Detection of the blaTEM gene on multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli producing extended spectrum β-lactamase from ducks in live poultry markets in Surabaya, Indonesia

Background: Escherichia coli bacteria are a normal flora in the digestive tract of animals and humans. However, some E. coli isolates are pathogenic, causing disease in humans and animals. Escherichia coli is one of the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria responsible for increasing antibiotic resistance. ESBL is a β-lactamase enzyme that can hydrolyze penicillin, first-, second-, and third-generation cephalosporins, and aztreonam. Aim: This study aimed to identify ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria in duck cloacal swab samples taken from seven live poultry markets in Surabaya. Methods: A total of 158 duck cloacal swab samples were obtained, isolated, and identified with 85% (134/158) positive for E. coli bacteria using Mac Conkey Agar media, Gram staining, and then continued with biochemical tests as follows: Triple Sugar Iron Agar, Methyl red, Sulfide Indole Motility, Simmons Citrate Agar, and Voges–Proskauer. Results: ESBL detection using a double-disc synergy test (DDST) showed that 60% (12/20) of patients were positive for ESBL. Confirmation of the polymerase chain reaction test confirmed that 58.3% (7/12) of samples were positive for the blaTEM gene, with different percentages of positivity in each market. Conclusion: This study provides an important contribution to understanding E. coli as one of the ESBL-producing bacteria in live poultry markets, as well as the importance of monitoring and controlling the incidence of antibiotic resistance in food safety of animal origin.