Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Fresh Produce.

Area of Science:

• Food safety
• Microbiology
• Public health

Background:

• Microbial contamination of fresh produce is a significant health concern.
• Fruits and vegetables can transmit foodborne pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae pose a growing threat.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of fresh produce in transmitting ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
• To determine the prevalence of enterobacterial contamination in vegetables and farm environments.
• To identify ESBL-producing isolates and assess their antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 174 vegetable and farm environment samples.
• Quantification of enterobacterial contamination.
• Isolation and identification of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Main Results:

• 82.9% of vegetable samples and 36.8% of environmental samples showed enterobacterial contamination.
• Leafy vegetables had significantly higher mean bacterial counts.
• 15 ESBL-producing isolates (Serratia fonticola and Rahnella aquatilis) were identified, with 5 multi-drug resistant S. fonticola.

Conclusions:

• Fresh produce can serve as a vehicle for ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae transmission.
• These bacteria can act as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes within the food chain.
• While rare in human infections, these findings underscore the importance of monitoring produce for antimicrobial resistance.