Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica from Dairy Cattle Farms in the Wakiso District, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Enterobacteriaceae producing beta-lactamases have spread rapidly worldwide and pose a serious threat to human-animal-environment interface. In this study, we present the presence of Salmonella enterica (1.3%) and commensal Escherichia coli (96.3%) isolated from 400 environmental fecal dairy cattle samples over 20 farms in Uganda. Among E. coli isolates, 21% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial tested and 7% exhibited multidrug resistance. Four E. coli isolates displayed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing genes, including bla(CTX-M-15) (n = 2/4), bla(CTX-M-27) (n = 1/4), bla(SHV-12) (n = 1/4), and bla(TEM-1B) (n = 2/4). Whole genome sequencing confirmed the presence of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance qnrS1 gene among three ESBL isolates. No statistically significant differences in seasonal prevalence for E. coli and S. enterica among dairy cattle sampling periods were observed. Furthermore, to our knowledge, this is the first report of E. coli carrying bla(CTX-M-15), bla(CTX-M-27), bla(SHV-12), or qnrS1 isolated from dairy cattle in Uganda. We conclude that the presence of globally disseminated bla(CTX-M-15) and bla(CTX-M-27) warrants further study to prevent further spread. In addition, the presence of fluoroquinolone resistant ESBL-producing E. coli on dairy farms highlights the potential risk among the human-livestock-environment interaction. This study can be used as a baseline for implementation of a more robust national integrated surveillance system throughout Uganda.