Abstract

Escherichia coli is a major pathogen of worldwide importance in commercially produced poultry, contributing significantly to economic losses in chichens and turkeys. One hundred thirty-five cases in broilers were examined and cultured for isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity ecaluation of E. coli were isolated and in 32 cases (23.7) no E.coli growth was observed. Multiple resistances were seen in all isolates. All isolates were uniformly resistant to Tiamuline, Tylosin, and Bacitracin, We observed low levels of resistance to Gentamicin (12). Kanamycin (0), and Erythromycin (>= 99); Tetracycline (96); Oxytetracycline (93); Flomequine (87); Neomycine (87); Lincospectine (79); Difloxacin (78); Enrofloxacin (76); Cotrimoxazole (72); Chloramphenicol (52); and Ampicillin (49) were determined. Our data show high levels of multiresistance among Iranian E.coli isolates. It seems that the pattern of antibiotic resustabce if bacteria that are clinically important for the poultry industry should be monitored.