Occurrence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. in products of animal origin from public markets in Recife-Pernambuco/Brazil

This study investigated microbiological contamination and antimicrobial resistance profiles in animal products sold in public markets in southern Recife, Brazil. Nine samples of various products were analyzed, yielding 17 bacterial strains. Results revealed a high prevalence of public health pathogens: Salmonella spp. in 50% of samples from one market and in chicken from another; S. aureus in 75% of samples from both markets; and E. coli in all samples from one market and 80% from the other. Antimicrobial resistance profiles were alarming: all S. aureus strains exhibited the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) phenotype, and Multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles were detected in E. coli (suggesting Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production) and Salmonella spp. The Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index indicated greater severity in one market, especially for S. aureus. Statistical analyses identified significant differences in resistance profiles between markets and food types, along with positive correlations among β-lactam resistance, suggesting cross-resistance mechanisms. These findings emphasize that foods sold in these settings act as vehicles for transmitting resistant pathogens, posing a substantial public health risk. There is an urgent need for strict sanitary surveillance, improved handling practices, and policies promoting rational antimicrobial use in the animal production chain.