"Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of E. coli O157:H7 Strain Across Dairy Animals, Humans and Farm Environmental Interface in Selected Sub-Cities of Addis Ababa

dc.contributor.advisorDr. Olana Merera
dc.contributor.advisorDr. Beteley Tekola
dc.contributor.advisorDr. Wondwossen Bogale
dc.contributor.authorTigist Nigatu
dc.date.accessioned2025-09-03T11:50:54Z
dc.date.available2025-09-03T11:50:54Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractEscherichia coli O157:H7 is a zoonotic pathogen of major public health concern due to its high virulence, ability to survive in the environment, and increasing resistance to antibiotics. This study adopted a One Health approach to investigate the prevalence, molecular characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from dairy animals, humans, and farm environment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and April 2025 across 60 dairy farms, with 470 samples samples collected from raw milk, human hand swabs, water, and manure (from both bedding and waste areas). A structured questionnaire was administered to 60 farms to identify potential risk factors. Isolation and identification was done using selective culture media and biochemical tests, while confirmation of the E. coli O157:H7 serotype was done via PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and data were analyzed using Descriptive statistics and chi-square.Out of 470 total samples, 32.7% (154/470) tested positive for E. coli, and 0.6% (3/470) were confirmed as E. coli O157:H7. Based on analysis, sample types had a significant effect on the occurrence of E. coli and E. coli O157:H7. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was 1.7% in both manure and hand swabs, and 0.4% in milk samples. Overall E. coli detection was significantly highest in waste-area manure (66.7%) compared to bedding manure (56.7%), hand swabs (53.3%), water (23.3%), and milk (14.8%) (p < 0.05). All E. coli O157:H7 isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin(100%) and tetracycline (90%), while high susceptibility was observed for norfloxacin (90%), cefotaxime (85%), and cefoxitin (85%). Multidrug resistance was observed in isolates showing resistance to at least three antibiotics. The questionnaire survey revealed that lack of handwashing before milking, absence of disinfectant use, and poor farm hygiene were significantly associated with E. coli O157:H7 presence (p < 0.05).The findings highlight the importance of promoting rational antibiotic use and improving hygienic practices at the farm level to reduce the growth of drug-resistant E. coli O157:H7.
dc.identifier.urihttps://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7324
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherAddis Abeba University
dc.subjectAddis Ababa
dc.subjectAntimicrobial Susceptibility Test
dc.subjectDairy Farms
dc.subjectE. coli O157:H7
dc.subjectOneHealth
dc.subjectPrevalence.
dc.title"Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of E. coli O157:H7 Strain Across Dairy Animals, Humans and Farm Environmental Interface in Selected Sub-Cities of Addis Ababa
dc.typeThesis

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
Tigest MSc Thesis 2025.pdf
Size:
1.44 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed to upon submission
Description: