Fecal Carriage Rate of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing and Among Apparently Health Food Handlers in Dilla University Student Cafeteria

Background: The rapid spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae among food handlers is a public health concern and has become a serious world threat. and are the predominant ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of ESBL producing and isolated from the stool of food handlers in the Dilla University Student Cafeteria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to September 2018/2019. A total of 220 stool samples were cultured on MacConkey agar and a series of biochemical tests were performed for the identification of bacterial species. Double-disk synergy method was used for the detection of ESBL-producing strains.

Results: The rate of fecal carriage of and among the food handlers of the current study was 66.4%, of which 81.5% was , while 18.5% was . Of the total bacterial isolates, 25.3% were confirmed to be positive for ESBL production, of which 19.9% was , while 5.5% was . ESBL-producing fecal carriage showed high resistance to aztreonam, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime, with resistance rates ranging from 88% to 100%, while the lowest resistance rate was observed against imipenem accounted <26.3%. In this study, 91.9% of ESBL-producers were co-resistant to β-lactams antibiotics plus at least one of the non-β-lactam antibiotics. ESBL carriers were more common among food handlers who used antibiotics repeatedly, drunk unpasteurized milk, and ate raw meat.

Conclusion: The magnitude of ESBL-producing and fecal carriage is alarmingly high and a threat to human health. MDR to third-generation cephalosporins and non-β-lactam antibiotics is more common among ESBL producers. Detecting ESBL-producing organisms has a remarkable importance in clinical decision-making. Hence, a coordinated effort should be implemented for the prevention and control of the disease.