Pathogenic Microorganisms Linked to Fresh Fruits and Juices Purchased at Low-Cost Markets in Ecuador, Potential Carriers of Antibiotic Resistance

The pathogenic microorganisms linked to fresh fruits and juices sold out in retail low-cost markets raise safety concerns as they may carry multidrug-resistant (MDR) genes. To evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of highly consumed fruits and derivatives in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, ready-to-eat strawberries (5 independent batches; n = 300 samples), and gooseberries (5 separate batches; n = 500 samples), purchased from a local fruit farm grower and low-cost retail market, along with 20 different natural fruit- and vegetables-based juices (3 independent batches; n = 60 samples) purchased from food courts located within the low-cost markets were analyzed. Bacteriological analysis showed that the microbial quality was lower as several indicators (n = 984) consisting of total coliforms (TCOL), total aerobes (AEROB), Enterobacter spp. (ENT), Shigella spp., (SHIGA), yeasts (YE), and molds (M) were detected. Staphylococcus spp. (STAPHY) was found in both fruits regardless of origin, while Escherichia coli (EC) isolates were found in strawberries but not gooseberries. Salmonella spp. (SALM) were detected in juices only. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed multidrug resistance of several isolates. The hemolytic pattern revealed that 88.89% of EC and 61.11% of ENT isolates were beta-hemolytic. All STAPHY isolates were beta-hemolytic while SALM and SHIGA were alpha-hemolytic. Plasmid curing assay of MDR isolates (ENT, EC, SALM, and STAPHY) showed that the antibiotic resistance (AR) was highly indicative of being plasmid-borne. These results raise concerns about the consumption of MDR bacteria. However, good agricultural and industrial practices, behavioral change communication, and awareness-raising programs are necessary for all stakeholders along the food production and consumption supply chain.