Staphylococcus aureus in Broiler Breeding Chickens in a Jadan-Ecuador Hatchery (December 2022 - February 2023)

Abstract

Introduction: The poultry industry, particularly poultry breeding, has witnessed exponential growth alongside the implementation of animal care practices that can potentially lead to cross-contamination with pathogenic microorganisms. One such microorganism is Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for numerous diseases. Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the nares of broiler chickens in Jadan, Ecuador, between December 2022 and February 2023, using microbiological methods. Methodology: This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study population consists of isolates obtained from the nares of broiler chickens from a hatchery in Jadan, Ecuador. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was employed, resulting in sixty samples. Results: Biochemical tests identified twelve positive samples of S. aureus among the sixty isolated obtained from broiler breeding chicken nostrils. Furthermore, a high percentage of sensitivity to clindamycin, erythromycin, cefoxitin, and penicillin antibiotics was observed. Conclusion: The prevalence of S. aureus in broilers is low (20%). Adequate antibiotic management practices are in place, leading to low resistance. Hygiene and cleanliness regulations are followed diligently to prevent bacterial spread.