1. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between Escherichia coli isolates recovered from turkeys and the expression of beta-lactamase genes, such as extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and ampicillin class C (AmpC). The phenotype of the resistance profile was examined using the association between amoxicillin and ceftiofur resistance. 2. Results showed that 84% from the turkey isolates harboured 4 or 5 genes associated with the CoIV plasmid. In an antibiogram test, 82% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant, the highest levels of resistance being against erythromycin (99%) and amoxicillin (76.1%). ESBL-positive groups were 31% positive for the ctx-m-2 gene, 6.8% were positive for ctx-m-8 and 70% harboured the tem wild gene. 3. All positive isolates from the AmpC beta-lactamase-positive group harboured the cmy-2 gene. The presence of the cmy-2 gene was associated with both the CTX-group genes and resistance to ceftiofur. 4. There was a high prevalence of avian pathogenic E. coli in suspected cases of colibacillosis in turkeys and a high antimicrobial resistance index. The results highlighted the risk of ceftiofur resistance and the presence of both ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamase E. coli in the turkey production chain.
Keywords: Cmy-2 gene; E. coli; colibacillosis; multidrug resistance; poultry; turkey.