Datasets for a study investigating the epidemiology of ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole-resistant Escherichia coli from humans, poultry, and their environment in central Malawi

This dataset originates from a cross-sectional study conducted between July and September 2022 in Malawi’s Central Region to investigate how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the poultry production system poses a risk to public health. The dataset consists of two components: Microbiological Data – Contains Escherichia coli isolates obtained from poultry, poultry attendants (stool samples), and effluent water. Each isolate was tested for susceptibility to ceftriaxone and cotrimoxazole using disk diffusion methods, with results reported as resistant, intermediate, or susceptible. Some Key Variables: Sample_ID – Unique identifier for each isolate Consent_ID – Farm-level identifier linking isolates to questionnaire data Source_Type – Poultry / Human / Environment Antibiotic – Ceftriaxone, Cotrimoxazole... Zone_Diameter – Inhibition zone measurement (mm) Questionnaire Data – Derived from structured interviews with poultry attendants. The questionnaire captured demographic characteristics, poultry production practices, and knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use in poultry. Some Key Variables: Consent_ID – Farm-level identifier linking to microbiological data Respondent_Age – Categorised: 18–29, 30–60, >60 Gender – Male / Female Education_Level – Primary / Secondary / Tertiary Poultry_Training – None / Basic / Advanced Farm_Type – Consumption only / Sales only / Mixed Flock_Size – Number of chickens Housing_Type – Permanent / Yard access / Free roaming Commercial_Feed_Use – Yes / No Antibiotic_Use_Poultry – Yes / No Reason_for_Use – Treatment / Prevention / Growth promotion Access_Method – Pharmacy / Agrovet / Informal seller Together, these datasets enable analysis of antibiotic use behaviours, their relationship with farming practices, and the prevalence of resistance to two clinically important antibiotics across human, animal, and environmental reservoirs.