Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in conventional vs. organic livestock farms in Egypt: a cross-sectional comparative study.

This article focuses on the prevalence and genetic characteristics of antimicrobial-resistant (AR) bacteria in conventional and organic livestock farms in Egypt. The study found significantly higher rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-producing E. coli), fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli, multidrug-resistant Salmonella, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in conventional farms compared to the organic farm. Key resistance genes identified included bla_TEM, bla_CTX-M, and bla_SHV for ESBL production, and qnrS and qnrB for fluoroquinolone resistance, while vanA was the predominant gene in VRE isolates. The findings highlight the potential public health risks associated with antimicrobial use in conventional animal farming and underscore the need for improved antimicrobial stewardship to limit the spread of resistant bacteria from farms to humans and the environment.