Emergence of resistance genes in fecal samples of antibiotic-treated Philippine broilers emphasizes the need to review local farming practices
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.39.1.020
- Author:
Imperial, I.C.
1
;
Pabustan, P.M.
2
;
Valencia, K.A.
2
;
Nicdao, M.A.
2
;
Ibana, J.
1
Author Information
1. Immunopharmacology Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila, 1101, Philippines
2. Department of Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga, 2011, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Antibiotics;
antimicrobial resistance;
poultry farming.
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2022;39(No.1):150-159
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The poultry industry is a major contributor to the Philippine economy. Given the rising concerns
in antibiotic resistance and food security, farmers need to maximize profit and output while
ensuring safe and ecologically sustainable farming practices. This study surveyed antibiotic
use in 12 commercial poultry farms in the Philippines. All farms reported the use of medically
important antibiotics either for prophylaxis (91.67%), metaphylaxis (100%), and growth
promotion (50%). Considering the widespread use of medically important antibiotics, we
then investigated the potential contribution of local antibiotic treatment protocols to the
emergence of antibiotic resistance genes in the fecal samples of broiler chickens under a
controlled experimental setup. Significantly, we observed the emergence of antibiotic
resistance genes (ermB) in fecal samples of antibiotic-treated broilers after 7 days and 21
days in antibiotic-free broilers raised in the same farming environment. These data were
corroborated by antibiotic resistance gene profiles of fecal samples from commercial poultry
farms. Antibiotic resistance genes (tetA, tetB, tetU, tetW, qnrB, qnrS) were prevalent in the
fecal samples of antibiotic-treated broilers treated with tetracycline and quinolone
antibiotics. Therefore, our study provides concrete evidence for the strong correlation between
the use of medically important antibiotics in poultry farming and the emergence of antibiotic
resistance genes. Antimicrobial resistance is a major contributor to failures in infectious
disease treatment strategies in humans and animals. Therefore, the cost-benefit ratio of
poorly regulated antibiotic treatment protocols in poultry farming could have a long-term
detrimental impact on our economy and public health. Our study suggests the need to
review our current policies and practices in using medically important antibiotics in the
Philippine poultry industry.
- Full text:8.2022my1325.pdf