Antimicrobial Resistance Characterization of staphylococcus aureus from Different Animal Food Origins in Jimma, South Western Ethiopia

Abstract Background Staphylococcal infection is one of the most prevalent foodborne diseases worldwide. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, poses a significant problem for food safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize Staphylococcus aureus and assess its antimicrobial resistance from various animal food sources. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jimma zone district towns from 2022 to 2023. Samples of animal-origin foods, including milk, beef meat, poultry eggs, and cheese, were collected. These samples were processed, cultured on selective media, and identified using biochemical tests. Antimicrobial testing was performed on the isolated strains. Results Out of a total of 480 samples of animal-origin food analyzed, the overall prevalence rate (8.54%) of Staphylococcus aureus was recorded. Among these Staphylococcus aureus, 12 (12.5%) were obtained from beef meat, 12 (12.5%) from milk, 6 (6.3%) from cheese, 9 (9.4%) from eggshells and 2 (2.1%) from egg content. The mean prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus in each sample were found to be statistically different, except for beef meat and milk samples. Regarding antimicrobial resistance, 39.0% of the isolates exhibited resistance to Kanamycin, followed by Tetracycline observed in 36.6% of the isolates. The lowest occurrence of antibiotic resistance was observed against Cefoxitin (7.3%). Additionally, Ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim, and Ceftaroline collectively displayed resistance in 14.6% of the isolates. No resistance was observed against Imipenem. Out of the 41 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 10 (24.4%) showed multidrug resistance. Notably, milk samples had the highest number of multidrug-resistant isolates. Conclusion The study highlights the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in various animal-origin food samples and reveals concerning levels of antimicrobial resistance among the isolates. These findings emphasize the importance of food safety measures, responsible antibiotic use, and continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animal food sources to protect public health.