author(s)
Indica Sharma, MA Bhat, Anil Taku, Deep Shikha, Apurva Gupta, Ufaq Aijaz, GA Badroo, Faizan Javid and HK Sharma

abstract
The study was aimed at finding the prevelance of Extended Spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) producing E. coli in poultry and to characterize them with respect to bla_TEM, bla_CTX-M and bla_SHV gene. Out of total 200 faecal samples collected, 400 presumptive ESBL producing E. coli were isolated. Of the 400 isolates, 150 (37.5%) were found to be resistant to cefotaxime and ceftazidime. Resistance to cefotaxime was observed in 60.0% and ceftazidime in 40.0% isolates and 46.6% isolates showed resistance to both. All the 150 isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers by Double disc synergy test. The overall prevelance from this study is 37.5% and is the first report of its kind in Jammu region (J&K). Further, all the ESBL producers were tested for the presence of bla gene. Of 150 ESBL isolates, 110 (73.2%) carried the bla_TEM, bla_CTX-M and bla_SHV gene/s. Of these 110 isolates, 27.2% carried bla_TEM gene alone, 48.1% carried bla_CTX-M gene, 1.81% carried bla_SHV only and 22.72% isolates carried both bla_TEM /bla_CTX-M genes.