Abstract:

Globally, extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)/Ampicillin ß-lactamase (AmpC) producing Escherichia coli has become the greatest threat for distributing antibiotic resistance. Accordingly, this study was designed to detect and screen the genes that confer resistance in E. coli isolated from sheep as main livestock in Mosul city. Forty E. coli isolates previously recovered from milk and fecal samples were included in this study. These isolates were obtained from healthy ewes, their lambs, and also from ewes with clinical mastitis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the E. coli isolates targeting the 16sRNA gene. Furthermore, screening of different genotypes of ESBL/AmpC was conducted using specific primers. The results showed that the CTX-M gene was predominant among ESBL genotypes and recorded 40/40 (100%). While, SHV and TEM genes recorded 7/40 (17.5%) and 5/40 (12.5%), respectively. Moreover, fecal carriage of resistance genes was more than that obtained from milk in both healthy and diseased animals. However, none of the 40 isolates showed positive results for AmpC genes. The presence of different genotypes of ESBL E. coli isolated from feces or milk origin may act as a potential source for transferring antibiotic resistance to humans, other animals, and the environment.

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