Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 17 6 2025 12 13 991 997 Ainyakou-Sanga Monique Department of Biotechnology, Unit of Training and Research in Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Goualie Bernadette Department of Biotechnology, Unit of Training and Research in Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Kipre Romuald Department of Biotechnology, Unit of Training and Research in Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire KRA Daniel Department of Natural Sciences, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire Sylla Aboubakar Department of Techniques and Technologies, Molecular Biology Platform, Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Yavo Albert Department of Techniques and Technologies, Molecular Biology Platform, Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Kakou-Ngazoa Solange Department of Techniques and Technologies, Molecular Biology Platform, Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Karou Germain Department of Biotechnology, Unit of Training and Research in Biosciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire 2025 04 05 2025 11 06 Background and Objectives: Poultry production generates huge quantities of waste, mainly from slaughterhouses, which can be major reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms. Escherichia coli is of particular concern due to its ability to acquire antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. This study aimed to characterise E. coli contamination in poultry slaughterhouse waste from ten municipalities in the district of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). Materials and Methods: E. coli strains were isolated from poultry slaughterhouse waste and identified using morphological and biochemical methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed by the disk diffusion method, and virulence genes, including eae and stx1, were detected using a duplex PCR assay. Results: Between January and April 2023, waste samples were collected, and E. coli strains were isolated and identified. Of 90 isolates, high resistance rates were observed against β-lactams (88.88%), aminoglycosides (77%), and fluoroquinolones (88.87%). MDR was detected in 11.11% of isolates, while 20% produced ESBL. The eae and stx1 genes were detected in 14.47 and 6.57% of isolates, respectively. Conclusion: These results highlight significant antimicrobial resistance and virulence potential in E. coli from poultry slaughterhouse waste, underscoring the need to improve management strategies. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5399 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5399/1846