| Identification of pathotypes of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from different plants and dairy products in Egypt. |
| Paper ID : 1056-ISCH |
| Authors |
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Mohamed S.M Abdul Basir *1, Manal F. Abd Elaziz2, Elham R.S. Soliman3, Hoda H. EL-Hendawy1, Yasser M. Ibrahim4 1Microbiology, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. 2Agriculture Research Center, Department of microbiology, Central Laboratory of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy metals in Foods (QCAP), Dokki, Giza, Egypt 3Molecular Biology, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. 4Microbiology, Egyptian Drug Authority, Cairo, Egypt. |
| Abstract |
| Background: Foodborne Escherichia coli is a major global public health concern, particularly when present in fresh produce and dairy products that are often consumed raw. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli strains further complicates food safety and clinical treatment. This study aimed to identify the prevalence, resistance profiles, and virulence characteristics of MDR E. coli isolated from different food products in Egypt. Methods: A total of 156 samples of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dairy products were collected from local markets in Cairo and Giza. E. coli isolates were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Six highly resistant isolates (1, 5, 17, 47, 50, and 56) were further examined using PCR for major pathotype genes, assays for siderophore production, and biofilm formation tests. Results: E. coli was detected in 57 samples (36.5%). All isolates were MDR, with high resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins and Macrolides. PCR analysis revealed that two strains (56 and 17) amplified the astA gene. Five isolates produced siderophores, and four isolates were identified as strong biofilm producers. Conclusion: The study confirms significant contamination of ready-to-eat foods in Egyptian markets with multidrug-resistant E. coli. The high prevalence of MDR strains, combined with their ability to produce siderophores and form robust biofilms, presents a serious risk to both food safety and public health. This emphasizes the urgent need for food hygiene practices, reducing misuse of antibiotics in agriculture, and implementing continuous molecular surveillance to prevent the further spread of MDR E. coli in Egypt. |
| Keywords |
| Antibiotic-resistant bacteria; Food-borne pathogens; E. coli; Virulence genes; Multidrug-resistance; MDR; Siderophores; Biofilms |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |