Phenotypic screening of multidrug-resistant E. coli from water and fish collected from different fish farms within Abakaliki metropolis, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to screen fish farm water and fishes reared in farms within Abakaliki metropolis for multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli. Exactly 30 samples were obtained from 10 different using sterile bottles January June, 2018. Samples analyzed by standard microbiology methods. Susceptibility test antibiotics done Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Double-disc synergy used isolates Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-production. 54 (60%) E. coli 12 (40%) recovered 90 parts samples, respectively. Isolates exhibited resistance (54% - 100%) ceftazidime, aztreonam, cefotetan, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, piperacillin/tazobactam, ofloxacin, ceftriaxone, but susceptible imipenem (80%), cefotaxime (60%), gentamicin (57%). All the form negative ESBL production.  An average multiple antibiotic index (MARI) value 0.71 recorded isolates. High prevalence with multidrug-resistant traits our area is a serious public health concern as will make treatment infections, especially coli-associated foodborne diseases very difficult, thus leading increase care cost, morbidity, mortality. Key words: coli, farm, multidrug-resistance, water, fish.