Occurrence, Associated factors, and Antibiogram Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhi Among Food Handlers in Restaurants in Hawassa City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhi are among the most common foodborne
pathogens transmitted by asymptomatic food handlers. This study aimed at determining the
occurrence and antibiogram profiles of S. Typhi and S. aureus among food handlers in
restaurants in Hawassa City, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was
conducted from August to November 2020, utilizing laboratory analysis of nasal swabs and
stool samples from 100 volunteer food handlers working in restaurants in Hawassa City based
on standard culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests. Ten (10%) of the 100 food handlers were
nasal carriers of S. aureus whereas no S. Typhi was found. Five of the ten S. aureus isolates
were resistant to one or more of the seven antibiotics tested. Of the isolates that showed
resistance, one showed single resistance to penicillin while four (40%) showed resistance to two
or more drugs. Two isolates showed double resistance, and one isolate showed triple resistance.
Of the multiple resistant isolates, one belonged to Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which
was resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and oxacillin. All the S. aureus isolates
were vancomycin sensitive. This finding implies that food handlers may be a potential source of
foodborne disease outbreaks in the community, and the finding of multiple resistant isolates
suggests inappropriate use of antibiotics. This highlights the importance of educating food
handlers about the necessity of hhygienic food handling and responsible use of antimicrobials.