Antimicrobial resistance status of selected bacteria isolated from animal source foods and feed in Ethiopia

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of major food-borne pathogens has become an increasing public health problem worldwide. In the present study, AMR profile of selected target bacterial pathogens isolated from animal source foods (ASFs) and feed was conducted. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to July 2021 in high potential meat and dairy products and commercial animal feed supply chain areas of Ethiopia. A total of 642 ASFs and feed samples collected from purposively selected sampling sites were examined at microbiology laboratory of animal products, veterinary drug and feed quality assessment center. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) were conducted using automated Vitek 2 XL compact system. Results Out of 642 investigated samples, 24 different genera and 59 species of bacteria were identified. A total of 185 samples were positive for target bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli and Salmonella spps . The AST results showed AMR of target bacteria isolates against some of the tested antimicrobials. Of these, 83, 55 and 92% isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spps , respectively, showed high AMR development levels to Benzylpenicillin, Tetracycline and Cefalexin/Gentamicin. Conclusions The target bacteria isolated from ASFs and feed demonstrated multidrug resistance against some of the tested antimicrobials having public and veterinary importance. This reflects that ASFs and feed could serve as one of the sources of the spread and transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacterial pathogens. Hence, improving hygiene and sanitation management practices along the ASFs and feed supply chains, raising community awareness about the risks of AMR, strengthening good veterinary practices and further investigations on AMR are recommended.