The increasing incidence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia (E.) coli in backyard chicken farming in Pakistan is of serious concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns and risk factors associated with ESBL avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) isolated from backyard chickens in the Jhang district, Punjab, Pakistan. In total, 320 cloacal swabs were collected from four breeds of backyard chicken (Aseel, Golden, Misri and Necked Neck). ESBL E. coli were phenotypically identified using double disc synergy test (DDST) and corresponding genes were confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). Out of the 320 samples, 164 (51.3%) were confirmed as E. coli, while 74 (45.1%) were characterized as ESBL E. coli. The frequency of isolation of ESBL E. coli was highest in Aseel chickens (35.1%). Of the 164 confirmed E. coli, 95.1%, 78.6%, 76.8%, 71.3%, 70.1%, 68.9%, 60.4% and 57.3% were resistant against tylosin, doxycycline, cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, colistin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol and gentamicin, respectively. The ESBL gene types detected and their corresponding proportions were bla_CTX-M (54.1 %, 40/74), bla_TEM, (12.2%, 9/74) and co-existence (bla_CTX-M and bla_TEM) were shown in 33.8% (25/74). The bla_CTX-M gene sequence showed homology to bla_CTX-M-15 from clinical isolates. The mean multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) was found to be higher among ESBL E. coli (0.25) when compared to non-ESBL E. coli (0.17). Both free-range husbandry management system (p = 0.02, OR: 30.00, 95% CI = 1.47–611.79) and high antimicrobial usage in the last 6 months (p = 0.01, OR: 25.17, 95% CI = 1.81–348.71) were found significantly associated with isolation of ESBL-producing E. coli in the tested samples using binary logistic regression analysis. This study confirmed the potential of backyard chickens as a reservoir for ESBL E. coli in the Jhang district, Punjab, Pakistan.

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, poses a significant global health burden with approximately 390 million infections reported in 2016. As insecticide resistance increases, novel vector control methods such as Wolbachia bacteria are being investigated. Wolbachia reduces dengue transmission by decreasing mosquito lifespan and inhibiting viral replication. The mathematical model has demonstrated Wolbachia’s potential to eliminate local dengue transmission. Field trials in Australia and Indonesia have exhibited substantial reductions in dengue incidence following Wolbachia releases. However, concerns remain that these reductions may be transient. This report reviews a mathematical model of Wolbachia for dengue control, evaluating its assumptions and findings. The model indicates Wolbachia could potentially eliminate dengue locally, yet also permit endemic transmission. We propose further analysis of this model to assess the long-term impacts of Wolbachia deployment. Examining the duration of control measures and post-release effects will provide greater insight into Wolbachia’s capacity for sustainable dengue mitigation. The reviewed model comprises a system of seven ordinary differential equations representing a dual Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) structure for human and mosquito populations. Key assumptions include only modeling female mosquitoes’ post-aquatic life stages and complete cytoplasmic incompatibility of Wolbachia. The basic reproductive number was derived and equilibrium points were identified. This mathematical modeling approach enables the simulation of complex dengue transmission dynamics under various Wolbachia release scenarios. Further analysis can evaluate the potential for the ”honeymoon effect” and ”divorce effect” to undermine the initial successes of Wolbachia trials. This will facilitate a more robust assessment of Wolbachia’s long-term viability as a dengue control strategy.