Occurrence of Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli O157: H7 from Human and Raw Bovine Meat Sources in Southern Nigeria and its Public Health Implications

Abstract

Background/Aim: Escherichia coli O157: H7 remains a major foodborne pathogen of immense public health concern in most countries of the world. It is easily transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated bovine meats and meat products.This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the risk factors and antibiogram profiles of E. coli O157: H7 from human and bovine meat from selected households in southern Nigeria.Methods: A total of 360 and 366 fresh household bovine meat and stools (diarrheal and non-diarrheal) samples respectively were collected. E. coli O157: H7 was isolated, identified and evaluated for antimicrobial resistance using standard microbiological methods.Results: From bovine meat, E. coli O157: H7 was detected in 21.11% (76/360) of the samples examined while 19.13% (70/366) and 1.37% (5/366) of diarrhea and non-diarrheic stool samples were also positive for E. coli O157: H7. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the prevalence E. coli O157: H7 among diarrhea and non-diarrhea stool samples. Risk factors such as age range, parents/guardian occupation, and domestic water source were observed to significantly (P<0.05) determine the prevalence of the pathogen in children. All the E. coli O157: H7 isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics with 88.6% and 77.1% to tetracycline and cotrimoxazole from diarrhoeal isolates and 77.64 and 7.58% to tetracycline and cotrimoxazole from bovine meat isolates.Conclusion: Bovine meat and some human and environmental factors play a vital role in the establishment of E. coli O157: H7 infection in humans, hence the need for continuous surveillance of this pathogen and implementation of legislation against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.