Prevalence and drug-resistance patterns of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from raw vegetables in Aroge Gebeya, Hawassa, Ethiopia

Antimicrobial resistance presents a major threat to global public health. Vegetables contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses. Recently, multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE), have become increasingly significant in public health. In this context, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence and drug-resistance patterns of MRSA and ESBL-PE isolated from raw vegetables in Aroge Gebeya, Hawassa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Aroge Gebeya Market, Hawassa City (March-May 2024). Six types of raw vegetables (216 samples in total, with 36 samples each of red onion, lettuce, tomato, carrot, kale and potato) were collected. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae were identified using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data on sociodemographic variables and hygiene practices were collected using semi-structured questionnaires on Kobo Toolbox Software and analyzed with SPSS Software v29.0.1. The overall prevalence of MRSA and/or ESBL-PE isolated from vegetables was 18.1% (39/216). Among the 160 isolates, 56.9% were MDR, 29.2% were MRSA, and 24.1% were ESBL-PE. The most frequently detected isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (30.0%), Enterobacter species (15.6%), Citrobacter species (15.0%) and Escherichia coli (10.6%). The highest frequency of bacterial isolates was found in tomatoes (21.9%), kale (18.1%), and lettuce (16.9%). Vegetables bought from vendors with untrimmed nails had a significantly higher prevalence of MRSA and/or ESBL-PE (AOR = 4.123; 95% CI: 1.681–10.109, p = 0.002). This study revealed a high prevalence of MRSA and ESBL-PE in vegetables, with strong resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Ethiopia. The isolation of MRSA from vegetables poses a significant public health risk. Additionally, many bacterial strains were resistant to multiple drugs and extended-spectrum β-lactamase, highlighting poor handling and safety practices by vendors as risk factors. Local health authorities should develop and implement effective control strategies.