High Levels of Multidrug-Resistant and Beta-Lactamase-Producing Bacteria in Meat and Meat Contact Surfaces, Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Over the years, microbial contamination caused by foodborne bacteria has led to a significant number of food recalls, particularly for meat items that have been related to outbreaks of deadly diseases. Animals often carry Salmonella and Escherichia coli bacteria in their intestines, and these bacteria contaminate raw meat during slaughter. In addition, pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus can contaminate meat processing equipment and utensils and spread to raw meat. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken between 30 February and 15 March 2022. Sanitary conditions of abattoir and butchers and food handlers’ hygienic practices were assessed using a structured questionnaire. An equal number of meat, swabs from carcasses, knife, weighing balance and cutting board samples (24 each, 120 total) were collected from abattoir and butcher shops. The collected samples were processed for bacterial isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, MDR screening and confirmation, and ESBL screening and confirmation. Finally, SPSS software version 25 was used to compile and analyze the data. Descriptive data from surveys and laboratory procedures were cross-tabulated and summarized using statistical tables and figure. RESULTS: A total of 76 bacteria were isolated from 120 samples. Of all bacteria isolated, S. aureus 16 (21.1%). E. coli 13 (17.1%), and S. epidermidis 12 (15.8%) were the most prevalent. The rate of bacterial contamination was high in meat 18 (23.7%), carcasses 15 (19.7%) and weighing balance 15 (19.7%), respectively. Among the isolates, 18 (23.7%) were resistant for eight and more antibiotics. While, 17 (22.4%), 7(9.2%) and 4(5.3%) of the isolates were resistant for two and three, four and five, and six and seven antibiotics, respectively. Of bacteria isolated, 51/76 (67.1%) were MDR, 23/48 (47.9%) were screened for ESBL production and 13/48 (27.1%) isolates were confirmed as ESBL producer. CONCLUSION: Multidrug-resistant bacterial contamination was common in meat and meat contact surfaces, which was exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices.