Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from ready-to-eat foods retailed in Damietta, Egypt

Abstract

ABSTRACT The presence of Enterobacteria in food in large numbers indicates fecal contamination. This study was carried out to determine the susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from ready-to-eat foods from the Damietta market. A total of 40 random ready-to-eat food samples were collected from different localities at Damietta Governorate, Egypt. These samples were examined for Enterobacteriaceae count, and identification of members by conventional biochemical methods and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion method. Enterobacteriaceae isolates were detected among 34/40 (85%) examined Ready-to-eat food samples. A total of 139 isolates were identified. The most frequent genus was Klebsiella followed by Enterobacter. Other members such as Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp., Providencia spp., and E. coli spp. were also identified. The isolates showed different susceptibility to 12 tested antimicrobials. Most of the tested isolates showed high resistance percentages to cefepime and ampicillin. Imipenem, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, gentamicin, and cefotaxime were the most effective antimicrobials. In addition, 29% of the isolates were multiple-drug resistant (MDR). The high prevalence of members of Enterobacteriaceae in different food sources is a reliable index of food contamination. So, it is recommended to reconsider restrictions on hygiene and sanitary control in the current food acts and regulations.