Genomic characterization of foodborneSalmonella entericaandEscherichia coliisolates from Saboba district and Bolgatanga Municipality Ghana

Abstract

AbstractSalmonellaandEscherichia coliare well-known bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illnesses in humans and animals. Genomic characterization of these pathogens provides valuable insights into their evolution, virulence factors and resistance determinants. This study characterizedSalmonella(n = 14) andE. coli(n = 19) from milk, meat and its associated utensils in Ghana using whole-genome sequencing. Most of theSalmonellaserovars (Fresno, Plymouth, Infantis, Give and Orleans) identified in this study are yet to be reported in Ghana. TheSalmonella entericaisolates were largely pan-sensitive but genes conferring resistance to fosfomycin (fosA7.2) and tetracycline (tet(A)) were detected in one and three isolates respectively. While 7of theSalmonellaisolates carry the IncI1-I(Gamma) plasmid replicon. While antimicrobial resistance was not common amongSalmonellastrains, most (11/19) of theE. colistrains had at least one resistance gene and almost half (8/19) were multidrug resistance and carry mobile elements. Three of the 19E. colistrains belong to serovars commonly associated with enteroaggregativeE. coli(EAEC) lineage. While strains belonging to virulence-associated lineages lacked key plasmid-encoded virulence plasmids, several plasmid replicons were detected in most of theE. coli(14/19) strains. Food contaminated with these pathogens can serve as a vehicle for transmission, posing a significant public health risk and necessitating stringent food safety and hygiene practices to prevent outbreaks. Hence, there is need for continuous surveillance and preventive measures to stop the spread of foodborne pathogens and reduce the risk of associated illnesses in Ghana.