Characterization of multi-drug resistance and virulence genes from Gram-negative bacteria isolates from street-vended fruits

Authors

  • Bebia GP Department of Medical Bacteriology, Mycology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
  • Ibeneme EO Department of Medical Bacteriology, Mycology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
  • Edet UO Department of Biological Science (Microbiology), Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria
  • Ugwu JC Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
  • Eyo A-AO University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaDepartment of Medical Bacteriology, Mycology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
  • Ogba OM University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Department of Medical Bacteriology, Mycology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, NigeriaNigeria
  • Okang AM University of Calabar, Calabar, CDepartment of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeriaross River State, Nigeria
  • Umoh NO Department of Medical Bacteriology, Mycology and Virology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v8i2.527

Keywords:

Beta-lactamase, Virulence genes, Gram-negative, Antibiotic resistance, Fruits

Abstract

Abstract

Study objectives: To determine the prevalence and characterize multi-drug resistance and its virulence genes from Gram-negative bacteria isolates from street-vended fruits and salads.

Method: Street-vended RTE fruits were sampled from five popular markets and locations (Watt, Marian, Edim-Otop, Highway, and Goldie/Etta Agbor), from which a total of 60 RTE fruit and 30 salad samples were collected, and subsequent microbiological analysis was all done using standard protocols. The multi-drug-resistant (MDR) isolates (n = 12) were profiled for SHV, CTX-M, and icaC genes.

Results: The identified MDR isolates were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia (n = 2), Morganella morganii (n = 6), Enterobacter cloaca, Acinetobacter baumanii, and Proteus mirabilis. A total of five (5) were positive for the IcaC and the SHV genes, while six (6) were positive for the CTX-M genes. Half (n = 50%) of the M. morganii showed the presence of all three genes.

Conclusion: With the ability of bacteria isolates to spread resistance genes among themselves, there is an urgent need for studies that holistically address all the lacunae, especially their sources in fruits, and ways to mitigate their spread, given the huge public health implications of these genes in these pathogens.

 

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Bebia, G., Ibeneme, E. O., Edet, U., Ugwu, J. C., Eyo, A.-A. O., Ogba, O. M., Okang, A. M., & Umoh, N. O. (2025). Characterization of multi-drug resistance and virulence genes from Gram-negative bacteria isolates from street-vended fruits. Babcock University Medical Journal, 8(2), 270–281. https://doi.org/10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j.v8i2.527

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Research Article

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Bebia GP, Ibeneme EO, Edet UO, Ugwu JC, Eyo A-AO, Ogba OM, Okang AM, Umoh NO

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.