Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus from Fruit and Vegetable Salads

Abstract

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Staphylococcus aureus were commonly found bacteria that posed contamination risks to fruit and vegetable salads. In a study involving 100 samples, comprising 50 fruit and 50 vegetable salads, significant findings were observed. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 61% (n=17) of vegetable salads and 39% (n=11) of fruit salads. Escherichia coli was present in 79% (n=11) of vegetable salads and 21% (n=7) of fruit salads. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance patterns in E. coli strains from fruit and vegetable salads. E. coli from fruit salads showed 50% and 17% resistance to ciprofloxacin and Imipenem, respectively. In comparison, E. coli from vegetable salads exhibited 28% and 45% resistance to ciprofloxacin and Imipenem, respectively. Notably, E. coli strains from vegetable salads displayed higher resistance to Fosfomycin (61%) and gentamicin (50%). Staphylococcus aureus strains from vegetable salads exhibited 39% resistance to gentamicin and 29% resistance to Imipenem. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of toxin-producing genes in E. coli and S. aureus isolates, with varying prevalence rates. This study underscored the importance of monitoring bacterial contamination in salads for food safety and public health. The higher prevalence of S. aureus highlighted the need for strong monitoring strategies to detect and prevent foodborne infections caused by these pathogens in fruit and vegetable salads.