Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria Found on Leafy Vegetables in Eastern Region

Jim Crocker
13th August, 2024

Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria Found on Leafy Vegetables in Eastern Region

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study, conducted in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, found various bacteria in leafy vegetables like lettuce, parsley, and watercress
  • Some bacteria in these vegetables showed resistance to common antibiotics, posing potential health risks
  • The findings highlight the need for better detection and control measures to reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food
Food-associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause infections that may critically impact human health. This study, conducted by the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, aimed to determine the microbial contamination level of green leafy vegetables and their antibiotic resistance patterns[1]. Researchers collected 63 samples of leafy vegetables, including lettuce, parsley, and watercress, from Dammam Central Fruit and Vegetables Market between January and June 2023. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The study identified eight types of bacteria from six different genera. The Enterobacteriaceae family was represented by four genera: Klebsiella, Proteus, Morganella, and Enterobacter. The other two genera were Pseudomonas and Aeromonas. Enterobacter cloacae was the most abundant, followed by Pseudomonas putida and Aeromonas sobria, while Morganella morganii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Proteus mirabilis were the least abundant. The findings revealed varying levels of bacterial contamination across the three types of vegetables. All isolated organisms were sensitive to penicillin, cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, and fluoroquinolone. However, Klebsiella oxytoca, M. morganii, and K. pneumonia showed resistance to ampicillin. A. hydrophila, M. morganii, and E. cloacae displayed resistance to amoxicillin. M. morganii and E. cloacae were resistant to cefalotin, and A. hydrophila, M. morganii, and E. cloacae were resistant to cefoxitin. Additionally, A. hydrophila showed resistance to imipenem. Only M. morganii was resistant to ciprofloxacin. Two isolates, P. mirabilis and M. morganii, were resistant to tigecycline. Another two, M. morganii and P. mirabilis, were resistant to nitrofurantoin. Only M. morganii was found to be resistant to trimethoprim. This study aligns with the broad consensus in the literature about the significance of bacterial contamination in vegetables and the public health implications. The unique focus on antibiotic resistance patterns adds an essential dimension to the existing body of knowledge. Earlier studies have highlighted the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in various environments, including agricultural soils and wastewater used for irrigation. For instance, the Enterobacter cloacae complex, which includes E. cloacae and E. hormaechei, is known for its genomic heterogeneity and antibiotic resistance[2]. These bacteria can overproduce AmpC β-lactamases, rendering many antibiotics ineffective. The current study confirms the presence of E. cloacae in leafy vegetables and its resistance to multiple antibiotics, emphasizing the need for improved detection and control measures. The use of wastewater for irrigation has been associated with both benefits and risks, including the introduction of toxic contaminants and microbes into the soil and crops[3]. This practice can lead to the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from the environment to humans through the food chain. The current study's findings on the resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from vegetables underscore the potential health risks associated with wastewater irrigation and the need for sustainable solutions. Moreover, the increasing reports of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans, animals, and the environment highlight the urgent need to address this global health threat[4]. Antibiotics used in farming systems can contribute to the spread of AMR, and agricultural soils can act as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The current study's identification of multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria in leafy vegetables suggests that agricultural practices and the use of antibiotics in farming may play a critical role in human exposure to AMR. In conclusion, the study conducted by the Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences provides valuable insights into the microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance patterns of leafy vegetables. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and control measures to mitigate the public health risks associated with food-associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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References

Main Study

1) Antibiotic-resistant bacteria contaminating leafy vegetables in Saudi Arabia's eastern region.

Published 13th August, 2024

Journal: BMC microbiology

Issue: Vol 24, Issue 1, Aug 2024

Related Studies

2) Enterobacter cloacae complex: clinical impact and emerging antibiotic resistance.

https://doi.org/10.2217/fmb.12.61

3) A Review of Environmental Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Wastewater Use for Crop Irrigation with a Focus on Low and High-Income Countries.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050895

4) From gut to mud: dissemination of antimicrobial resistance between animal and agricultural niches.

https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.15927


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