International Journal of Research in Engineering and Science (IJRES) ISSN (Online): 2320-9364, ISSN (Print): 2320-9356 www.ijres.org Volume 12 Issue 7 ǁ July 2024 ǁ PP. 01-09 www.ijres.org 1 | Page Distribution, Prevalence, Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance profile of Enterococcus species isolated from Chicken and Poultry Droppings in Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria Dauphin Dighitoghi Moro 1 *, Hakeem Olanrewaju Bello 2 , Igbagbo Ehinmore 3 , Zenas Chisom Agubata 1 , Nofisat Olayinka Adigun 1 , Miriam Oluchi Ukhureigbe 1 , Hammed Kolawole Shittu 1 1 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, P. M.B. 0001, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria 2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Ogun State College of Information Technology, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria 3 Department of Microbiology, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria *Corresponding author: Dauphin Dighitoghi Moro. Department of Microbiology, Lagos State University, P. M.B. 001, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. E-mail: drddmoro@gmail.com Abstract Enterococcus species are important commensals and opportunistic pathogens associated with animals and the environment. This study aimed to investigate the distribution, prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus species isolated from chicken and poultry droppings in Ojo, Lagos. Two hundred faecal samples were collected from various poultry farms in the study area. Enterococcus species were isolated, and identified through standard microbiological methods, biochemical tests and assessed for antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer’s disk diffusion method. The results revealed 230 isolates with a widespread presence of Enterococcus spp. 100 (43.48%) and others: Streptococcus spp. 40 (17.39%), Staphylococcus spp. 40 (17.39%), Salmonella spp. 26 (11.30%) and Pseudomonas spp. 24 (10.43%) in poultry droppings. The prevalence rates of Enterococci varied among the different poultry birds: broilers, layers, turkeys, breeders, and geese with 14, 28, 20, 26 and 12 isolates respectively. Varying levels of virulence factors were observed, with aggregation substance being the most prevalent (70%) and cytolysin the least prevalent (55%). Antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus spp. to erythromycin was 92%, Streptococcus spp. to erythromycin (86.6%), Staphylococcus spp. to rocephin (75%)., Salmonella spp. to levofloxacin (84.6%) and Pseudomonas spp. to nalidixic acid (75%) was observed and they were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (63%), ciprofloxacin (76.6%), erythromycin (82.5%), augmentin (84.6%) and levofloxacin (87.5%) respectively. The high antimicrobial resistance by the bacterial isolates portends a potential public health concern considering the likely problem associated especially with multiple antibiotic- resistant enterococci in the poultry environment. These findings provide insights into the dissemination of Enterococcus species in poultry settings and their resistance patterns, thus underscoring the need for prudent antimicrobial use and effective hygiene practices in poultry farming so as to mitigate potential risks to both animal and human health. Keywords: Enterococcus, Resistance, Susceptibility, Antibiotic test, Poultry droppings, Poultry birds --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 25-06-2024 Date of acceptance: 04-07-2024 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Enterococcus species, belonging to the lactic acid bacteria group, are prevalent in various ecological niches, including the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans, as well as in environmental sources such as soil, water, and food [1]. While traditionally considered commensals, certain Enterococcus species have gained notoriety due to their role as opportunistic pathogens associated with a range of infections in humans, particularly those involving the urinary tract and bloodstream [2]. Moreover, their remarkable capacity to acquire and transfer antibiotic resistance genes has elevated them to a central position in the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance [3]. In the context of the poultry industry, characterized by intensive farming practices and the frequent use of antibiotics, Enterococcus species often flourish within poultry flocks and associated environments [4]. Poultry, including chickens, are recognized reservoirs for enteric bacteria, and the extensive use of antibiotics for growth promotion and disease prevention provides a conducive environment for the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance [5].