Prevalence and Characterization of Three Classes of Integrons as Antimicrobial Resistant Mobile Genetic Elements in Broiler-Chickens

Abstract

Overuse of antibiotics in both agriculture/veterinary and medicine can caused the development of antimicrobial agent resistance and the dissemination of resistant microbes in the environment via the exchange of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) which carry resistant genes between numerous bacterial species. Chickens as well as animal farms release bacteria with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into the environment. Our study has been focused on the spreading and presence of integrons in chicken fecal material and litters and to recognize the most common classes of integrons that can be related with the broilers wastes and intestinal contents. Results of study showed prevalence of integrons in collected samples especially class 1integron and followed by class 2 integron then class 3 consequently. Chickens fecal material and litters play essential role in the dissemination of antibacterial resistance throughout integrons. So, broiler feces and litter play a significant role in the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. Thus, it may be concluded that integrons are the common mediators of antimicrobial resistance among multidrug resistant microorganisms at important stages of poultry production.