A shocking new study has revealed the presence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the meat of Sonali chickens, a widely consumed poultry variety in Bangladesh. The discovery, published in the renowned science journal Nature, raises serious concerns about food safety and public health across the country.
Researchers from Sylhet Agricultural University, along with Bangladeshi scientists from international institutions, jointly conducted the study titled:
“Molecular characterization of multidrug-resistant and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from Sonali chicken meat in Bangladesh.”
The key findings show that these E. coli strains possess extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes, making them highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, erythromycin, and third-generation cephalosporins. This resistance could potentially render standard treatments ineffective, posing a rising threat to consumers.
Between July and December 2023, researchers collected 390 raw meat samples from Sonali chickens in six upazilas of Narsingdi district. Laboratory analysis showed that 68.21% of the samples were contaminated with E. coli.
Among them, 7.89% were enteropathogenic E. coli, while the remaining 92.11% were non-enteropathogenic strains. Critically, 41.73% of the samples were found to be ESBL producers and that rate was even higher among non-enteropathogenic E. coli.
Tests revealed a 100% resistance to ampicillin, 87.59% resistance to erythromycin, and a high level of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. The lowest resistance rate (3.01%) was found against amoxicillin-clavulanate.
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Why This Matters?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat, and the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in poultry meat intensifies the risk. These bacteria can transfer resistance genes to humans through food, leading to infections that are harder to treat, longer hospital stays, and higher medical costs.
The ESBL enzyme, produced by these bacteria, breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics including penicillins and cephalosporins making the drugs ineffective.
Urgent Need for Awareness and Regulation for Antibiotic-Resistant
The researchers emphasized that this finding signals an urgent need for better antibiotic regulation and responsible usage in poultry farms. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in livestock not only harm animal health but also contribute to the rise of “superbugs” bacteria that defy conventional treatment.
They suggest immediate steps such as:
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Monitoring and limiting antibiotic use in poultry farming
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Public awareness on food safety and AMR
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Strengthening hygiene in meat production and distribution
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Establishing national surveillance on resistant bacteria in food
The detection of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in Sonali chicken meat is a red flag for food safety in Bangladesh. As this poultry is popular in homes and restaurants nationwide, the study’s findings demand swift policy action and greater public awareness to prevent a potential health crisis.
