Drivers of antimicrobial resistance in layer poultry farming: Evidence from high prevalence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and enterococci in Zambia

Research (Published online: 14-09-2023)

5. Drivers of antimicrobial resistance in layer poultry farming: Evidence from high prevalence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and enterococci in Zambia

Steward Mudenda, Flavien Nsoni Bumbangi, Kaunda Yamba, Musso Munyeme, Sydney Malama, Moses Mukosha, Mwendalubi Albert Hadunka, Victor Daka, Scott Kaba Matafwali, Godfrey Siluchali, Geoffrey Mainda, Mercy Mukuma, Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe, and John Bwalya Muma

Veterinary World, 16(9): 1803-1814

Steward Mudenda: Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Flavien Nsoni Bumbangi: Department of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Eden University, Lusaka, Zambia.

Kaunda Yamba: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Musso Munyeme: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Sydney Malama: Department of Pathology and Microbiology Laboratory, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia.

Moses Mukosha: Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Mwendalubi Albert Hadunka: Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Victor Daka: Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia.

Scott Kaba Matafwali: Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Godfrey Siluchali: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Anatomy and Physiological Sciences, Institute of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia.

Geoffrey Mainda: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, House No. 5 Chaholi, off Addis Ababa drive, Lusaka, Zambia.

Mercy Mukuma: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe: Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

John Bwalya Muma: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Background and Aim: Inappropriate use of antimicrobials exacerbates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the poultry sector. Information on factors driving AMR in the layer poultry sector is scarce in Zambia. This study examined the drivers of AMR in the layer poultry sector in the Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a structured questionnaire in 77 layer poultry farms in the provinces of Lusaka and Copperbelt, Zambia, from September 2020 to April 2021. Data analysis was conducted using Stata version 16.1. Antimicrobial resistance was defined as the presence of multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify drivers of AMR.

Results: In total, 365 samples were collected, from which 339 (92.9%) Escherichia coli and 308 (84.4%) Enterococcus spp. were isolated. Multidrug resistance was identified in 39% of the E. coli and 86% of the Enterococcus spp. The overall prevalence of AMR in layer poultry farms was 51.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.3%–63.5%). Large-scale farmers (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04%–0.99%) than small-scale and farmers who were aware of AMR than those who were unaware (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08%–0.86%) were less likely to experience AMR problems.

Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of AMR in layer poultry farming linked to the type of farm management practices and lack of AMR awareness. Evidence of high MDR in our study is of public health concern and requires urgent attention. Educational interventions must increase AMR awareness, especially among small- and medium-scale poultry farmers.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, drivers, Escherichia coli, poultry, risk factors, Zambia.