Investigating the presence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in raw mutton from open marketplaces

Abstract

The objective of this research was to identify antibiotic-resistant strains of Escherichia coli and examine the occurrence of E. coli in mutton samples sourced from multiple locations within two districts, given the serious public health risks associated with its presence in food. Six mutton samples were procured from open markets in Kushtia, while another six were sourced from markets in Jhenaidah. Serial dilutions were made by processing mutton after samples were gathered from every region. The samples were plated on nutrient agar and cultured for bacterial growth using the spread plate technique. Following incubation, bacterial contamination was evident in every sample, ranging from 1.2×109 CFU/mL to 4.7×109 CFU/mL. After conducting selective agar tests (MacConkey agar and Eosin-methylene blue) and biochemical tests (Methyl Red, Catalase, Citrate, Oxidase, Indole, and Voges-Proskauer test) to verify the presence of E. coli, it was discovered that 66.67% of the samples of mutton were positive for the E. coli. Then, the E. coli strains were subjected to additional investigation, which showed resistance to three (Amoxicillin, 30 µg; Penicillin, 10 µg; and Co-trimoxazole, 25 µg) of the eight tested antibiotics and another five (Ciprofloxacin, 5 µg; Azithromycin, 30µg; Streptomycin, 10 µg; Levofloxacin, 5µg; and Erythromycin, 15µg) antibiotics were sensitive. The study underscores the possibility of antibiotic-resistant and multidrug-resistant E. coli in mutton samples, underscoring the need for appropriate handling and cooking techniques to prevent foodborne illnesses from mutton contamination.