Abstract:
The majority of Ethiopians enjoy eating raw beef, which is a tedious ritual and dish. However, prevailing unhygienic processing practices likely contribute to beef contamination, leading to foodborne infections. A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2023 to August 2023 to investigate the source of contamination of E. coli O157:H7, evaluate its antimicrobial resistance, and assess hygienic practices in beef slaughterhouses in Aweday Sub-city and Harar city, Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 167 samples (40 fecal, 40 beef sample, and 87 environmental swabs) were collected. The isolation and identification processes were carried out using selective enrichment media, followed by a latex agglutination test. The isolates were tested for their resistance against 11 antimicrobials using the standard disk diffusion method. Out of 167 samples, 14 (8.4%) were found to be positive for the E. coli O157:H7 serotype, of which,14.3% (2/14), 21.4% (3/14), and 64.3% (9/14) were from fecal, beef, and environmental swab samples, respectively. Hygiene and sanitation data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Chi-square tests were performed and there is no statistically significant difference in the isolation of E. coli O157:H7 among study variables. Results of the antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed high resistance to three commonly used drugs in humans and veterinary medicine: tetracycline (100%), amoxicillin (100%), and ampicillin (100%). Of the 14 E. coli O157:H7 isolates, 12 (85.7%) were found to be susceptible to Gentamycin, 11 (78.6%) susceptible to ceftriaxone, and kanamycin, respectively. The study revealed that in Aweday and Harar city the beef slaughterhouses did not adhere to the required sanitation and hygienic standards which implies the health risk of raw and undercooked meat consumptions. Results also showed multiple antimicrobial resistant profiles of E. coli O157:H7 isolates, poor personal hygiene practices among meat handlers, and general hygiene measures in place. The current study warrants the need for implementing appropriate hygienic measures, regulatory control of antibiotic usage, and pharmacoepidemiologic surveillance in Aweday Sub-city and Harar city slaughterhouses to safeguard public health.
