Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from vegetables sold in Malaysian wet markets

Abstract

Aims: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen found in humans, animals and foods worldwide. Vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fibres that may aid in protecting humans from chronic diseases and promote good health. This investigation aimed to find the prevalence of S. aureus contamination and antimicrobial resistance pattern of isolates from leafy vegetables in Peninsular Malaysia. Methodology and results: A total of 397 samples, comprised of 16 different vegetables, were obtained from vendors in selected wet markets. Of the 397 samples, S. aureus was detected in 42 samples (10.6%) in which 9 (21.4%) were positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The S. aureus isolates showed 52.3% resistance to tetracycline, followed by kanamycin (40.5%), penicillin G (35.7%), streptomycin (33.3%), oxacillin (21.4%) and cefoxitin (19.0%). The multiple antibiotic resistance indexes of S. aureus isolates varied from 0.21 to 0.50. The predominant antimicrobial resistance profiles of S. aureus were PDaOxSTeL (n=5), PDaSTeCe (n=4), TeKCnSxtC (n=3) and TeKCipQd, respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The findings of this study revealed the consumption of raw or minimally prepared fresh leafy vegetables could be a possible source of infection with antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus.