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Assessing the public health risk from ESKAPE pathogens including MRSA and VRE on high-touch shopping cart surfaces
Ziad Jaradat1, Batool Khataybeh2, Qutaiba Ababneh1
1Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O Box, 3030, Irbid, Jordan.
Abstract:
Increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health. This study investigated the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and biofilm-forming ability of ESKAPE pathogens on shopping cart handles in Jordan. Swab samples were collected from 820 shopping carts used in grocery stores, and ESKAPE bacteria were identified using microbiological and molecular methods. The most prevalent species isolated was Staphylococcus aureus, which was recovered from 4.8% of the samples, followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (2.1%), Escherichia coli (2%), and Enterococcus spp. (0.73%). Most isolates were sensitive to antibiotics, though two E. faecium isolates showed resistance to vancomycin (VRE), and 17 S. aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA). The ability of the isolates to form biofilm varied, with most S. aureus being non-formers (53.8%), whereas A. baumannii isolates were predominantly strong formers (53%). The presence of ESKAPE pathogens, including clinically significant strains like MRSA and VRE, on frequently touched shopping cart handles highlights the role played by these surfaces as potential reservoirs for transmission in the community.
Insights
Shopping cart handles in Jordan harbor ESKAPE pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). These surfaces may act as reservoirs for community transmission of antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern.
- ESKAPE pathogens are a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- The role of fomites like shopping carts in AMR transmission is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of ESKAPE pathogens on shopping cart handles in Jordan.
- To assess the antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm-forming potential of isolated ESKAPE bacteria.
- To evaluate shopping cart handles as potential reservoirs for AMR transmission.
Main Methods:
- Collection of swab samples from 820 shopping cart handles in Jordanian grocery stores.
- Identification of ESKAPE bacteria using microbiological and molecular techniques.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing and biofilm formation assays.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus (4.8%) was the most prevalent, followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (2.1%), Escherichia coli (2%), and Enterococcus spp. (0.73%).
- Prevalence of clinically significant strains including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VRE).
- Variable biofilm formation observed, with A. baumannii predominantly forming strong biofilms.
Conclusions:
- Shopping cart handles serve as reservoirs for ESKAPE pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains.
- These findings highlight a potential community transmission route for AMR.
- Interventions targeting fomite disinfection are crucial for public health.
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