Antibiogram of Bacteria Associated with Pig Feeds Sold in Ihitte/Uboma, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with pig feeds sold in Ihitte/Uboma, focusing on their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Total of five feed samples were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged from 4.0×104 to 1.6×105, while total coliform counts ranged from 4.0×104 to 1.0×105. Identified bacterial isolates included Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella spp., with varying frequencies. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance patterns, notably with E. coli resistant to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin, and S. aureus resistant to gentamicin and ofloxacin. In contrast, Klebsiella spp. were sensitive to all tested antibiotics. These findings underscore the growing issue of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the food chain, driven by antibiotic misuse. In conclusion, the study recommends stricter regulations on antibiotic use, promotion of alternative growth-enhancers like probiotics, and routine surveillance of antimicrobial resistance trends to safeguard food and public health.