IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM POULTRY DROPPINGS

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at isolating and identifying bacterial isolates associated with poultry droppings obtained from selected poultry farms. A total number of 20 samples of poultry droppings were collected from 5 poultry farms in Benin city. Samples were cultured using selected media of: Nutrient agar, Mackonkey agar and Simmon's citrate agar. Bacterial isolates identified after culturing includes: Escherichia spp., Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Listeria spp. and Corynebacterium spp. Various morphological tests were carried on these identified bacterial isolates to ascertain their shapes, sizes and appearance. A process of bacterial counts was done to ascertain the total number of each isolated bacterial isolate. The morphological characteristics of these isolates was done through a process of Gram staining. Biochemical tests were also conducted for further identification and characterization. Antibiotic sensitivity test was also done in order to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns of these bacterial isolates. The selected antibiotics used were: Septrin, Chloramphenicol, Sparfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxacillin, Augmentin, Gentamycin, Pefloxacin, Tervid and Streptomycin. Most of the bacterial isolates were resistant to Chloramphenicol while they were mostly susceptible to Amoxacillin. The percentage prevalence of the selective antibiotics were also ascertained. Therefore it is recommended that proper information dissemination to farmers on the dangers of antibiotic resistant strains and the use of various techniques to control infections should be carried out.