ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT PROFILE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM POULTRY FARMS IN AKPABUYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

ABSTRACT Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in both animal and human health, and the agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in the emergence and dissemination of resistant bacterial strains. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolates collected from poultry farms in Akpabuyo Local Government Area (LGA). The samples were analysed using pour plate method and antibiotics susceptibility testing using Kirby-bauer disk diffusion method. The total heterotrophic bacteria count of bacteria isolated is from 1.4x103 cfu/100ml to 3.15x104 and 2.1x103 cfu/100ml to 3.10x104 cfu/100ml for total coliform count and 0 cfu/100ml to 2.0x103 cfu/100ml for fecal coliform IFE had the highest value of total heterotrophic count and total coliform count, 5DS,3BS and 2CS had the least fecal coliform count.Ampicillin resistance is a substantial concern due to its extensive use in veterinary medicine. A significant proportion of isolates from both bacterial species showed multidrug resistance, limiting the available treatment options and increasing the complexity of disease management. The computed MAR index revealed the extent of multiple antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the necessity for intervention strategies to address this growing issue. These findings underscore the urgent need for responsible antibiotic stewardship, enhanced biosecurity measures, and continuous surveillance in poultry farming. The study’s results provide valuable insights into the current state of antibiotic resistance in the local poultry farming environment and have significant implications for both animal and human health.