Public health threat of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli from human-chicken transmission in Egypt

This study examines the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and virulence genes of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Egyptian chickens and farm workers. 35 dead chickens and 17 farm workers’ urine samples were examined for E. coli presence. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 14 antibiotics, and virulence genes were detected through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study found E. coli in 51.4% of chicken organs and 64.7% of human urine samples, with no significant difference. Various antimicrobic sensitivity profiles were identified, with chicken isolates showing higher resistance. The study highlights the public health risks of multidrug-resistant E. coli with virulence genes, highlighting potential zoonotic transmission, antibiotic use, and food safety.