The Presence of ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in Raw Vegetables and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles

Süleymanoğlu A. A., Aydın A.

XXI. International Scientific Conference "Tradition and Modernity in Veterinary Medicine", Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, 24 - 26 April 2026, pp.50, (Summary Text)

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Pazardzhik
  • Country: Bulgaria
  • Page Numbers: pp.50
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a major global health threat, with increasing resistance risking public health. Escherichia coli, which can be transmitted through food, is a key bacterial species involved. In this study, E. coli was found in 24.5% of raw vegetables and ready-to-eat salad samples collected in Istanbul, a large metropolitan area, in 2021, confirmed by both traditional microbiology and PCR methods. Antibiotic resistance was assessed using the disk diffusion test, showing resistance rates of 46% to tetracycline, 15% to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, 15% to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, 15% to ampicillin, and 7.6% to chloramphenicol. Multiplex PCR (mPCR) detected resistance genes at rates of 92% for blaTEM, 53.8% for blaCTX-M, and 7.6% for blaOXA. Additionally, PCR was used to screen for heavy-metal resistance genes associated with antibiotic resistance (cadD, cadX, copA, and czrC); none were detected. The detection of ESBL-related resistance genes in raw vegetables and salads highlights the need for strict food hygiene and a One Health approach. Foodborne ESBL-producing E. coli isolates represent a serious risk to public health.