Antibiotic Resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Strains Isolated from Some Selected Poultry Farms in the Oforikrom Municipality Kumasi, Ghana

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious worldwide issue that poses a significant risk to human and animal health. In this study, isolates of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli from poultry farms in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, were evaluated for AMR prevalence and trends. Samples were gathered from different farms using cloacal swabs and surgical shoe covers. The resistance and susceptibility levels were assessed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Twenty-four isolates of Salmonella spp. and E. coli were identified. The E. coli bacteria that were found were resistant to Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline, Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Co-trimoxazole, and Cefuroxime but susceptible to Gentamicin and Amikacin. The Salmonella strains that were identified were resistant to Cefuroxime, Tetracycline, Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Cefotaxime, Co-Trimoxazole, and Gentamicin but susceptible to Amikacin, Ofloxacin, and Chloramphenicol. This study suggests broader research on antibiotic resistance in birds and educating poultry farmers about changing medication practices due to increasing pathogen resistance.