Characterizing Drug Resistance Shigella in Animal-based Foods: Consequences for Public Health

The prevalence of foodborne pathogens has increased in recent years, posing a significant threat to both food safety and human health. In developing countries, the practice of sanitation and hygiene is very poor, which is a major concern. In connection with this issue, a study has been conducted to assess the presence of Shigella in meat, chicken, fish, prawns, and milk samples collected from local vendors across the city of Mumbai. Shigella was isolated using streaking and spreading methods, and several biochemical tests were performed to confirm its presence. Additionally, these samples were tested for drug resistance against various antibiotics, including ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, cefoperazone, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamycin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, trimethoprim, and ofloxacin. In our study, we observed a higher prevalence rate of Shigella spp. in meat compared to fish, chicken, milk, and prawns. Molecular characterization of the isolates revealed a predominance of Shigella dysenteriae. These Shigella isolates demonstrated resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, trimethoprim, nalidixic acid, cefoperazone, and erythromycin. However, they exhibited complete sensitivity to gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and chloramphenicol. The study helped us uncover the contamination rates present in the different samples, which could lead to severe health threats. Proper sanitary measures are urgently needed to address this issue.