Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of listeria species from ready-to-eat foods of animal origin in Gondar Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundListeriosis, mostly caused by Listeria monocytogenes species, has become a major concern to public health authorities due to its clinical severity and high mortality rate, particularly in high risk groups. Currently, there is limited information regarding the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of listeria species in ready-to-eat foods of animal origin in Gondar town, Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Listeria species isolated from ready-to-eat food of animal origin from public dinning places in Gondar town, Ethiopia. A cross sectional study on ready-toeat foods of animal origin sampled from major supermarkets, butcher shops, pastry shops, restaurants and hotels was carried out. Culture, biochemical and sugar tests were conducted for listeria species identification and disc diffusion test was performed to study the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates.ResultsOut of 384 food samples examined, 96 (25%) were positive for Listeria species. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 24 (6.25%) of the samples. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from cake, raw meat, ice cream, minced beef, fish, unpasteurized milk and pizza in that order from higher to lower rate. Assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility profile of L. monocytogenes revealed the presence of four multi-drug resistant isolates. The higher resistance rate was recorded for penicillin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline and chloramphenicol, in decreasing order. All L. monocytogenes identified in the current study were sensitive to amoxicillin, cephalothin, cloxacillin, sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin and vancomycin.ConclusionsThe presence of L. monocytogenes including drug resistant and multidrug resistant isolates in some ready-to-eat food items is an indicator of the presence of public health hazards to the consumer, particularly to the high-risk groups. Hence awareness creation on food safety and implementation of regulations about the use of drugs in humans and animals is strongly recommended.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-015-0434-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Listeriosis in animals, its public health significance (food-borne zoonosis) and advances in diagnosis and control: a comprehensive review

“…Ready-to-eat foods play a crucial role in the transmission of listeriosis to humans. A study carried out with 384 food samples in Ethiopia showed a 25% prevalence of L. monocytogenes among which some isolates were multi-drug resistant (penicillin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline and chloramphenicol) emphasizing the need for adopting hygienic practices in food processing industries (Garedew et al 2015). Disease can also spread through carrier animals and rodents.…”

Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Food Products: A Comprehensive Review

“…Garedew et al. () found that 16 (66.7%), 12 (50%), 9 (37.5%), and 4 (16.6%) isolates of 24 L. monocytogenes isolates from RTE foods of animal origin exhibited resistance for penicillin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol, respectively. Further, four (16.7%) were multidrug‐resistant isolates.…”

Review of common causes of abortion in dairy cattle in Ethiopia

“…Study conducted by Seyoum et al (2015) showed that prevalence of Listeria species was 28.4% and specifically that of L. monocytogenes was 5.6% from raw bovine milk and milk products from central highlands of Ethiopia. Other study conducted in Gondar on foods of animal origin indicated that 25% were positive for Listeria species and that of L. monocytogenes was 6.25% (Garedew et al, 2015) …”