Resistance to tetracycline in Escherichia coli isolates from poultry meat: epidemiology, policy and perspective

Food borne transmission of antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli from contaminated food has been recognised as an important hazard for human health in the past few decades and pathogenic strains of E. coli have long been considered as serious zoonotic hazards. Poultry meat is attractive for consumers worldwide, so the measures to preserve the safety of poultry meat are important issues. Tetracyclines are one of the most frequently used antibiotics in poultry farming and are still used in human medicine. The widespread use of tetracyclines in poultry farming may have resulted in the development and transmission of resistance strains from poultry to humans via the food chain. The relationship between the use of tetracyclines and the presence of resistant strains of E. coli in poultry meat, mainly due to the irregular use of antibiotics, is reviewed in this paper. The need for prudent use of antibiotics, particularly those which are used in human medicine is highlighted. Continuous monitoring and reporting on incidents in the future should improve the current regulations.