Foodborne Risks Associated with Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Milk

Although milk is a vital part of the human diet, foodborne bacteria, especially those with antibiotic resistance, may spread through it. The purpose of this study was to assess the foodborne risks related to Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli that were isolated from retail milk samples. 360 milk samples in all were gathered from retail establishments and subjected to conventional bacteriological analysis. In compliance with CLSI recommendations, isolates were identified phenotypically and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to molecularly detect the antimicrobial resistance genes (blaTEM, mecA, tetA, and tetK). E. Coli and S. aureus were isolated from the analyzed samples at rates of 38.9% and 33.3%, respectively, and co-contamination was found in 18.9% of the samples. While S. aureus isolates showed notable resistance to penicillin (85.0%), oxacillin (60.0%), and tetracycline (73.3%), E. coli isolates showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin (72.1%) and tetracycline (76.4%). In 63.3% of S. aureus isolates and 65.7% of E. coli isolates, multidrug resistance was found. E. coli isolates had blaTEM and tetA genes, while S. aureus isolates had mecA and tetK genes, according to PCR analysis. Phenotypic resistance and genotypic determinants were significantly correlated (p < 0.05). The results show that MDR foodborne bacteria can be found in retail milk, which could be dangerous for the general public's health. To reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance across the food chain, dairy production must employ sensible antimicrobial usage, enhanced hygienic standards, and ongoing surveillance.