Isolation, Antibiogram and Factors Associated With Staphylococcus aureus From Fish at the Landing Site and Selected Restaurants in Central Gondar, Ethiopia: One Health Approach.

BACKGROUND

In developing countries, foodborne infections, including those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, pose a significant public health risk.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to isolate S. aureus, assess its antimicrobial resistance and identify factors influencing its prevalence in unloading sites and restaurants in central Gondar, Ethiopia.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study (December 2023-September 2024) was conducted with a total of 301 fish and swab samples were purposively collected. Samples were analysed for S. aureus using culture, Gram staining, biochemical tests and Kirby-Bauer antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data were analysed using STATA 16 with descriptive statistics at p < 0.05.

RESULT: From a total of 301 samples were collected from fish, hands and knives at unloading sites, with S. aureus found in 26% of the samples. Of the 201 fish samples, 13% of unfilleted and 39% of filleted fish tested positive. A questionnaire survey revealed that all respondents handled fish with bare hands. Antibiotic testing showed that S. aureus was susceptible to ciprofloxacin (100%) and chloramphenicol (92%) but highly resistant to erythromycin (55%), tetracycline (72%) and penicillin G (87%). Additionally, 57% of isolates were multidrug-resistant.

CONCLUSION

Over one-fourth of samples were contaminated with S. aureus, mainly due to poor hygiene and bare-hand handling, with high resistance to penicillin and tetracycline observed. Strengthened hygiene practices, routine resistance monitoring and continuous food safety training are recommended.