Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in abacha (African salad) sold in Enugu Metropolis

Nwosu, Nonso Chris; Nworie, Amos; Obum-Nnadi, Charity Ndidi

doi:10.21608/mid.2025.350767.2441

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in abacha (African salad) sold in Enugu Metropolis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

² Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria

10.21608/mid.2025.350767.2441

Abstract

Background: Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae pathogens are significant contributors to global disease outbreaks and present substantial challenges to infection control. This study investigated the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Abacha (African salad) sold in Enugu metropolis. Methods: A total of 500 ready-to-eat Abacha samples were randomly collected from various vendors and analyzed using the pour plate method on MacConkey and blood agar. Of these, 184 samples were found to be contaminated, yielding 752 isolates. Gram staining and biochemical tests were performed for accurate identification of the isolates. Additionally, structured food hygiene questionnaires were administered to vendors to assess their hygiene practices. Results: The isolates and their prevalence rates were identified as follows: S. aureus 26/158 (21.01%), E. coli 24/175 (23.27%), S. enterica /98 (13.03%), P. aeruginosa 9/127 (16.89%), B. cereus 15/89 (11.84%), K. pneumoniae 1/82 (10.90%), and S. marcescens 5/23 (3.06%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, revealed high resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics such as cephalosporins and penicillins for example, 100% resistance to Augmentin, 85% resistance to cefixime, 70% resistance to cefuroxime and 65% resistance to ceftazidime., though isolates were more susceptible to fluoroquinolones. Conclusion: The detection of ESBL-producing bacterial pathogens in Abacha highlights poor hygienic practices and the growing prevalence of ESBL production among pathogens. The observed antibiotic resistance presents a significant public health concern, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address this issue.

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