Biotechnology for Sustainable Development to Meet Global Challenges

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food-borne pathogens especially Escherichia coli, is of a serious concern in recent years. Extended beta-lactamase resistant (ESBL) resistant E.coli species have recently emerged and have been the source of concern in both human and animal health. This study was conducted to detect the presence of ESBL resistant E.coli in raw chicken meat and bean sprouts in Kota Bharu, Kelantan by using Kirby-Bauer methods for antibiotic sensitivity test (AST) and molecular detection of the ESBL resistance encoding genes by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 100 samples comprised of 50 raw chicken meat and 50 bean sprouts were collected and processed microbiologically. Out of 100 food samples that were collected and processed through routine microbiological isolation, 31% (31/100) of E. coli were identified phenotypically. However, based on PCR results, 93.5% (29/31) of the phenotypically detected isolates were confirmed as E.coli. Raw chicken meat yielded 46% (23/50) E.coli isolates while 12% (6/50) E. coli was isolated from bean sprouts samples. Based on the results of AST, raw chicken meat showed highest percentage of antimicrobial resistance, 95.7% (22/23) against Amoxycillin/Clavulanic Acid, followed by Enrofloxacin 60.9% (14/23), Colistin 39.1% (9/23) and Gentamicin 30.4% (7/23). Whereas for bean sprouts, highest percentage of antimicrobial resistance was observed towards Amoxycillin/Clavulanic Acid with the percentage of 33.3% (2/6), followed by Colistin 16.7% (1/6). ESBL gene resistance detection against family of bla TEM and bla CTX genes showed that 62.1% (18/29) of E.coli isolates from both food samples were positive for bla TEM gene and all the isolates were negative for blaCTX. Out of 18 samples positive resistance towards bla TEM gene, 94.4% (17/18) were from raw chicken meat and 5.6% (1/18) were from bean sprouts. In conclusion, ESBL resistant E.coli was detected in the food samples collected from local markets. These findings imply that ESBL resistant E.coli can easily contaminate raw food items such as chickens and vegetables and may pose public health risks. Hence, rational usage of antibiotics and strict practicing of hygienic handling of food items, especially chicken meat and vegetables are recommended.