Pseudomonas fluorescens Isolation from Green Salads and Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Isolates

Abstract

Currently, leafy green salads are often consumed because they are considered as practical and healthy. However, during their preparation, both inadequate washing and contact with non-hygienic surfaces may increase their microbial load. This may cause several health problems for individuals consuming salads. The overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria, including foodborne pathogens. Biofilm production ability of these pathogenic bacteria makes it difficult to treat infections caused by these pathogens. The aim of this study is to isolate and identify P. fluorescens from leafy green salads collected from different restaurants. A total of 72 isolates were isolated from leafy green salads, and 29 of these isolates were identified by PCR as Pseudomonas and 9 of them identified as P. fluorescens. All P. fluorescens isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone antibiotics. The results of this study showed that additional attention for the hygiene conditions is needed during the preparation and storage stages of leafy green salads.