentially lead to better understanding of virulence, resistance, and evolution of ExPEC.

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Genomic evolution of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93970-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pimlapas Leekitcharoenphon ◽

Markus Hans Kristofer Johansson ◽

Patrick Munk ◽

Burkhard Malorny ◽

Magdalena Skarżyńska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Virulence Genes ◽

Mobile Genetic Elements ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Sequencing Analysis ◽

Metagenomic Sequencing ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

E Coli ◽

Genetic Elements

AbstractThe emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest health threats globally. In addition, the use of antimicrobial drugs in humans and livestock is considered an important driver of antimicrobial resistance. The commensal microbiota, and especially the intestinal microbiota, has been shown to have an important role in the emergence of AMR. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) also play a central role in facilitating the acquisition and spread of AMR genes. We isolated Escherichia coli (n = 627) from fecal samples in respectively 25 poultry, 28 swine, and 15 veal calf herds from 6 European countries to investigate the phylogeny of E. coli at country, animal host and farm levels. Furthermore, we examine the evolution of AMR in E. coli genomes including an association with virulence genes, plasmids and MGEs. We compared the abundance metrics retrieved from metagenomic sequencing and whole genome sequenced of E. coli isolates from the same fecal samples and farms. The E. coli isolates in this study indicated no clonality or clustering based on country of origin and genetic markers; AMR, and MGEs. Nonetheless, mobile genetic elements play a role in the acquisition of AMR and virulence genes. Additionally, an abundance of AMR was agreeable between metagenomic and whole genome sequencing analysis for several AMR classes in poultry fecal samples suggesting that metagenomics could be used as an indicator for surveillance of AMR in E. coli isolates and vice versa.

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Serotype distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes of Salmonella isolated from a pig slaughterhouse in Yangzhou, China

AMB Express ◽

10.1186/s13568-019-0936-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Quan Li ◽

Jian Yin ◽

Zheng Li ◽

Zewei Li ◽

Yuanzhao Du ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Resistance Genes ◽

Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽

Virulence Genes ◽

Multidrug Resistant ◽

Resistance Rate ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Production Chain ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance Genes

AbstractSalmonella is an important food-borne pathogen associated with public health and high economic losses. To investigate the prevalence and the characteristics of Salmonella in a pig slaughterhouse in Yangzhou, a total of 80 Salmonella isolates were isolated from 459 (17.43%) samples in 2016–2017. S. Derby (35/80, 43.75%) was the most prevalent, followed by S. Rissen (16/80, 20.00%) and S. Newlands (11/80, 13.75%). The highest rates of susceptibility were observed to cefoxitin (80/80, 100.0%) and amikacin (80/80, 100.0%), followed by aztreonam (79/80, 98.75%) and nitrofurantoin (79/80, 98.75%). The highest resistance rate was detected for tetracycline (65/80, 81.25%), followed by ampicillin (60/80, 75.00%), bactrim (55/80, 68.75%), and sulfisoxazole (54/80, 67.50%). Overall, 91.25% (73/80) of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, while 71.25% (57/80) of the isolate strains were multidrug resistant in the antimicrobial susceptibility tested. In addition, 86.36% (19/22) of the 22 antimicrobial resistance genes in the isolates were identified. Our data indicated that the resistance to certain antimicrobials was significantly associated, in part, with antimicrobial resistance genes. Furthermore, 81.25% (65/80) isolates harbored the virulence gene of mogA, of which 2 Salmonella Typhimurium isolates carried the mogA, spvB and spvC virulence genes at the same time. The results showed that swine products in the slaughterhouse were contaminated with multidrug resistant Salmonella commonly, especially some isolates carry the spv virulence genes. The virulence genes might facilitate the dissemination of the resistance genes to consumers along the production chain, suggesting the importance of controlling Salmonella during slaughter for public health.

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Detection of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance patterns in shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates from sheep

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2015000900002 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 35 (9) ◽

pp. 775-780 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Marcos R.A. Ferreira ◽

Talícia dos S. Silva ◽

Ariel E. Stella ◽

Fabricio R. Conceição ◽

Edésio F. dos Reis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Virulence Factors ◽

Shiga Toxin ◽

Resistance Profile ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile ◽

Healthy Sheep ◽

Resistance Patterns ◽

Group A ◽

Stx1 Gene

Abstract: In order to detect virulence factors in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates and investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile, rectal swabs were collected from healthy sheep of the races Santa Inês and Dorper. Of the 115 E. coli isolates obtained, 78.3% (90/115) were characterized as STEC, of which 52.2% (47/90) carried stx1 gene, 33.3% (30/90) stx2 and 14.5% (13/90) both genes. In search of virulence factors, 47.7% and 32.2% of the isolates carried the genes saa and cnf1. According to the analysis of the antimicrobial resistance profile, 83.3% (75/90) were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested. In phylogenetic classification grouped 24.4% (22/90) in group D (pathogenic), 32.2% (29/90) in group B1 (commensal) and 43.3% (39/90) in group A (commensal). The presence of several virulence factors as well as the high number of multiresistant isolates found in this study support the statement that sheep are potential carriers of pathogens threatening public health.

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Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolated from Raw Retail Broiler Chickens in Zambia

10.21203/rs.2.14062/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Elizabeth Muligisa Muonga ◽

Geoffrey Mainda ◽

Mercy Mukuma ◽

Geoffrey Kwenda ◽

Bernard Hang'ombe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Target Genes ◽

Health Concern ◽

Poultry Production ◽

Public Health Concern ◽

E Coli ◽

Open Markets

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of foodborne pathogens is of public health concern, especially in developing countries like Zambia. This study was undertaken to determine the resistance profiles of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Salmonella isolated from dressed broiler chickens purchased from open markets and supermarkets in Zambia.Results A total of 189 E. coli and five Salmonella isolates were isolated. Identification and confirmation of the isolates was done using Analytical Profile Index (API 20E) (Biomerieux ® ) and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion technique using a panel of 10 different antibiotics and multiplex PCR was used to determine the presence of three target genes encoding for resistance: tetA, Sul1 and CTXM. AST results were entered and analyzed in WHONET 2018 software. A total of 189 E. coli and five Salmonella isolates were identified. Among the E. coli isolates, Tetracycline recorded the highest resistance of 79.4%, followed by Ampicillin 51.9%, Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole 49.7%, Nalidixic Acid 24.3%, Chloramphenicol 16.4%, Cefotaxime 16.4%, Ciprofloxacin 10.1%, Colistin 7.4%, Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid 6.9%, and Imipenem 1.1%. Two of the five Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Forty- seven (45.2%) of the isolates possessed at least one of the targeted resistance genes.Conclusion This study has demonstrated the presence of AMR E. coli and Salmonella on raw broiler chickens from both open markets and supermarkets. Such resistance is of public health concern and measures need to be put in place to regulate the use of these antimicrobials in poultry production.

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Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Escherichia coli Isolates from Different Clinical Samples in Abeokuta, Ogun State

South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology ◽

10.9734/sajrm/2020/v7i130160 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 12-18

Author(s):

S. L. Owolabi ◽

I. A. Azeez

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Multiple Drug Resistance ◽

Resistance Rate ◽

Clinical Samples ◽

Isolation And Identification ◽

Resistance Profile ◽

E Coli ◽

Ogun State ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile

The alarming increase of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli has posed a great challenge in the public health sector. Thus, this microorganism is a leading cause of different human infections and it can be found in various environments. The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and the multiple antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from some hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Isolates of E. coli were obtained from different clinical samples and were re-identified morphologically and biochemically. E. coli was isolated from 30% out of a total of 70 clinical samples analyzed for isolation and identification. The isolation rate of E. coli was highest in urine samples 10(47.6%) when compared to other clinical samples. There was significant increase in the resistance rate of E. coli to tetracycline (14.3%), ceftazidime (14.2%), and ampicillin (14.2%).Also, an increased sensitivity rate to augmentin (71.4%), ofloxacin (66.7%), cefuroxime (66.7%), ciprofloxacin (61.9%) and ceftazidime (61.9%) were observed. Furthermore, the overall multiple drug resistance rates obtained was 14(66.7%) and it was established that, multiple antimicrobial resistance of the E. coli isolates was plasmid mediated. E. coli isolates exhibited high resistance rate to multiple antimicrobial agents, however, its sensitivity to augmentin, ofloxacin, cefuroxime, ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime showed that these antimicrobials are still effective against E. coli infections in the study area.

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Molecular characterisation of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli strains isolated from diarrhoeic and healthy rabbits in Tunisia

World Rabbit Science ◽

10.4995/wrs.2020.10879 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 81

Author(s):

Raouia Ben Rhouma ◽

Ahlem Jouini ◽

Amira Klibi ◽

Safa Hamrouni ◽

Aziza Boubaker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Virulence Genes ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽

Virulence Gene ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Class 1 Integron ◽

E Coli ◽

Class 1

The purpose of this study was to identify Escherichia coli isolates in diarrhoeic and healthy rabbits in Tunisia and characterise their virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. In the 2014-2015 period, 60 faecal samples from diarrhoeic and healthy rabbits were collected from different breeding farms in Tunisia. Susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents was tested by disc diffusion method and the mechanisms of gene resistance were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods. Forty E. coli isolates were recovered in selective media. High frequency of resistance to tetracycline (95%) was detected, followed by different levels of resistance to sulphonamide (72.5%), streptomycin (62.5%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (60%), nalidixic acid (32.5%), ampicillin (37.5%) and ticarcillin (35%). E. coli strains were susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and imipenem. Different variants of blaTEM, tet, sul genes were detected in most of the strains resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline and sulphonamide, respectively. The presence of class 1 integron was studied in 29 sulphonamide-resistant E. coli strains from which 15 harboured class 1 integron with four different arrangements of gene cassettes, dfrA17+aadA5 (n=9), dfrA1 + aadA1 (n=4), dfrA12 + addA2 (n=1), dfrA12+orf+addA2 (n=1). The qnrB gene was detected in six strains out of 13 quinolone-resistant E. coli strains. Seventeen E. coli isolates from diarrhoeic rabbits harboured the enteropathogenic eae genes associated with different virulence genes tested (fimA, cnf1, aer), and affiliated to B2 (n=8) and D (n=9) phylogroups. Isolated E. coli strains from healthy rabbit were harbouring fim A and/or cnf1 genes and affiliated to A and B1 phylogroups. This study showed that E. coli strains from the intestinal tract of rabbits are resistant to the widely prescribed antibiotics in medicine. Therefore, they constitute a reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant genes, which may play a significant role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, the eae virulence gene seemed to be implicated in diarrhoea in breeder rabbits in Tunisia.

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Antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolates recovered from diarrheic patients at Selam Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

African Journal of Microbiology Research ◽

10.5897/ajmr2018.9030 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (26) ◽

pp. 457-463

Author(s):

Aseffa Negeri Abebe ◽

Tigabu Seyoum Eyasu ◽

Abubeker Ibrahim Rajiha ◽

Mamo Hassen

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Health Center ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Resistance Profile ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile

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Phylogenetic analysis, biofilm production, and antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolated from slaughtered pigs

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/1678-4162-9926 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 70 (4) ◽

pp. 1309-1315

Author(s):

A.S. Santos ◽

D.C.V. Lima ◽

E.F.T.S. Fernandes ◽

P.P.F. Albuquerque ◽

G.V. Gouveia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Escherichia Coli ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Phylogenetic Group ◽

Swine Industry ◽

Resistance Profile ◽

Enteric Diseases ◽

Biofilm Production ◽

Diffusion Technique ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance Profile ◽

Resistance Rates

ABSTRACT Enteric diseases of bacterial origin are frequent in the pig industry, of particular notoriety are the colibacillosis that mainly affect piglets and cause great damage to the swine industry worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyze phylogenetics, to detect biofilm production, and to determine antimicrobial resistance profile in 126 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from swabs obtained from fragments of the small intestines of 235 healthy pigs killed in slaughterhouses in Pernambuco (Brazil) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), adherence to microplates test and disc diffusion technique. Of the analyzed samples, 88.10% (111/126) were classified in phylogenetic group B1; 4.76% (6/126) in group D; 3.97% (5/126) in group B2 and, 3.17% (4/126) in group A. Antimicrobial resistance rates observed were: lincomycin 100% (126/126), erythromycin 100% (126/126), chlortetracycline 94.44% (119/126), cephalothin 51.59% (65/126), ampicillin 38.89% (49/126), sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim 37.3% (47/126), ciprofloxacin 19.84% (25/126), norfloxacin 14.29% (18/126), gentamicin 8.73% (11/126) and, chloramphenicol 5.55% (7/126). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) ranged from 0.2 to 0.9. Of the strains tested 46.03% (58/126) produced biofilm, and 99.21% (125/126) of the strains exhibited multi-resistance. Further studies are required to elucidate the importance of each phylogenetic group in pigs and to prevent the propagation of multi-resistant E. coli strains.

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