Multidrug-resistant E. coli and Salmonella Isolated from Raw and Ready-to-Eat Meat Products, Raising the potential of Future Foodborne Illness and Treatment Challenges

Abstract

The study aimed to determine Escherichia coli and Salmonella species frequency, and their phenotypic and molecular multidrug-resistance (MDR), in raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. Using golden standard culture and serotyping techniques, one hundred raw (hamburgers and sausages) and RTE meat (hawawshi and kofta) products were screened for targeted pathogens. The genetic elements that correlate with MDR characteristics were identified by PCR. Escherichia coli and Salmonella were identified in 26% and 14% of the samples, respectively, and both were prevalent in the raw products, at 57.7% and 57.14%. MDR Escherichia coli (73.1%) and Salmonella (35.71%) were more frequently found in raw foods. The blaCTX and blaSHV genes were present in all five tested Escherichia coli, and mcr1 was expressed in three of them—two raw and one RTEM. Two raw-derived Escherichia coli co-expressed blaTEM, blaCTX, and blaSHV, and one of them also shared mcr1. The norA gene predominated in four of five MDR Salmonella isolates, raw (3) and RTE meat (1), whereas blaCTX or mcr1 occurred in three isolates, raw (2) and RTE meat (1). Two MDR Salmonella co-expressed the blaTEM and blaCTX or blaCTX and blaSHV genes, while also exhibiting mcr1 and/or norA. These antibiotic-resistant genes of vital importance imply veterinary mistreatment.