Molecular detection of bla_TEM gene for encoding extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) on Escherichia coli isolated from deer feces in Indonesia

Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health threat and broad-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobactericeae (ESBL) are major contributors. This research focuses on the presence of Escherichia coli as a producer of ESBL in the fresh feces of deer. This study aimed to gain deeper insight into ESBL sourced from deer. 129 fresh stool samples were collected. A total of 89 samples came from the East Java region and 40 samples came from the East Nusa Tenggara region. Identification was carried out which was then followed by PCR. We found 9 positive samples of ESBL-producing E. coli containing the bla_TEM gene as the ESBL encoding gene. 33 samples (25.28%) were positive for E. coli. 8 isolates (24.24%) were multidrug-resistant, East Java (6 isolates) and East Nusa Tenggara (2 isolates). All isolates of multidrug-resistant E. coli 7 isolates were ESBL positive (87.5%) and contained the blaTEM gene. The presence of MDR and ESBL-producing E. coli isolates have been confirmed in deer. Deer should be considered as a source of MDR and ESBL transmission for public health.