Antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens: Implications for the one health approach in developing nations

Food-borne pathogens, mainly Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella species, can provide a source of the dissemination of antibiotic resistance via food supply. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of multiple-drug-resistant food-borne pathogens in raw food items to understand a possible source of the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Various raw food items of animal origin or plant origin were collected to isolate and characterize E. coli, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus, and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined according to the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the resistance genes. Two hundred sixty-eight (n = 268) food isolates, including E. coli, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus were recovered with a significant correlation between the recovery of these three food-borne pathogens and the origin of food items (p < 0.05). The concurrence of food-borne pathogens from the same food sample was also observed. The food isolates showed different trends in antibiotic resistance. Remarkably, almost all isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic tested against them. Molecular data indicated an occurrence of plasmid-borne β-lactamase genes (bla_TEM-1 gene) in E. coli and Salmonella spp., and the mecA gene in S. aureus isolates. The current scenario demands implementing the 'One Health' approach worldwide, particularly in high-risk areas for antibiotic resistance to pathogens. It should involve cross-sector collaboration to monitor and source tracking of antibiotic resistance at the molecular level in human, animal, and environmental health.