Antimicrobial resistance profiling of selected E. coli isolates and detection of ESBL/pAmpC-encoding genes in broiler flocks in Bosnia and Herzegovina using real-time PCRKoro-Spahić, Amira (Avtor) Hadžiabdić, Sead (Avtor) Goletić, Teufik (Avtor) Alić, Amer (Avtor) Kustura, Aida (Avtor) Softić, Adis (Avtor) Residbegović, Emina (Avtor) antimicrobial resistanceE. colibroilersBosnia and HerzegovinaAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global issue, driven by the nontargeted use of antimicrobials in livestock. Poultry, particularly broilers, may serve as significant reservoirs for resistant Escherichia (E.) coli strains. This study aimed to isolate E. coli from broiler flocks and evaluate their in vitro susceptibility towards β-lactams, cephalosporins, carbapenems, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. Additionally, a multiplex real-time PCR assay was used to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-encoding genes. A total of 48 commensal E. coli isolates from broiler flocks in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were analyzed. Phenotypic resistance, determined using the disc diffusion method, was observed for ampicillin (87.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.5%), cefepime (41.7%), cefoxitin (45.8%), cefotaxime (50.0%), ceftazidime (47.9%), azithromycin (58.3%), ciprofloxacin (66.7%), and tetracycline (72.9%). PCR analysis confirmed blaTEM, blaCTX-M and blaCMY genes in 24 isolates (50%), whereas blaSHV and carbapenemase-encoding genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48, blaVIM and blaGES) were not detected. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli strains highlights the need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship in poultry production. Reducing antibiotic use, promoting alternative disease control measures, and implementing systematic resistance monitoring programs are crucial to reduce AMR in broiler farms and potential spill over to public health.20252026-08-07 12:42:37Članek v reviji185530UDK: 579.842:615.33:636.5(497.6)ISSN pri članku: 2385-8761DOI: 10.26873/SVR-1630-2025COBISS_ID: 285512195sl