Investigation of Biofilm Production and Determination of Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Ground Beef and Meatballs

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is bacterium that threatens public health because it causes infections and food intoxication. For this reason, within the scope of this study, it was aimed to determine the presence of S. aureus, antibiotic resistance profiles, and biofilm formation in ground beef and meatball samples consumed in Amasya. In the study, 60 meat samples purchased from Amasya were used as material. First, conventional culture technique and PCR testing were used for the isolation of S. aureus. Secondly, antibiotic resistance profiles of the S. aureus were analyzed by disc diffusion. Finally, biofilm production of the S. aureus was analyzed phenotypically by the microtiter plate method and genotypically by PCR. Through the study, we identified 58 S. aureus isolates that were confirmed phenotypically and genotypically. Disc diffusion results showed that all S. aureus were sensitive to imipenem and piperacillin-tazobactam, but resistant to methicillin 43.10% (25/58), erythromycin 41.37 % (24/58), penicillin 58.62% (34/58), gentamicin 10.34% (6/58), chloramphenicol 17.24% (10/58), tobramycin 6.89% (4/58), and levofloxacin 1.72% (1/58). Biofilm production was determined as 58.62% (34/58) in the microtiter plate. In the PCR analysis, the icaA or icaD gene of a total of 4 (6.89%) different isolates was evaluated as positive. As a result, the presence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus in ground beef and meatballs and the production of biofilm by the bacteria pose a potential risk. Therefore, it is important for human health to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of S. aureus contamination during the processing, and transportation.