Antibiotics resistance and phenotypic virulence factors of Vibrio species isolated from poultry litters at Obafemi Awolowo University, research farm.

Abstract

The study investigates the antimicrobial resistance and phenotypic virulence factors of Vibrio isolates in poultry litter. Samples were enriched in 5 mL alkaline peptone water 1:10 (w/v) for 6 hours and cultured on Thiosulphate Citrate Bile salt (TCBS) agar. Vibrio isolates were identified through biochemical tests assay and were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility tests using standards disc diffusion technique. The phenotypic virulence factors, including hemolytic and proteolytic activity were determined. A total of 100 Vibrio isolates were identified as Vibrio parahaemolyticus (49%), V. cholerae (26%), V. vulnificus (11%), V. alginolyticus (9%), and V. damsela (5%). The Vibrio isolates showed a significant resistance to the selected antibiotics tested with 99% resistant to Gentamycin, 95% Cefixime, 96% Ofloxacin, 98% Augmentin, 96% Nitrofurantoin, 100% Ciprofloxacin, and 100% Cefuroxime. The Vibrio isolates showed varying levels of haemolysis with 17% alpha haemolysis, 61% beta haemolysis, 22% gamma haemolysis, and 29% proteolytic activity. The study reveals that poultry litter contains Vibrio isolates with antibiotic resistance and virulence factors, increasing their risk of severe infections. The high beta haemolysis prevalence highlights the interconnected relationship between animal, environmental, and human health, underscoring the need for effective management.