Isolation and Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing from Pig Farms and Slaughterhouse.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing represents a formidable challenge in the field of microbiology and public health due to its resistance to commonly used antibiotics. These strains pose a serious threat to human and animal health, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive research and surveillance. The ongoing investigation seeks ESBL producing strains from pig farms and slaughterhouses in West Bengal and Assam, India. A total of 309 samples were collected: nasal swabs (25), rectal swabs (25) from healthy pigs, pig pen soil (45), faeces (55), slaughterhouse effluents (115), and cleaning water (44). In these samples, 154 tested positive for , indicating a 49.8% prevalence. Among 154 isolates, 23 (14.9%) produced ESBLs, sourced from pig rectal swabs (7.1%), faeces (10.7%), slaughterhouse effluents (26.1%), and cleaning water (11.7%). Significantly, 4 ESBL isolates (6.6%) exclusively emerged from pig slaughterhouse effluents, displaying imipenem-resistant properties. The majority of ESBL primarily produced CTX-M and CMY, with consistent genetic markers CTX-M (100%) and CMY (82.6%). Remarkably, 2 (8.6%) of 17 ESBL isolates from pig slaughterhouse effluents carried the genetic marker NDM1. These findings stress implementing thorough surveillance in pig farms and local slaughterhouses. This proactive approach is crucial to identify ESBL strains, enhancing public health protection.